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Hair Breakage

  • rolandabell
  • Oct 11, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jun 23


Hair Breakage

The morphology of Type 4 hair makes it more fragile than other hair types. The tighter curls cause the hair to be less resistant to stressors (e.g. combing, brushing, chemical processing), to be unable to absorb water efficiently, and inhibit the even distribution of natural oils along the hair shaft (Tanus et al, 2015; Quaresma et al, 2015; Cornwell & Malinauskyte, 2020). These factors contribute to individuals with Type 4 hair to experience dryness and brittleness more often. When evaluating hair damage, it is important to distinguish between hair breakage, hair thinning, and hair loss.


Hair Breakage

Hair breakage occurs when the hair is broken off anywhere along the hair shaft. These shorter fragments of hair do not contain a bulb. There are several factors that may result in hair breakage, including styling practices and diet. Heat and dryness are the usual suspects when it comes to styling and hair damage. Hair that is too dry or exposed to high temperatures over a period of time tends to fragment. Reducing the frequency of heat styling, using a deep conditioner on wash day and/or a moisturizer during the week will help the hair become more resistant to the stressors that contribute to breakage. In addition, several nutrients contribute to the maintenance of hair health including zinc, iron, folic acid, antioxidants, protein, and vitamins D and C. Consuming foods and supplements containing these nutrients will help to minimize hair brittleness and stimulate growth (Healthline, 2023).



Hair Breakage

Hair Thinning

Hair thinning is a gradual process that occurs when the hair follicle becomes smaller, resulting in the lower density and volume of the hair. While the hair does look sparse along the scalp’s parting lines, hair thinning does not cause the hair to fall out. Hair thinning is a slowing down of the growth process which can be caused by hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, genetics, stress, or aging. This condition typically does not require specific treatments (Healthline, 2024; Harvard Health Publishing, 2023; Real Simple, 2022).


Hair Loss

Hair loss (alopecia) is the stoppage or interruption of hair growth leading to baldness. When hair loss occurs, the hair comes out at the root. The onset can be sudden and widespread- occurring on the scalp or the whole body. Similar to hair thinning, hair loss can be due to genetics, side effects of medical treatments, internal disease, hormonal changes, or stress. Hair loss more often requires medical intervention to stop or reverse the process (Healthline, 2023; Mayo Clinic, 2024).




References

Cornwell, P, & Malinauskyte, E (2020 Jan 30). Defying Damage: Understanding Breakage in Afro-textured Hair. https://www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/research/literature-data/article/21835682/defying-damage-understanding-breakage-in-afrotextured-hair




Healthline. (2023, February 6). How to Stop Hair Breakage. https://www.healthline.com/health/hair-breakage



Quaresma, M. V., Martinez Velasco, M. A., & Tosti, A. (2015). Hair Breakage in Patients of African Descent: Role of Dermoscopy. Skin appendage disorders, 1(2), 99–104. https://doi.org/10.1159/000436981


Real Simple (2022, November 2). Ask a Beauty Editor: What Is the Difference Between Hair Loss, Hair Thinning, and Hair Breakage? https://www.realsimple.com/hair-thinning-vs-hair-loss-vs-hair-breakage-6824277


Tanus, A., Oliveira, C. C., Villarreal, D. J., Sanchez, F. A., & Dias, M. F. (2015). Black women's hair: The main scalp dermatoses and aesthetic practices in women of African ethnicity. Anais brasileiros de dermatologia, 90(4), 450–465. https://doi.org/10.1590/abd1806-4841.20152845



 
 
 

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