Hair breakage

Increased hair fragility is a significant problem for women.

With damaged strands, you won't be able to grow long, thick locks, and you won't be able to create a fashionable, stylish hairstyle. Such hair often breaks, gets tangled, and has a dull, lifeless appearance. Most often, the hair breaks at the end, but sometimes this can happen along its entire length. Why does this happen and how to deal with it? Let's figure it out!

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Causes of hair breakage

They say that the condition of the hair can tell a lot about its owner, because any problems in the body, vitamin deficiency, bad habits, nutritional errors - all this affects our health and appearance. The usual shine, pliability is lost, the hair structure deteriorates, which sooner or later manifests itself in brittleness and dryness.

There are many reasons for brittle hair. For example, this condition may be a consequence of anemia, trophic disorders and oxygen deficiency in tissues. There may be a violation of capillary circulation in the scalp, as a result of which the trophicity of the follicles is disrupted and the hair structure changes.

Diseases of the digestive system can also cause poor hair condition, because problems with the intestines, for example, impair the absorption of important elements and vitamins.

Diseases of the respiratory and urinary systems can lead to circulatory disorders and tissue hypoxia. The same can be expected from chronic inflammatory diseases, even such subtle ones as caries, chronic sinusitis or helminthic invasions.

However, external care of our skin and strands is no less important. At the same time, it is necessary to care equally carefully for oily or dry, as well as normal hair. In addition to illiterate care, the appearance of fragility is facilitated by frequent dyeing, chemical procedures, and the use of thermal devices for styling.

Direct sunlight, salt and chlorinated water, and taking various medications have a negative effect on the condition of hair strands.

Exposure to temperatures that are too high or too low can have a detrimental effect on your hair: washing your hair with excessively hot water, visiting a steam room without a special cap, ignoring headwear in winter, etc.

Additional factors that can lead to brittle hair include frequent negative emotions and stress, excessive moral and psychological stress, constant fatigue, depressive states, etc.

Causes of hair breakage in women

• Frequent diets, mono-diets, unbalanced nutrition, fasting.
• Intestinal dysbacteriosis.
• Dental diseases, giardiasis.
• Incorrectly selected hair care products.
• Frequent use of curling irons, styling, hair dryers, curling irons, hot rollers, etc.
• Frequent painting (especially with ammonia paints).
• Using chlorinated and hard water to wash your hair.
• Chronic diseases of the genital area, decreased immunity.
• Excessive sunbathing, solarium use, without protection of the head area.
• Stress, anxiety.

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Causes of Hair Brittleness in Men

• Excessive physical exertion, overfatigue.
• Neglect of quality hair care products.
• Bad habits.
• Poor nutrition, insufficient amount of vitamins and minerals in food.
• Ignoring hats in hot and cold seasons.
• Excessively low humidity in the room.
• Chronic diseases of the digestive system.

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Causes of hair breakage in children

• Anemia, lack of vitamins and minerals in the body.
• Using hair care products for adults.
• Constant wearing of hats, caps and other headwear.
• Monotonous unbalanced diet.
• The air in the room is too dry.
• Presence of worms.
• A sedentary lifestyle, rare walks in the fresh air, sitting at the computer for long periods of time.

Symptoms of Hair Breakage

Fragility of strands can be longitudinal or transverse. Longitudinal fragility is a longitudinal splitting of the hair (starting from its end) or the formation of knotty formations. Transverse fragility is the fragility of the hairs along their entire length.

Split and brittle hair is a consequence of decreased sebaceous gland function. With this pathology, dryness of the hair, dullness, and loss of smoothness are observed. The curls are often degreased and dehydrated. Upon closer examination, the damaged hair is split at the end into 2-3 or more parts. In some cases, the pathology is observed together with the onset of baldness (especially if the cause of brittleness is anemia or chronic diseases in the body).

