Hair damage can happen for many reasons, often developing when the hair loses its natural oils and moisture. Understanding the causes of damaged hair is an important step toward improving its overall health and appearance.
By recognizing common sources of damage and learning effective repair strategies, you can support stronger, healthier hair and better determine when professional hair care advice may be beneficial.
How Does the Hair Get Damaged?
Your hair is comprised of two major components:
- Hair Follicles
- Hair Shaft
The human scalp contains around 100,000 hair follicles (the living part) located under the scalp skin. On the other hand, the hair shaft (the non-living part) contains the protein, Keratin, and is located above the scalp’s surface.
Hair damage occurs when its lipid-coated membrane is lost due to excessive heat, chemical treatments, and poor grooming habits. These factors make the hair more porous.
Damaged hair causes the cuticle (the outer layer of the hair shaft) to lift. Ultimately, it increases the hair shaft's fragility, contributing to splitting and breakage.
4 Major Causes of Hair Damage
It’s important to understand the real causes of the damage before you learn how to restore damaged hair. Hair damage and breakage occur when a person exposes their hair to unfavorable conditions.
1. Nutritional Deficiencies
A lack of proper nutrition is a major cause of hair damage. You must include all essential vitamins and minerals in your diet to strengthen the hair structure and prevent its damage.
2. Poor Grooming Habits
Excessive washing, overuse of heat styling, irregular trimming, and harsh hair products can cause significant hair damage.
3. Medical Conditions
Hair damage could occur in people suffering from medical issues, such as thyroid issues, autoimmune diseases, and hormonal changes.
4. Exposure to Chemicals
Hair dyes and other hair color products containing harsh chemicals also significantly damage hair. Additionally, exposing hair to swimming pool chemicals, such as chlorine, causes damage and breakage.
How to Repair Damaged Hair: 5 Key Tips
Preventing hair damage becomes an easier task if you follow these 5 important tips.
1. Heat Protection
Always protect your hair from prolonged sun exposure. If you go out in the sun, wear a hat to protect your hair fibers from damage. Additionally, you must avoid intense heat styling, as it can also adversely affect hair health.
2. Eat a Nutritional Diet
Eating a nutritional diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients can improve overall hair health. It is imperative to keep the scalp healthy and strengthen the hair.
3. Proper Conditioning
Condition your hair regularly with chemical-free conditioners to keep it healthy. Conditioning helps lubricate the hair cuticles and prevents the hair from absorbing excess water.
You can simply use oils to condition your hair. It’s effective in lubricating the hair shaft and preventing hair damage.
4. Use Gentle Hair Products
Always choose gentle hair products, such as shampoo or conditioner, to keep your hair healthy. Gain a clear understanding of your hair type, then choose your hair products accordingly. Applying harsh chemicals to the scalp leads to severe hair damage.
5. Practice Regular Grooming
Don’t wait too long before getting a haircut or trim. Shampoo and condition your hair regularly. Avoid aggressive brushing, as it can damage hair.
When Should You Consult a Hair Specialist?
Following the above hair care tips can help stop further hair damage. However, if you do not see any results even after trying these tips, you must book an appointment with a hair specialist.
They can present you with multiple hair restoration options so you can select the best one for you.
For over 15 years, Bravadas has been serving men and women experiencing hair loss in Dallas and other regions, including Fairfax, Kansas City, Omaha, Clearwater, and Wichita.
Taking the right step at the right time is important to achieve desired results in hair growth.
Schedule your free consultation today!
FAQs
Can you repair damaged hair without cutting it?
Yes, it is possible to repair damaged hair without cutting it. Using deep conditioning, certain hair treatments, and following hair-grooming tips can help you achieve it by providing the scalp with the moisture it needs. However, keep in mind that you can’t heal certain split ends, which must be trimmed to prevent more damage.
What vitamin are you lacking if your hair is breaking?
If your hair is breaking, you may be lacking vitamins such as Biotin (B7), vitamin D, and vitamin C. These essential vitamins support regular hair growth and strengthen hair strands.
How long does it take for severely damaged hair to recover?
Severely damaged hair can take between 6 months and 1 year to recover. However, if you follow a hair care routine religiously, you’ll start to see positive results in 2-3 months. But keep in mind that you won’t be able to repair split ends, which must be trimmed immediately.
What's the most damaging thing to do to your hair?
The most damaging things you can do to your hair are excessive heat styling, using harsh products, exposing it to harmful chemicals, and brushing wet hair too hard.
