What helps against hair breakage?

• Hair breakage, like hair loss, leads to thinning hair.
• External causes of hair breakage: hair cosmetics, heat and styling.
• Organic causes of hair breakage: Disturbances of cell metabolism at the hair roots.
• Measures against hair breakage: careful hair care, not least the use of Thiocyn hair serum.

The causes of hair breakage, especially in women with long hair, are very often external – physical or chemical – influences. If hair breaks directly above the scalp or subcutaneously in the hair follicle, this is due to defects in the keratinization process. Hair experts consider hair breakage a variant of hair loss.

Hair breakage as a factor in thinning hair

Severe hair breakage will eventually diminish the hair's volume. If the hair breaks off directly above the scalp, it has the same visual effect as excessive, diffuse hair loss and thinning hair . Hair density decreases. Fortunately, since the hair cycle of broken hairs isn't complete, the hair continues to grow. The problem is that broken hairs are more prone to split ends.

External causes of hair breakage

Hair breakage refers to hair that breaks off. Above all, hair breakage is a specific condition of the hair. The unmistakable sign of hair breakage is small, light-colored spots on the hair. Under a microscope, we can see that the hair is either broken or has already broken off; some fibers are still holding the hair together. Long, damaged hair is particularly susceptible to breakage wherever the protective covering (cuticle) and fiber stem (cortex) of the hair are structurally damaged.

Hair cosmetics

The most common form of chemically induced hair breakage is caused by hair cosmetics. Perm or coloring products can be harmful to hair if left on for longer than recommended by the manufacturer. The chemical reaction in the hair keratin can spiral out of control.

heat

Blow-drying at too high a temperature or for too long, or intensive styling with a curling iron, can thermally alter the hair structure. Hair breaks off at the damaged areas, but continues to grow if the hair follicles aren't damaged by the heat. The power of the sun is also underestimated, not only on the beach but also in the wake of climate change. Long-term sun exposure causes hair to lose moisture, dry out, and break more easily.

styling

Frequent styling and styling procedures such as vigorous brushing or backcombing, as well as environmental influences such as sunlight or salt water, wear down the cuticle. This exfoliation causes the hair fiber core to lose its protective layer. The cement between the fiber cells is gradually dissolved. The hair frays. This leads to transverse breakage of the hair shaft.

split ends

Hair breakage and split ends are not the same thing. Split ends are the splitting of the hair lengthwise, starting at the tips. Split ends are primarily caused by mechanical friction between the hair ends and the shoulders. Overstressing of the hair ends is aggravated by thermal or chemical factors. Broken hair is particularly prone to split ends.

Tensile stress

Another factor contributing to hair breakage is ponytails and braids, or attempting to style hair with curlers. The greater the tension, the greater the disruption to cellular metabolism. With repeated exposure, it becomes increasingly difficult for hair follicles to sustain hair growth. Hair loss leads to a receding hairline (traction alopecia).

Organic causes of hair breakage

In order for our hair to grow continuously, the cellular metabolism at the hair roots requires a variety of building and functional substances, for example proteins for keratinization of the hair, sufficient energy to enable cell division and cell growth and, last but not least, hormones.

Protein deficiency

If protein is lacking due to an unbalanced diet, hair grows more slowly, and the twisting of the finest keratin fibers into the cuticle, cortex, and medulla becomes more difficult. The hair's tensile strength and elasticity suffer, making it more susceptible to physical and chemical influences.

Iron deficiency

In case of iron deficiency Malformations of the hair structure occur because the energy metabolism is disturbed, and last but not least, the ability of the hair matrix cells to divide in the hair roots suffers.

Hormonal imbalances

After pregnancy, women experience excessive hair loss of telogen hair. This is caused by a return of estrogen levels to normal. Anagen hair, which is still in the growth phase, is affected by defects in hair keratinization. Thus, structural damage to the hair develops, so to speak, from within the hair shaft during formation.

When the thyroid is overactive, the hair initially grows faster but does not reach its full length because it grows back thinner and is therefore more brittle and prone to breakage.

If too few thyroid hormones are secreted, the hair tends to become matted and brittle. The cuticle no longer lies flat and smooth against the cortex, providing a larger surface area for physical and chemical toxins to attack. Gradually, the hair thins, and its density decreases.

Combat hair breakage – avoid split ends

Drugstores are brimming with treatments, conditioners, and shampoos that promise to temporarily strengthen frizzy hair, smooth its rough surface, reduce split ends, and restore shine. The problem: The damage is only visually concealed. Damaged hair isn't actually repaired. Short-term relief is achieved by trimming the ends, while long-term care is gentle and sensitive to (long) hair: prevention is better than cure.

Hair care begins with washing your hair. A mild shampoo isn't that hard to find. It should free your hair of dirt particles and skin oils, but not damage its structure. Since hair swollen from water is more likely to break, it should always be patted dry. Hair experts recommend smooth jersey towels made from a T-shirt fabric, for example. Jersey is gentler on your hair because it doesn't absorb all the moisture.

We recommend a hairdryer that produces more than just hot air. With different air speeds and temperatures, you can protect your hair and scalp. A cool setting cools down the hair and acts like a natural hairspray.

When brushing your hair, always start at the ends. This prevents the tangled strands from becoming further compressed and broken.

If you experience breakage at your roots, it's important to avoid further chemical treatments. Give yourself a break from coloring and toning.

The patented thiocyanate formula in Thiocyn Hair Serum counteracts disruptive factors that could negatively impact hair growth directly at the hair roots. Hair grows back healthier and stronger.