Hair loss and brittleness may be accompanied by the formation of small knots of different colors directly on the hair. For example, the knots may be light in brunettes and brown-haired women, or dark in blondes. The number of knots may vary. Why do knots appear on hair? This happens with longitudinal brittleness, when the place of delamination is knocked into a knot - such a place becomes most vulnerable to breakage. By the way, hair loss and knotty brittleness can also affect the moustache and beard in men.

Dry and brittle hair means that the hairs can break quite easily even with normal combing. Such strands are rough to the touch, dry, and do not shine at all. This condition can be caused by a scalp disease, or infectious or inflammatory systemic pathologies. Dryness and brittleness are most often noticeable on long locks.

Brittle nails and hair at the same time also happen quite often. As a rule, this condition is combined with dry skin, dandruff, peeling and itching. At the same time, you can determine the presence of anemia in the blood, a lack of nutrients and vitamins. Brittle nails and hair often occur during the period of vitamin deficiency (winter-spring), with prolonged strict diets, and also in women during pregnancy.

Severe hair fragility is often accompanied by "split" hairs - a kind of brush at the end. At the same time, the skin on the head is rough, the hair follicles are deformed in most cases, and the epidermis scales that are falling off are visible between the roots.

What to do if your hair is brittle?

Brittle strands can be revived, and it is never too late. True, you will have to make different efforts for this. At the same time, a change in the approach to nutrition and a review of the lifestyle play a major role in their restoration.

Usually, the patient is recommended to change the diet. The food should be enriched with proteins, the menu should contain a sufficient amount of vegetables, fruits, greens, berries, nuts. Strict and monotonous diets are prohibited. A balanced diet is selected, enriched with vitamins and other useful substances.

In addition, it is recommended to drink liquids in the form of clean drinking water (non-carbonated) in the amount of 2-2.5 liters per day.

During the heating season, when the air in our apartments is excessively dry, you can turn on special devices that humidify and clean it. If there is no such device, you should ventilate the room more often, especially at night, and also put ordinary plates with water on the heating batteries, which will act as a kind of humidifier.

When going outside in winter, don't forget to wear a warm hat, and during the summer heat, use a sun-protective hat or cap.

In addition to the diet, it is imperative to eliminate smoking and drinking alcohol, and also reduce the amount of strong coffee you drink per day.

How to cure brittle hair?

The approach to treating brittle hair must be comprehensive. Following a diet along with using regular hair washing products will bring all your efforts to naught. The fact is that regular shampoos usually contain a minimum amount of restorative and active components. And cheap shampoos, among other things, can generally contain harmful substances that can even harm your hair. Therefore, the question of choosing a shampoo can be addressed to a dermatologist or cosmetologist.

As for special treatment procedures for fragility and damage, specialists use the following methods:

• cryotherapy – a method of exposure to very low temperatures. Includes cryolaser therapy and cryoelectric exposure;
• massage procedures – the head area is massaged, which improves blood circulation in the skin and facilitates the nutrition of the hair follicles;
• mesotherapy – the use of vitamin preparations, homeopathic drugs, medicinal mixtures that are injected into the layers of the skin;
• physiotherapy – a method of exposure to high-frequency pulsed current;
• climate change treatment – spa treatment, rest.

The best treatment method is chosen individually, based on the cause of the damage. Consult with your doctor and choose the most effective option.

Anti-hair breakage products

The most effective remedies against hair breakage are selected individually, by trial and error. Start by replacing your regular shampoo with a therapeutic and restorative one. Pay attention to its composition: it is desirable that the components include lecithin, B vitamins, and extracts from medicinal plants (chamomile, linden, mint, cereals).

To protect the ends of the hairs, it is better to buy a special cream (or cream-balm) for damaged strands. Such creams are applied to clean curls and left until completely dry. There is no need to wash them off: the product covers split ends and creates an invisible film on them, restoring the hair structure. The protein components of such preparations penetrate all damage to the hair shaft, filling in the defects. Such additional components as plant extracts and keratins help strengthen the strands.

Masks based on cosmetic oils have an excellent effect. Such masks are applied once a week half an hour before washing your hair: they are good to combine with a scalp massage.

