How To Stop Hair Breakage At Home - 15 Effective Ways

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry M.B.B.S.
Written by Our Editorial Team
Last updated

If you're experiencing hair breakage, you're not alone. It affects a significant number of people, particularly those who have textured or curly hair.

And a good number of us are concerned about how to stop hair breakage.

Even though hair breaking can occur due to various factors like heredity, chemical processing, and the use of styling tools like curling irons, there are effective treatments to prevent and repair this damage.

However, it is also essential to know the causes of hair breakage. Stick to this article to get the answers to your every question related to hair breakage.

Summary

Many things, like stress, a bad diet, using the wrong kind of shampoo, over-styling your hair, and other similar things, can cause your hair to break. If you want to stop your hair from breaking, you can use the fifteen steps in this article to do so. 

After you have made these changes, your hair will, in most cases, grow back without breaking. However, staying consistent and giving your hair the time it needs to recover is very crucial.

What is hair breakage?

How To Stop Hair Breakage

Hair breakage refers to the splitting or breaking of hair strands, often at the top of the head. It occurs when the thin layers of the hair cuticle, akin to shingles on a roof, separate from the rest of the hair.

Breakage can happen anywhere along the hair strand, from the tips to near the root. Identifying and addressing the source of the damage is key to repairing and regrowing healthy hair.

What causes hair breakage?

damaged hair

There are three significant causes of hair breakage:

A low protein and vitamin intake

Diet affects both your skin and your hair. A lack of protein in one's diet is a major cause of weak and thinning hair and hair loss. Proteins should be a regular part of your diet to keep your hair from breaking. Vitamins are also essential for general health, including hair health.

Insufficient nutrients, particularly vitamins E, B, and iron, can lead to hair loss and broken hair strands. Ensure you get enough vitamins to keep your hair from breaking.

Stress

Stress is a crucial contributor to hair thinning and loss. Stress that doesn't go away can significantly affect your hair's condition, making the hairline recede and the fringe thin out.

Several studies have found a link between stress and hair fall, and most agree that stress makes hair more fragile and likely to break. 

Under severe stress or shock, hair roots may enter a resting phase, leading to hair breaking and thinning.

Taking steps to reduce stress can lead to better hair health. Once the stress is over, people usually regain hair loss from stress. If you lose a lot of hair, make an appointment with their primary care doctor to find out why.

You are not getting your hair trimmed.

Neglecting regular haircuts can leave your hair weak and damaged, especially if you have fine hair that's more prone to breakage.  It is likely to break. A regular haircut is essential for maintaining healthy hair by removing split ends.

Depending on your hair's length and texture, you should visit the salon every eight weeks. If you're trying to lengthen your hair, you might still benefit from trimming the damaged hair ends.

“Other potential causes include: Hair products and styling; over-brushing; heat and lack of moisture; towel drying; tight hairstyles.”

    — Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry M.B.B.S.

    How to stop hair breakage

    There are 15 methods that we are discussing to answer your question about how to stop hair breakage. Let's start!

    1. Bio-Pixilin®

    how to stop hair breakage before and after

    Hair loss happens because the natural cycle of hair growth is often messed up in ways that aren't good. Hair loss can be caused by genes, hormones, illness, drugs, and how you live your life. Any of these causes could mess up the normal cycle of the hair follicle, which could lead to a shorter anagen phase, a delayed anagen phase, or follicular shrinkage that causes hair to thin.

    A "hair growth routine" is one of the first and most significant steps to take in this process. Because it helps to reduce hair loss and boost hair development, provides more robust and thicker hair, and—most significantly—does not include any drugs and has no potentially harmful side effects.

    This routine for promoting hair development consists of a synergistic three steps:

    1. Hair Strength Shampoo
    2. Hair Recovery Conditioner 
    3. Bio-Pixilin® Activation Serum

    These formulas include:

    • Capilia Longa: It is a powerful natural substance that, after 150 days of use, has been shown to stop hair loss by up to 89% and increase hair density by up to 52%.
    • Niacinamide: It has been shown to make hair thicker by increasing the amount of the protein keratin, which makes up about 90% of the hair shaft.
    • Aloe Vera: It has been found that aloe vera extract can make skin much more hydrated by reducing transepidermal water loss. This term refers to the water lost through evaporation from the skin's surface.

      So, you need to start doing this right away if you have damaged or lost hair and want to get it back.

      Hair Growth Routine | For Women
      Hair Growth Routine | For Women
      Formulated to combat thinning hair & visible scalp

      2. Keep your hair hydrated

      One possible cause of hair loss is a lack of hydration for your strands. Take the time to nourish your hair. Use a hydrating conditioner or mask by massaging it into your hair, starting at the ends and working inward. Also, try to put moisturizer on wet hair. This lets your strands absorb the product the right way. Use deep conditioners once a week, but leave-in and everyday conditioners daily.

      You should keep a hair mask or oil on your hair for up to twenty minutes to achieve maximum effects. Only use cool or lukewarm water to finish rinsing. Don't use hot water to wash your hair since it will cause even more damage.

