Why does my hair break so easily when I pull it?

Author: Olaf Dibbert Jr.  |  Last update: Thursday, September 4, 2025

Hair breakage is usually caused by a lack of moisture and depleted nutrients in hair strands. If your hair is too dry and not well-nourished with the proteins and vitamins it needs, it's unable to deal with environmental and styling stressors, and will start to break.

When I pull my hair, it falls out easily. Is it normal?

Yes, it is normal for a few hairs to fall out every time you run your hand through your hair. Hair shedding is a natural part of the hair growth cycle. Each hair follicle goes through a cycle of growth, rest, and shedding (1).

What does it mean if my hair breaks easily?

Your broken hairs may be a result of a combination of the following issues: Rough, aggressive brushing – especially when your hair's fragile and wet. Using products which aren't suitable for your hair type – especially if you have thick hair which needs extra hydration.

How do I fix my hair prone to breakage?

How Do You Prevent Hair Breakage?
  1. Limit your wash days. ...
  2. Avoid super-hot water. ...
  3. Use a T-shirt to dry wet strands. ...
  4. Don't tug on tangles. ...
  5. Protect hair from heat. ...
  6. Let your hair air-dry partially. ...
  7. Try a different hairstyle. ...
  8. Use a hair-bonding treatment.

What actually helps hair breakage?

Regular trims: Trimming your hair regularly helps prevent split ends from worsening. Even a slight trim can keep your hair healthy and more resilient. Less frequent heat styling: The frequent use of hot tools can weaken hair. Try to minimize their use and always apply a heat protectant when you do style with heat.

Is my hair shedding or breaking?? | How to stop & prevent hair loss & breakage

What deficiency causes dry brittle hair?

Vitamin D deficiency can manifest as dry, brittle hair that breaks easily. Moderate to excessive shedding and thinning hair may also occur. Studies have even proven that low levels of vitamin D are also responsible for premature graying. Diagnosing vitamin D deficiency involves a simple blood test to check levels.

What am I lacking if my hair is breaking off?

Hair breakage is usually caused by a lack of moisture and depleted nutrients in hair strands. If your hair is too dry and not well-nourished with the proteins and vitamins it needs, it's unable to deal with environmental and styling stressors, and will start to break.

Why does my hair snap like a rubber band?

Elasticity in your hair is a good sign, but just like with moisture, too much of a good thing can be fatal for your hair's health. If we're talking about strands of hair that go like a rubber band when brushing, feeling gummy and snapping off, stretchy hair is telling you that your hair is damaged and needs help ASAP.

Which vitamin deficiency causes hair breakage?

Vitamin D.

Vitamin D is essential for creating the cells that develop into hair follicles. It also supports healthy bones and your immune system. If you have hair loss and low vitamin D levels, your doctor may recommend vitamin D supplements.

When I run my fingers through my hair, it comes out.?

It's perfectly normal to lose a few stray strands when running your fingers, or a comb, through your hair. But if you notice increased hair being pulled out when you are being gentle, this can be a cause of concern that you should get checked over.

How to strengthen hair follicles?

How do I strengthen my hair follicles?
  1. Avoid pulling your hair out.
  2. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet.
  3. Reducing stress.
  4. Wearing protective equipment like a helmet to avoid injury when participating in physical activities.
  5. Wearing sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun's UV rays.

Why does my hair fall out so easily when I pull it?

Traction alopecia

Traction alopecia is hair loss due to pulling hair into tight hairstyles, which causes it to break and come loose. Hairstyles associated with this condition include: tight buns or ponytails. braids.

Does breakage hair grow back?

If your hair's natural growth cycle does what it is supposed to, new ones should grow to replace the hair strands you lost.

Is it bad to pick at hair breakage?

In most cases, this will lead to your hair eventually breaking off, resulting in uneven, thin ends. In severe cases, a split end that is picked and splits all the way to your scalp, can result in follicular damage.

Does my hair need protein or moisture?

If you've recently highlighted or chemically treated your hair, you also need to use protein regularly. Protein treatments can help strengthen the hair shaft and restore its structural integrity. On the other hand, if your hair feels dry, frizzy, and lacks elasticity, it's likely in need of moisture.

How far can healthy hair be stretched without breaking when wet?

Hair Physical Properties

When wet, hair can be stretched by 30% of their original length without damage; however, irreversible changes occur when hair is stretched between 30 and 70%.

What is sticky hair syndrome?

Plica neuropathica (polonica) is a rare acquired disorder of the hair shafts in which groups of hair are matted together forming a malodorous, encrusted and sticky, moist mass.

Why does my hair break apart so easily?

Split or broken hair strands can be caused by a range of factors, including diet, products, hair routine, hair styling, life factors and sleep. The best anti-hair breakage products include low-temperature heated styling tools, detangling brushes and moisturising conditioning treatments.

How often should you wash your hair?

Generally, he says, the range is somewhere between once a day and once a week. “If you have very fine or thin hair, you may need to wash more often, while those with thick or curly hair may need to wash less often,” says Dr Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, a double board certified dermatologist and hair health expert.

What hormone deficiency causes hair breakage?

Thyroid hormones

In most cases, you experience diffuse hair loss (thinning) over the entire scalp. Treating the thyroid disorder should restore normal hair growth, but it could take several months to see the difference, depending on where each follicle was in the growth cycle.

What illnesses cause brittle hair?

Other causes of brittle, dry hair include nutrient deficiencies, eating disorders (such as anorexia), overuse of harsh soaps or alcohols, medical conditions such as underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), hormone conditions, and Menkes kinky hair syndrome, a genetic disorder where the body is unable to properly absorb ...

How to reduce hair breakage naturally?

Here's a list of the top 10 hair remedies for hair breakage that are not only effective, but also natural and easy to try at home.
  1. Coconut Oil. ...
  2. Aloe Vera. ...
  3. Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
  4. Egg Mask. ...
  5. Avocado. ...
  6. Castor Oil. ...
  7. Green Tea. ...
  8. Sweet Almond Oil.

Does putting coconut oil on your hair help?

Coconut oil can have many benefits for your hair and scalp. It is used to relieve dandruff, restore luster to dry and damaged hair, tame frizz, and protect hair against styling damage. It is safe to use on all hair types.

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