Sometimes, it seems like your hair changes overnight – one moment, it’s shiny and soft, and the next, it’s dry and brittle.
If you’ve ever experienced this shift and your hair has started to resemble straw in appearance or touch, you might need to make some changes to improve your hair health. Understanding what causes brittle hair is step one.
That’s where we come in!
What Does Brittle Hair Look and Feel Like?
Before we dive into what causes brittle hair, let’s talk about the signs.
Brittle hair can be sneaky, showing up in ways you might not expect. Ask yourself the following questions:
Does your hair feel rough to the touch?
Has it lost its smoothness?
Are you noticing more split ends than usual?
Does your hair break easily, even with gentle handling?
If you answered yes to any of the above (and your hair looks dull, feels dry, or seems to have lost its elasticity), you might be dealing with brittle hair. These are all red flags that your hair is in need of some serious TLC.
What Causes Brittle Hair?
When it comes to brittle hair, there are several factors that can contribute to the problem. While the following are some of the most common causes, it’s important to remember that everyone’s hair is unique, and there may be other underlying reasons for your hair’s brittleness. Here’s a closer look at some of the usual suspects:
Environmental Factors
- Sun Exposure: Spending a lot of time in the sun can lead to moisture loss in your hair, making it dry and brittle. The sun’s UV rays can weaken the hair’s outer layer, leading to breakage and split ends.
- Cold Weather: Just as the summer sun can dry out your hair, so can the winter cold. The dry, cold air of winter can deplete your hair’s natural moisture, causing it to become more fragile and prone to breaking.
- Pollution: Airborne pollutants, like dust, smoke, and chemicals, can settle on your hair, leading to damage. These pollutants can strip your hair of its natural oils, making it dry and more susceptible to breakage.
Haircare Habits
- Over-Washing: While keeping your hair clean is important, washing it too often can strip it of the natural oils that keep it hydrated. This can leave your hair feeling dry and brittle.
- Heat Styling: Frequently using hot tools like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can damage your hair’s cuticle—the outer layer that protects your hair—leading to brittleness and breakage.
- Chemical Treatments: If you color, perm, or relax your hair, you may notice that it becomes more fragile over time. These chemical processes can weaken your hair’s structure, making it more prone to brittleness.
- Using Harsh Products: Some shampoos and conditioners contain harsh ingredients like sulfates and alcohol that can dry out your hair. Over time, using these products can strip your hair of moisture, leading to brittleness.
Genetic Conditions
- Hormonal Fluctuations: Hormonal changes due to factors like pregnancy, menopause, or birth control can also impact your hair’s condition. These fluctuations can affect the balance of oils in your hair, leading to increased dryness and brittleness.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: If your diet lacks essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and biotin, your hair may become weak and brittle. These nutrients are vital for healthy hair growth and strength.
- Genetics: Sometimes, brittle hair is simply a part of your genetic makeup. If your parents or grandparents have brittle hair, you may be more likely to experience it too. While you can’t change your genetics, you can take steps to manage and improve the condition of your hair.
How to Fix Brittle Hair
Now that we’ve identified what causes brittle hair, let’s talk about how to fix it.
Use the Right Products
Choosing the right products is crucial for maintaining healthy hair. At Facetté, we have a range of Kerastase products designed to nourish and strengthen your hair.
For instance, Kerastase Bain Magistral Shampoo is perfect for adding moisture and combating dryness. If you’re looking for an intensive treatment, our Kerastase Masque Magistral offers deep hydration, while Nectar Thermique helps protect your hair from heat styling.
Avoid products with harsh ingredients like alcohol and sulfates, as they can strip your hair of its natural oils, making it even drier and more brittle.
Switch Up Your Routine
Your haircare routine should be as unique as you are. If you’re washing your hair every day, try cutting back to every other day to let your natural oils do their job.
Incorporate deep conditioning treatments or hair masks once a week to give your hair an extra boost of hydration. And when you do use heat tools, always use a heat protectant spray to minimize damage.
Dietary Changes
Believe it or not, your diet plays a big role in the health of your hair. Make sure you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals like biotin, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids. Foods like eggs, nuts, and fish are great sources of these nutrients.
Protect Your Hair
Don’t underestimate the impact of a good hat! It can shield your hair from the sun, wind, and cold, helping to prevent damage. When you’re exposed to the elements, using a leave-in conditioner or protective spray adds an extra layer of defense. And for overnight care, sleeping in a silk wrap or on a silk pillowcase helps prevent friction and breakage, keeping your hair smoother and healthier.
General Hair Care
Consistency is key when it comes to hair care. Stick to a routine that works for you, and be gentle with your hair. Avoid tight hairstyles that can cause breakage, and remember that sometimes less is more—especially when it comes to styling products and tools.
The Bottom Line
No matter what causes your brittle hair, there are ways to improve its health and restore its vitality. Dealing with brittle hair can be a real struggle, but the good news is that with the right care, you can bring your hair back to life.
Remember, these steps can make a big difference, but your hair is as unique as you are. That’s why scheduling a consultation at Facetté can be so helpful. Our team of professionals is here to assess your hair goals and determine which products, styles, and treatments will work best for you.
Ready to give your hair the love it deserves? Get in touch with us today, and let’s start your journey to healthier, happier hair!
