Breakage  is not natural, and is an indication of an imbalance of important forces within the hair strand. Broken hairs do not fall naturally from the head, but are typically a sign of mishandling or abuse. In the stages before a hair ultimately breaks, the hair first becomes discolored and experiences cuticle loss. Eventually, the fibers begin to split and ultimately there is breakage.

 

So what causes breakage? Hair can be weakened and damaged by anything from rough handing and sun exposure to coloring and straightening chemicals. Breakage is also more common with a hair's age; older hairs, usually the hairs nearest the ends, have the greatest tendency to break due to normal wear and tear. When breakage isn't a response to physical manipulation and abuse, it is most often triggered by the lack of moisture in the hair strand. Other types of breakage may be caused by the over- structuring of the hair strand with protein treatments done in excess. A prompt, and proper response to breakage will help you stop breakage in its tracks.

Stress is a factor that produces body and mental tension. Whatever happens in the mind influences the body and vice versa.      

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Never wear hair styles that are too tight. Also, wearing braided hair or weaved hair for too long can cause a condition called areata.

 

When using the blow dryer keep it in constant motion and use the lowest temperature setting whenever possible.

 

If you are an active sleeper, do not wear rollers or any other styling equipment to bed. This can put undue stress on the hair follicle. As a result, breakage will occur.

 

Get rid of any styling tools that are broken. This includes everything from the comb with the broken teeth or a brush with broken bristles that can snap the hair.

 

Work with your professional stylist to develop a style and maintenance program designed for your hair. This way your specially designed program will work with your hair type and texture.

 

Make sure that you use only covered bands when putting the hair in ponytails. Rubber bands cut into the hair causing breakage as well as putting a lot of tension on the hair.

 

Use natural hair formulas that replace lost protein, moisture and nutrients. Natural hair formulas also protect the hair cuticle without stripping natural oils.

 

Do not apply excessive heat to the hair. Excessive heat from the hot comb, hot curl and flat irons, and blow dryers can cause breakage, dryness and split ends. Because heat is very damaging to the hair, look for tools that have a thermostatic setting and will allow you to use "low" heat when styling.

 

Deep protein or moisturizing conditioners protect the hair against breakage. Apply the protein or moisturizing conditioner to the hair using a heating cap, set the daily on "medium" or "high" 30 minutes then wash out the conditioner and style the hair as usual. This technique should be applied to the hair at least once every two weeks. If you have dry hair, use this technique once a week.

 

Use leave-in conditioners that protect the hair from the oxidizing effects from the sun, chlorinated pools,