It is recommended to trim damaged ends periodically (once every one and a half to two months). You can use the "hot scissors" method, which will allow you to "seal" the area of delamination.

Masks for hair breakage

• L'oreal Elseve Hair Mask against breakage - contains cement-ceramides and restores the hair structure along the entire length. Hair becomes stronger and more resistant to adverse external influences. With regular use, shine and smoothness return.
• Dove Therapy Hair Loss Control Balm Mask is an express treatment, as it is applied to clean, damp locks for just 1 minute. After several uses, the hair becomes manageable and shiny. Combing is made easier, and the strands do not get tangled.
• Dove Smooth Silk Mask for weak and brittle hair - after the first use, the condition of the hair is noticeably improved, shine appears, curls acquire a well-groomed and healthy appearance.
• Wella Pro Series "Repair" restorative mask - protects curls from possible damage during styling, gives them a bright look, makes combing easier. Has an intensive regenerating formula.

In principle, every self-respecting cosmetic company can offer its consumers a whole series of useful masks for scalp damage. You can choose such a mask yourself, or rely on the opinion of a cosmetologist, doctor or best friend.

Anti-hair breakage shampoo

High-quality shampoos against hair breakage are combined cosmetic products that can solve most aesthetic problems with hair. First of all, these are dryness, fragility and hair loss. The effect of using such shampoos should be visible after several uses, which is guaranteed by a well-chosen composition of the most important and irreplaceable natural ingredients.

What shampoos do our users use most often:

• Revlon Professional Hydra Rescue Shampoo – hydro shampoo with a moisturizing effect;
• L'Oreal Professional Absolut Repair – restorative shampoo for damaged hair;
• Grandma Agafia's Recipes series - Agafia's special shampoo against hair loss and brittleness;
• Elfa Burdock – restorative burdock shampoo;
• Organic Shop Shampoo – shampoo for damaged hair “Carrot – super strengthening”.

Experts advise using samples when choosing a shampoo - this way you will better decide which washing and restorative product is best for your curls.

Oil against hair breakage

Essential oils are used to treat or prevent scalp diseases. The main thing is to choose the most suitable oil. The effect of oils is multifaceted. They are used for the following purposes:

• increased hair growth and thickness;
• strengthening curls;
• getting rid of dandruff;
• prevention of baldness;
• giving hair strands a healthy shine.

What oils can be used for strengthening and healthy appearance:

• juniper oil – has a beneficial effect on the growth, nutrition and strengthening of curls;
• ylang-ylang – restores brittle and damaged strands that have formed due to improper hair care;
• lemon balm – eliminates splitting and combats excessive dryness;
• cloves – accelerates growth and strengthens hair;
• fir – nourishes the scalp, eliminates dandruff and itching;
• Cinnamon oil – eliminates damage and hair loss.

Essential oils can be used alone or in combination with each other. They are generally used in two ways:

• wet your fingertips in oil and gently rub it into your scalp (this strengthens the follicles and stimulates blood circulation, positively affecting the structure and growth of your hair);
• moisten the roots or the entire length of the hair with oil and leave it for 2-3 hours, if possible, then rinse.

In addition to essential components, you can also use vegetable oils or their mixtures: olive, walnut, sea buckthorn, etc.

Vitamins for brittle hair

Nowadays, you can buy specially developed multivitamin preparations for hair fragility in almost any pharmacy. Which of them are the most common and effective?

• Inneov is a French herbal product made from grape seeds, green tea leaves, tomatoes and soy. It is very effective, but its price is higher than any other analogues.
• Perfectil - contains antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, plant extracts. The manufacturer guarantees improvement of the condition of hair, skin and nails after 2-3 months of use. Warning: there are side effects such as nausea and stomach pain.
• Farmamed (Lady's formula) is a complex vitamin and mineral product, which, according to customer reviews, is very effective.
• Vitrum Beauty Elite is a representative of the well-known Vitrum brand, contains herbal extracts, minerals and all the vitamins necessary for beauty. Restores hair structure.
• Complivit "Siyanie" is a domestic product that contains a specially developed combination of vitamins, minerals, and green tea extract.

