You’ll recognise hair breakage easily, and if you’ve arrived at this blog, you likely know it all too well. Tiny hairs have snapped off, flyaways have a life of their own and won’t stay down no matter what you do, and ends are split, leaving your hair looking like it’s been through a storm. It’s a common hassle simply because you’ve pushed your strands to their limit. But don’t worry, the damage isn’t irreversible!
Keep reading for our 5 expert-approved tips on how to start fixing hair breakage, whether at home or in the salon!
1. THE IMPORTANCE OF DIET AND NUTRITION
One of the primary reasons for hair breakage often stems from nutritional deficiencies. The cells composing each strand of hair rely on a steady intake of essential nutrients, therefore the key to gain healthy, vibrant hair is to start from within. Supply your body with the nourishing food it requires to aid hair health and growth.
So, what kind of foods should you eat? On your next trip to the supermarket, look for foods which are naturally packed with biotin, such as eggs, sweet potatoes, bananas, and so on. Biotin (known as vitamin B7, ‘the hair vitamin’) boosts the production of keratin, a protein that provides structure and strength to your hair, skin, and nails. Additionally, you’ll also want to source foods such as nuts, seeds, and oily fish as they are rich in omega-3 and healthy fats, which provide essential amino acids and support the production of collagen. These nutrients are the perfect recipe to get thicker, glossier strands.
2. BE GENTLE TO YOUR HAIR AND REDUCE THE HEAT
While heat styling tools like straighteners and curling wands can help you achieve a variety of hairstyles, excessive heat can damage the hair cuticle and lead to brittleness and breakage. To prevent heat damage, limit the use of hot tools and make sure to apply a heat protectant spray or serum to your hair beforehand to minimise damage.
We also recommend using heat-free styling methods whenever possible. Blasting your hair with a hairdryer when it’s soaking wet exposes it to more heat than it needs. Let your hair partly air-dry or gently dry with a towel to soak up excess water. Remember to blot sections of the hair and don’t rub! This can lead to unwanted frizz and even breakage if you’re causing too much friction. We recommend using a soft T-shirt or microfiber cloth as these will be much gentler for your strands.
3. PROTECT YOUR HAIR FROM SUN DAMAGE
Ever noticed your hair has lost its colour, feels like straw, and split ends are standing out more than ever? Well, those are key signs of sun damage! It’s not just your skin that needs protection from the sun’s UV rays.
The natural oils in our hair provide a moisture barrier to keep strands nourished and strong, however UV rays break down this barrier to strip the moisture from the hair and cause dryness. Not only does this damage the outside of the hair, but it also damages from within – breaking down keratin which is essential to keep our hair strong and healthy. This weakens the hair's internal structure and makes it more susceptible to breakage. The sun can also break down the colour molecules which is why you’ve likely noticed your blonde looking a bit brassy over the summer months.
To protect your hair from sun damage, wear a hat or scarf when spending time outdoors, especially during peak sunlight hours. You can also use hair products that contain UV filters for added protection. Additionally, consider using a leave-in conditioner, nourishing hair mask, or hair oil with SPF to shield your strands from the sun's rays.
4. BRUSH YOUR HAIR FROM THE BOTTOM
Have you ever raked your brush through your wet hair, and you’ve heard a snapping sound? This is quite literally, the sound of breakage. When brushing through your hair, especially when wet, you’ll want to adopt a careful and gentle technique to avoid splitting your strands.
Don’t drag your brush or comb straight from roots to ends. Instead work through smaller sections and start at the ends of your hair, and gradually work your way up. Use a detangling brush or a wide-toothed comb as these will allow you to easily work out any knots or tangles, without causing any severe pulling at the roots. Your hair will thank you later.
5. GET REGULAR TRIMS TO MAINTAIN THE STRENGTH OF YOUR HAIR
Regular trims are often overlooked in hair care routines, but they play a crucial role in maintaining healthy locks. Beyond just keeping your hairstyle fresh, frequent trims help prevent hair breakage.
Split ends are a common issue that occurs when the hair shaft becomes frayed, leading to breakage and overall damage. By trimming off these split ends, you're essentially stopping the damage in its tracks, preventing it from traveling up the hair shaft and causing more breakage. Aim to get a trim every 6-8 weeks to remove any damaged or split ends and maintain your hair’s strength and vitality.
