Hair breakage and how to avoid it
What is hair? Like the skin and nails, hair is chemically a protein material and there are on average 120,000 hair producing follicles on our scalp. The normal hair growth rate is 1 to 1.5 cms (1/2 to 3/4 inches) monthly, and is slightly faster in women.
Hair has three main physical layers; the outer cuticle; the cortex, comprising the bulk of the whole structure; and a middle core, the medulla. The cuticle and cortex are affected by physical and chemical change and can undergo temporary or permanent alteration.
Hair loss due to Breakage
Hair becomes dry and brittle when there is a loss of moisture from the fibres within the hair, which usually leads to the hair splitting and breaking.
The causes of dry hair are many and varied. Too little natural oil from the skin, central heating, heated rollers, poor quality hair products, sunbathing, swimming, perming, straightening, colouring and the over-use of blow dryers. All of these result in the hair becoming dull, dry and likely to break.
It is essential to remember that a change in hair structure will make the hair more vunerable to the daily wear and tear of styling. More than usual care will be needed when shampooing and drying hair which has been subjected to the processes mentioned.
Here are a few simple rules for improving the condition of dry hair and preventing any further damage: -
Have any chemical processes carried out by your hairdresser: home perming and colouring can end in disaster.
Always use a conditioner after washing: concentrate on the ends of the hair as this is where it will be needed most.
A wide-toothed comb or a well-designed brush made from natural bristle is less likely to damage the hair.
Keep hair spray to a minimum, as it is very drying.
Have your hair trimmed regularly, even if you are growing it long.
When brushing or combing the hair, do not apply too much tension and avoid brushing or combing the hair when it is wet as this can cause damage. In spite of many claims, there is no remedial benefit to be gained from brushing the hair and scalp regularly. On the contrary, this could adversely affect many scalp conditions and situations of hair loss.
Braiding the hair and hairstyles which involve tight pulling of the hair, can cause traction alopecia. The area most commonly affected is around the hairline. This type of hair loss is temporary if the traction is short term but becomes permanent with prolonged trauma.