All vitamins are recommended to be taken during or immediately after meals, with sufficient liquid.

If you do not have the opportunity to purchase a complete vitamin complex against any damage, you can buy a preparation with B vitamins (for example, Pentovit or Neuromultivit), as well as any products with calcium.

Balm against hair breakage

Conditioner, or balm against hair breakage, is a hair care product that is used as an addition to shampoo. The balm softens and enhances the effect of the medicated shampoo. Most often, the effect of using the balm can be noticed immediately: curls become more manageable, acquire shine and softness.

Such products have one undeniable advantage over masks for the scalp: the use of the balm does not require much time. It is washed off literally a minute after application, and some are not washed off at all.

• Revlon Professional Equave Nutritive Defangling Conditioner is a restorative leave-in conditioner.
• Planeta Organica – restorative Provencal balm.
• Grandma Agafia's Recipe Series - a thick balm for strengthening, strength and growth.
• Green Pharmacy – balm-mask against hair breakage and loss “Burdock oil”.
• Himalaya Herbals Protein Conditioner – a balm with proteins for dryness and damage “Restoration and care”.
• Mineral Beauty System Conditioner – a conditioner balm with Dead Sea minerals.

Use conditioners after each use of shampoo. Some experts advise using shampoo and conditioner from the same manufacturer, although in most cases this may just be an advertising ploy.

Traditional medicine recipes for brittle hair

1. Using olive oil is a common method for treating damaged hair. You can lubricate the strands from the roots along the entire length, or just the roots, then wrap your head in a towel and leave for 30-40 minutes. After the procedure, rinse your head well.
2. Using beer is also very popular: mix a chicken egg with two tablespoons of beer. Apply the resulting mass to clean and towel-dried strands, wrap up and wait for half an hour. Then rinse with running water.
3. A more complex recipe: take 100 ml of olive oil, the same amount of birch tar and 3 tbsp. of vodka. Mix everything (the mixed mass can be stored in the refrigerator in a closed jar). Lubricate the roots with the mass 2 hours before washing. Repeat once a week.
4. In addition to olive oil, you can use any other vegetable oil. For example: beat 2 yolks, add 2 tsp. of any vegetable oil, mix. 20 minutes before washing your hair, lubricate the damaged locks with the resulting mass and wrap your head with a scarf.

You can simply rub warm sour milk or kefir into the scalp and skin, then wrap your head in a scarf. After 30 minutes, repeat the procedure and finally wash your hair with a softening shampoo.

A good effect is achieved by washing already clean locks with a decoction of chamomile, burdock root, sage or lemon balm.

How to prevent hair breakage?

To avoid damaging effects on the strands, it is recommended to use a hair dryer with a cool setting, and also not to use heat (for example, curling irons and hot rollers).

If the curls are long, they should be combed as carefully as possible. Do not do this with a metal brush: buy a special wooden comb with thin teeth. Sharp teeth of combs and hairpins can also damage the hair structure.

On a sunny day, as well as in windy, frosty and rainy weather, it is necessary to wear appropriate headwear.

Try not to use styling sprays and mousse to fix your hair if possible. In most cases, they contain alcohols, which dry out the hair shafts. If you do have to use spray, it should be thoroughly washed off with shampoo and plenty of water.

As for dyeing, it is advisable to use ammonia-free dyes, as well as natural dyes that strengthen hair (for example, henna). It is not recommended to use dyeing often, as well as to do a perm: curls need rest.

Do not forget about proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. An active lifestyle, walks in the fresh air, and adequate sleep contribute to healthy hair. It is necessary to limit the amount of simple carbohydrates and animal fats in the diet, but there should be more vegetables and fruits.

Remember about the drinking regime - drink clean still water at least 2 liters per day, preferably in the first half of the day.

If you follow all the above recommendations, you will definitely avoid such a problem as hair breakage. Be healthy and beautiful!