How to Stop Hair Breakage

Written by Jena Scaccetti

Photo by Khaite

By: @jenacovello @eatyourbeautyblog

I have one area in the back of my head where the hair always breaks off. Sometimes I fall asleep with my hair in a ponytail and this is a contributing factor. A high ponytail is a chic and easy go to look but if you aren’t careful it can cause damage. The hair at the front hairline and throughout the crown is the most delicate and regularly tying it up in the same spot can weaken the hair and cause breakage. Another bad habit of mine is towel drying my hair. Below we are going to give you tips and tricks for stronger locks.

Always make sure your hair is dry when you tie it up. When your hair is wet, it’s at its weakest and tying it up can cause it to break.
Use a wet brush on damp hair. Using nylon or boar bristles on wet hair can cause breakage. Also, don’t brush from the root. Start at the bottom and work your way up.
Wear your hair down when you sleep. Sleeping with a ponytail can cause your hair to pull as you move your head around.
Use a serum or leave in conditioner on your hair before putting it into a ponytail. This will ensure your hair is smooth and hydrated, helping your hair tie to glide over your hair easily.
Give your hair a break by switching up your ponytail height and alternating with looser styles. Constantly tying it tightly in the same spot can weaken the hair.
Use a non damaging hair tie. A hair tie with metal on it can snag the hair and super tight elastic ties can dent the hair and cause breakage. The hair tie sits in a very delicate place, when it’s in a ponytail. In order to protect your hair, use a non damaging hair tie or a scrunchie.
Don’t pull at the hairline too tightly. The hair is weakest around this area and constant tight pulling can shock the hair follicles, causing breakage and damage.
Remove your hair tie carefully. Quickly pulling your ponytail holder out of your hair is a sure way to cause breakage. Take your time and untie your hair gently.
Sleep with a hair mask a couple of times a month. This will ensure your hair stays hydrated and strong, preventing breakage. Coconut oil makes a great overnight mask. It’s able to penetrate the hair shaft very easily due to it’s low molecular weight and can replenish proteins that are lost in color treatments or bleaching. It strengthens, moisturizes, repairs and nourishes, leaving hair strong and shiny. It also has the incredible ability to stimulate new hair growth. And if you happen to be blonde, this clear oil wont affect your color like other more pigmented oils. Because oil can leave your hair greasy the next day, the trick is to shampoo your hair before you wet it to make sure all of the oil gets out.
Another mask I love is yogurt, honey and eggs. Yogurt is chock full of protein and it nourishes hair and encourages growth. It’s rich in lactic acid, which cleanses the scalp and rids away dead skin cells to help your hair grow properly. Honey is an emollient and humectant that helps to moisturize and smooth the hair follicles, adding shine to dull hair. Humectants bond with water molecules, adding moisture to dry strands which prevents breakage. Eggs have an abundance of protein and biotin which support hair growth and help make the hair follicle stronger, enhancing elasticity. Directions: Mix 1/2 cup of plain yogurt with 4 tablespoons of honey and one egg. Leave in for an hour and then wash.
Brush your hair before you go to sleep. This will prevent tangles and help you to avoid further breakage. It also stimulates circulation, which in turn stimulates hair follicles hair growth. I love using this Japanese scalp brush that I found in Paris.
Sleep on a silk pillow case. It creates less friction on the hair and allows the hair to rest on a gentle surface. Friction disturbs the cuticle layer of the hair, which can cause bed head, frizz and breakage. Silk fibers preserve your hair and skin’s moisture, also preventing fine lines and wrinkles. I love this one from Slip.
Use a microfiber towel or a t-shirt to dry your hair, as they are both gentle, absorb the right amount of moisture and reduce frizz. Towel drying wet strands can seriously damage your locks. This mistake I was making was brought to my attention by my hairstylist @mellihair. Your hair is more elasticized when wet and roughly drying your hair with a towel can lead to excessive hair breakage and hair fall. The towel’s thick absorbent fibers and weight can pull down on the hair, causing it to break. It is also best to avoid wrapping your hair in a turban.
Try not to over-process your hair. I limit highlights to only twice a year because lightening the hair with harsh bleaches always causes breakage.