      3. Make changes in your diet

      damaged hair care

      If a person's diet has caused their hair to weaken, they can restore its strength by consuming certain foods. Protein-rich, vitamin-rich, iron-rich, biotin-rich, and zinc-rich meals are examples.

      Biotin, found in eggs and salmon, is essential for strong hair. Selenium, which is located in Brazil nuts, helps hair grow. Vitamin E-rich foods include spinach, salmon, and almonds;  vitamin B-rich foods include milk, bananas, chicken, pork, and broccoli. Pumpkin seeds, soybeans, organ meats, and iron-fortified cereals are iron-rich foods.

      4. Try aloe vera gel

      Aloe vera gel is well known for how good it is for your skin and hair. In particular, its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, photoprotective, and antifungal effects are responsible for its popularity. To make your scalp and hair healthy, try aloe vera, which may repair damage and balance the hair's pH. 

      Aloe vera can be used by combining half a spoonful of aloe vera gel with the same amount of almond oil. Apply this mixture to your hair and scalp. Wait for twenty to thirty minutes, and then rinse it off. To see the finest effects from this aloe vera gel mask for hair loss, apply it twice a week.

      5. Reduce anxiety and stress

      prevent future hair breakage

      Intense emotional or physical stress might interrupt your hair's natural growth pattern. If anxiety or stress is the root cause of your hair loss, de-stressing is an excellent way to see an improvement in your hair.

      If you have breakage and your job is very demanding, or if you just went through something traumatic, you may want to talk to a doctor to find out if stress is the leading cause.

      You can also do the following to relieve stress and anxiety:

      • Maintain a regular exercise routine.
      • Stop using drugs, alcohol, and caffeine.
      • Adopt a balanced diet
      • Consider going for meditation
      • Try some yoga
      • Take massage therapy

      6. Apply onion juice

      Sulfur, a keratin building block, is found in onions. So, onions not only keep your hair from falling out or breaking, but they also make it stronger and healthier. Onions have been shown to inhibit the growth of fungal infections and stop hair loss. To use onion juice, mix half a tablespoon of onion juice with half a tablespoon of coconut oil.

      Focus on your scalp when applying this mixture. After allowing it to sit for twenty to thirty minutes, wash it off. Perform this action at least once a week, and you will start seeing the difference.

      7. Shampoo your hair properly

      Make sure you shampoo correctly. Using a shampoo without harsh ingredients like sulfates is important, but it is also important to use it correctly. When you need to use shampoo, only apply it to your scalp, not the hair shafts, and rinse it thoroughly.

      Hair Strength Shampoo | For Women
      Hair Strength Shampoo | For Women
      Aims to cleanse gently while helping to reduce excess oil and balance scalp

      In this way, your scalp will have the most product buildup. The small amount of shampoo on your hair after you rinse is enough to eliminate any dirt or product residue. For scalp cleansing and hair shaft protection, pick a shampoo for your hair type.

      8. Apply conditioner after shampoo

      Always apply conditioner after you've washed your hair. If a conditioning treatment is not used after shampooing the hair, the hair could get damaged. The charge on the hair is neutralized. Conditioners can also help make hair shine and feel smoother, which makes it easier to style.

      Hair Recovery Conditioner | For Women
      Hair Recovery Conditioner | For Women
      Aims to improve smoothness & durability while helping to reduce breakage

      Conditioner, which can help reduce frizz and make disentangling the hair easier, can also make the hair shine and feel smoother, making it easier to style.

      9. Use castor oil

      There is a lot of evidence that castor oil and ricinoleic acid are beneficial for hair. Castor oil's rich source of vitamins E and K, omega-9 and omega-6 fatty acids, minerals, proteins, and other essential nutrients makes it an effective hair moisturizer.

      Because it is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal, castor oil for hair is your secret weapon for several conditions that cause hair to break or fall out. 

      It may seem odd to put a thick, heavy substance like castor oil in your hair, but there is a way to apply it that is well worth the effort. Massage the lubricant into your scalp for three to five minutes to apply it. 

      Take care to use an appropriate amount of oil; just a little goes a long way. Working with your fingertips, massage the oil into your scalp and hair follicles. Use your fingertips to massage your head in gentle, circular motions.

      10. Go for essential oils

      essential natural oils

      Essential oils, often called "ethereal oils," have been used for centuries because of their therapeutic effects on a wide variety of hair issues, including breakage, loss, split ends, and dry hair. 

      Essential oils are different from other oils because they have an aroma from plants and herbs. To prevent hair breakage, try using essential oils like sweet almond oil, chamomile essential oil, argon oil, rosemary oil, and lavender oil.

      Make sure the oil gets down to the roots by rubbing your scalp thoroughly. Try a warm oil massage or place a warm towel over your head for at least thirty minutes to achieve this. If the procedure is followed consistently, your hair will regain its volume and shine.

      11. Apply hair mask

      You may give your hair the care it needs with shampoo, conditioner, and other hair treatments, but sometimes all it takes is a hair mask. You can put on a hair mask in less than twenty minutes and get many benefits for your hair's health. 

      Think of hair masks as potent hair conditioners that help smooth and hydrate your hair, boost its shine, and even fight infections. A hair mask might give you the energy and strength you need.

      Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of hydrating hair masks. If your hair is breaking or getting thinner, you can try other hair mask treatments or make your own using the DIY hair mask that works best for you.

      12. Employ scalp serum

      Using a scalp serum on your hair is essential if you want to speed up the hair-growing process, just as we use serums as part of our everyday skincare routines. Many scalp serums work to increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the scalp, which helps hair grow. 

      Like face serums, the best scalp and hair growth serums directly put nutrients into hair follicles to make hair shine and grow stronger. If you are losing hair or having it break off, a scalp serum could be the answer you have been looking for.

      Bio-Pilixin® Activation Serum | For Women
      Bio-Pilixin® Activation Serum | For Women
      Drug-free & clinically tested

      13. Perform scalp massage

      A scalp massage is one of the best ways to stop hair from falling out and breaking. When giving a scalp massage, it is essential to press on the scalp with your fingertips. Usually, this is done to increase blood flow to the hair follicles and promote hair growth. Because hair follicles are made up of hyperactive stem cells, oxygen supply increases hair growth.

      Massaging enhances follicle blood supply. The hair's density and smoothness can both improve over time. Remember that massaging your scalp is a low-key way to make your hair grow that works very well. To maximize the effects of hair growth products, we advise switching to scalp massages.

      14. Use a hairbrush for your hair type.

      Damage to your hair from breakage can also be caused by the type of brush you use. Thankfully, brushes and products can help your hair and make taking care of it much more manageable. The type of brush you use may also be determined by the style you want. Find out which brush works best for your hair type, and you'll be able to restore your hair's health. 

      Also, if you brush your hair while it is wet, use the wet hair brush and tool. Responsible use of sustainable tools and brushes can completely revolutionize hair care, so keep them in mind as you shop for the best brush for your hair type.

      15. Avoid hot tools

      too much heat styling

      Avoiding excessive heat styling is another way to protect your hair from damage. Damage to the hair shaft can be caused by using hot appliances like curling irons, straighteners, and blow dryers. 

      Extreme heat and twisting with hot rollers or curling irons can cause traction alopecia, which can cause hair thinning or falling out in addition to breakage, split ends, and other damage to the hair.

      What medical conditions can cause hair breakage?

      Hair loss and breakage can be caused by several things, including problems with the thyroid, problems with the hair shaft that run in the family, and a lack of nutrients caused by an unbalanced diet or an eating disorder. 

      When someone has a thyroid disorder, their hair can become very dry, brittle, and lifeless. People with this condition may also experience thinning hair, severe hair loss, or even patches of baldness. 

      Additionally, one of the most critical contributors to hair breakage is stress. Elevated amounts of the stress hormone can throw off the hair cycle. In situations like this, it's essential to talk to a doctor to figure out or diagnose the condition.

      When should I cut off my breakage?

      You should trim breakage frequently to maintain the health of your hair. The longer you delay, the greater the hair damage it will do. Yes, you lose your hair. But still, it's essential to get regular trims. If you have damaged hair, particularly fine or frayed at the ends, you should cut it off once every eight weeks. Having your hair cut more frequently will help to prevent hair breakage.

      Will my hair breakage grow back?

      Indeed, this is not outside the realm of possibility at all. You only need some time and consistency to take some steps to prevent any further hair damage or breakage. However, the rate at which hair grows varies from person to person and is affected by several factors. 

      For instance, if your hair was longer than your shoulders before you cut it into a bob, it can take several years to grow back to the length it was before you cut it.

      How to prevent hair breakage

      To prevent hair breakage, it's essential to keep your hair well-moisturized and handle it gently:

      • Keep your hair moisturized: Regularly use moisturizing treatments, especially after shampooing, to repair and nourish hair.
      • Address split ends early: Use hair oils to nourish and hydrate the ends, helping to prevent further splitting.
      • Limit heat styling: When using hair dryers, opt for lower heat settings and always use a heat protectant. Consider air drying when possible.
      • Apply a pre-wash moisturizer: Before shampooing, use a rich conditioner to strengthen and detangle hair.
      • Shampoo correctly: Choose sulfate-free shampoos and focus on cleaning the scalp rather than the hair shafts.
      • Avoid damaging hairstyles: Refrain from tight braiding and excessive chemical processing. Keep your scalp moisturized with suitable oils.

      Conclusion

      Effectively combating hair breakage involves a combination of proper hair care practices and lifestyle adjustments.

      Regularly moisturizing your hair, addressing split ends, minimizing heat styling, using the right shampooing techniques, and avoiding damaging hairstyles are key steps.

      Additionally, incorporating a balanced diet, managing stress, and getting regular trims contribute significantly to maintaining healthy hair.

      By consistently following these practices, you can significantly reduce hair breakage and promote the overall health and strength of your hair.

      Read more:

      Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry M.B.B.S. is a House Physician in the Medical Unit 3 Allied Hospital, Faisalabad, and deals with hepatic, cardiac, neurological, and dermatological issues daily. He did his MBBS from Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad. He believes that a good haircare routine is one where you nourish it naturally. During his free time, he works as a dermatologist for Scandinavian Biolabs.