Why is my hair breaking off so easily?

Author: Valerie Gorczany  |  Last update: Friday, March 28, 2025

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. Wearing your hair in severe styles, such as tight ponytails or braids. Excessive heat styling without heat protection.

How can I stop my hair from breaking so fast?

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 does it mean if my hair breaks easily?

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.

What am I lacking if my hair is breaking off?

hairstylist here! you could be lacking some vitamins! brittle hair is usually a sign of deficiency in vitamin D, B7 (biotin), folic acid, or iron. i would maybe set an appointment if possible with your healthcare provider, in the meantime if you don't take vitamins i would look into it!

Why does my hair rip out so easily?

Styling damage from excessive brushing and/or combing with sharp teeth and/or sharp bristle brushes. Damage from rough pillow cases, bed clothes, collars and/or other clothing which can rub against hair and cause it to fray. Excessive wet washing, rough towel drying, overexposure to sun, surf, weather, wind or similar.

5 TIPS TO PREVENT NATURAL HAIR BREAKAGE

How do I stop my hair from shredding?

It may include:
  1. Reducing your stress, like talking with a mental health professional.
  2. Not using hair products (like chemical treatments) that damage your hair.
  3. Taking vitamins or supplements for a vitamin deficiency.
  4. Changing your hairstyling routine to avoid damaging your hair follicles.
  5. Taking medications.

What disease can cause hair breakage?

Bald spots, thinning, and breakage can be symptoms of a serious underlying health condition such as alopecia, lupus, thyroid issues, and other common types of disease that cause hair loss. If you have noticed a dramatic increase in shedding or other change in the appearance of your hair, Drs.

What does vitamin D hair loss look like?

When deficiency disrupts vitamin D in your scalp, the anagen (growth) phase shortens. This prematurely pushes more resting follicles into the telogen (rest) phase. Excessive shedding occurs, resulting in thinner hair. Research clearly demonstrates this link.

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.

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.

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.

Can hair breakage 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.

Why is my hair so prone to breakage?

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.

What types of hair are prone to breakage?

Fine: thin and fragile with two layers – the cortex and the cuticle – becoming oily and greasy quickly, and breaking more easily than thicker hair. Medium: has more volume than fine hair, is less prone to breakage and holds styles better.

Will my hair grow back if I take vitamin D?

Vitamin D plays a role in the creation of new hair follicles. Hair follicles are the tiny pores from which new hairs grow. New follicles may help hair maintain thickness and prevent existing hair from falling out prematurely.

Does low iron cause hair loss?

Low iron levels can lead to hair loss. Iron deficiency can trigger a condition called telogen effluvium, which increases hair shedding and limits hair growth. Iron deficiency hair loss can be reversed if you get your iron levels back to normal. Oral iron supplements can help replenish your body's iron stores.

What are signs of low vitamin D?

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency may include:
  • Fatigue.
  • Not sleeping well.
  • Bone pain or achiness.
  • Depression or feelings of sadness.
  • Hair loss.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Getting sick more easily.

Why does my hair keep splitting and breaking?

Overwashing: Washing your hair too frequently, especially with harsh shampoos, can strip away its natural oils, leaving it dry and more prone to damage. Rough brushing: Brushing or combing your hair too vigorously, particularly when it's wet, can cause hair breakage.

Why is my hair suddenly brittle and breaking?

Over-styling, washing, chemicals, and heat products often contribute to brittle hair. Sometimes, hormonal imbalances or malnutrition can cause it. You can improve your hair's moisture content by limiting hair-washing, conditioning every time you wash, and limiting how much you expose your hair to high-heat products.

What does thyroid hair loss look like?

Severe and prolonged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause loss of hair. The loss is diffuse and involves the entire scalp rather than discrete areas. The hair appears uniformly sparse.

How do I stop my hair from breaking?

Using a blow dryer can help contribute to hair damage.
  1. Let your hair air dry when possible.
  2. Use the lowest heat setting.
  3. Limit the time a hot comb or curling iron touches your hair.
  4. Use these tools less frequently, aiming for once a week or even less often.

How do I hydrate my hair?

“Look for products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera, which hydrate without leaving a greasy residue,” says Garshick. “Use a lightweight conditioner and avoid heavy oils or creams. A leave-in conditioner spray or a volumizing conditioner can also help add moisture without making hair flat.”

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.

Previous article
Does removing hair help folliculitis?
Next article
Should you tip 20% on a tattoo?