Hair breakage is often the result of habits that weaken your strands. From moisturising and detangling to diet and sleep routines, here’s how to strengthen your hair, prevent snapping, and keep it healthy no matter your texture.
Few things are more frustrating than running your fingers through your hair and feeling strands snap off, or finding them scattered across your comb, pillow, or sink. Hair breakage is common across all hair types: natural, relaxed, curly, straight, or a combination of these.
Many still struggle to prevent their hair from breaking, often spending heavily on treatments that don’t deliver. The good news is that with the right care, you can keep your strands strong, resilient, and thriving.
It’s crucial to know the difference between hair shedding and hair breaking. Shedding is a natural part of the hair growth cycle, where a whole strand falls out from the root, often with a tiny white bulb at the end. Most people lose 50 to 100 hair strands per day, and new hair generally grows back to replace them.
Breaking, on the other hand, occurs when the hair snaps somewhere along the shaft, leaving behind uneven pieces. To prevent this, here are expert-approved tips to help protect your hair from breaking, no matter your texture or style.
Avoid aggressive combing or brushing
Be gentle, especially when hair is wet. Hair tends to break more easily when it’s extremely moist or dry. For natural hair, detangle in sections using conditioner to soften the hair, making it easier to comb. For relaxed hair, handle it carefully during and after chemical treatments.
Keep your hair moisturised
Hydration is essential. For natural hair, choose water-based moisturisers and seal with natural oils like shea butter or coconut oil to keep your hair healthy and soft. For relaxed hair, stick to lighter oils and avoid heavy products that can weigh your hair strands down.
Minimise heat damage
Frequent use of excessive heat from blow dryers or styling tools weakens your hair. Whenever possible, allow your hair to dry naturally after washing. Use heat styling sparingly and always apply a heat protectant. Alternate between heat styles and no-heat styles.
Protect your hair while sleeping
When going to bed, wrap your hair in satin or silk bonnets. Cotton pillowcases can create friction, leading to tangles, dryness, and breakage. Switching to satin or silk can help your strands glide smoothly, retaining moisture and reducing breakage.
Feed your hair from within
Healthy hair starts with what you eat. A balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and adequate water intake strengthens hair from the inside out. Think of it as providing your hair with the nutrients it needs to grow stronger and break less.
By following these tips, you can help protect your hair from breaking and promote overall hair health.
