Everyone wants strong, healthy hair.
Seeing gobs of hair on your hairbrush, or clumped on the shower drain, can be alarming. Even worse is noticing what appear to be thinning spots on your scalp. Rest assured, some hair breakage and loss is normal. If you see breakage that seems sudden or excessive, however, it may be time to consult a specialist, such as a dermatologist, who can determine if help is needed.
Normal Loss
It is perfectly normal to lose 100 to 200 hairs every day. That may seem like a lot of hair, but the average person has more than 100,000 hairs on his head. A new hair replaces every one that is lost, although aging slows, and even stops, the replacement process, especially in men.
Breakage
Hair loss differs from hair breakage. When hairs are lost, they fall out from the follicles in the scalp, and the bulb is usually present on the end of the hair. Breakage results when hairs break above the scalp or further down the shaft. Like hair loss, some hair breakage is considered normal. Hair consists of protein and it is not alive. Although you cannot change the structure of the hair that already exists, there are many things that can damage it.
Causes
Rollers can weaken hair.
Excessive hair loss can be the result of radiation treatment for cancer, aging, internal chemical imbalance, pregnancy, childbirth and menopause in women, poor nutrition or stress.
Excessive hair breakage is usually the result of environmental factors or mistreatment of the hair. Over-coloring, heat damage from blow dryers, hot curlers, hot combs, curling irons, hair relaxers or excessive brushing can all weaken the hair shafts and ultimately result in breaking hair. Hairstyles that pull on the hair, such as braids, dreadlocks and tight pony tails, can also result in breakage. Some people may even be genetically disposed to fragile hair that breaks easily.
Hair breakage often begins with "split ends" at the ends of the hair. In time, the split continues up the hair shaft. A good cut or trim can get rid of the split ends and prevent further breakage.
Even such commonly used products as hair sprays, mousses and gels can eventually cause the hair to become more fragile, especially if the hair is combed when the product is applied.
Prevention
Avoid styles that pull hair tightly.
While some hair breakage is normal, excessive breakage can be avoided simply by treating hair with care and kindness. Avoid hot rollers, curling irons and blow dryers as much as possible. Try styles that don't pull your hair as braids and pony tails do. Let your hair air-dry naturally whenever you can.
Give your hair a rest from coloring or straightening. If you must color, look for products that claim to be gentle on the hair. If you have your hair done in a salon, be sure to tell your stylist about your concerns over breakage.
Solutions
Avoid brushing your hair.
Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Avoid shampooing every day if possible. A satin pillowcase may help prevent friction that causes hair to break as you sleep. Set your hairbrush aside, or buy one with the softest bristles you can find, and use it sparingly. Eat a healthy diet and take supplements, if necessary. Treat your hair gently, as if it were a fine fabric.
Tags: your hair, hair breakage, some hair, some hair breakage, that pull