Hair can break anywhere along its length, from the roots to the ends, and can occur due to exposure to solar radiation, pollution, the use of hair dryers and straighteners and the application of chemicals, which can harm the integrity of the hair, leaving them more brittle and less healthy.
To recover broken hair and maintain the elasticity and nutrition of the strands, it is recommended to follow some daily care, such as applying a serum after washing your hair and keeping the strands hydrated with masks that have keratin and vitamin A and E in their composition, for example, in addition to some strategies that can prevent hair from breaking more easily, such as using the appropriate comb and brush for each hair type and avoiding keeping it tied up for a long time throughout the day.
Treatment for brittle hair must be recommended by a dermatologist, who will investigate the causes and advise on the most appropriate treatment for each situation.
Why does hair break?
Hair can break when it is very fragile, porous and without the necessary hydration to maintain the integrity of the strand. This can occur due to several factors, including:
- Use of excessive chemicals, such as dyes and straightening products with the presence of formaldehyde;
- Use of straighteners and dryers without proper technique and without thermal protection for the hair;
- Emotional factors, such as stress, for example;
- Hormonal changes;
- Unhealthy diet, poor in vitamins and proteins, which strengthen the hair structure and prevent hair breakage and hair loss. Discover the best foods to strengthen your hair.
Normally, broken hair is fully recovered in approximately 2 years, but with proper treatment it is possible to disguise these damaged strands in approximately 1 or 2 months. Cauterization and hair botox treatments are excellent options because they deeply hydrate the hair with an immediate and prolonged effect.
However, if your hair continues to look broken for weeks or months, even with all care taken to keep your hair healthy and hydrated, it is essential to consult a doctor to investigate the possible causes and the best treatment for each hair type.
Tips for recovering brittle hair
To recover broken and fragile hair, it is recommended to follow some precautions that help rebuild the hair and prevent it from breaking more easily. Some tips are:
1. Moisturize your hair
Hydrating your hair with good quality products or using natural ingredients helps to rebuild the hair strand and improve the hair structure, in addition to sealing the cuticle and preserving the water and protein molecules inside, making the strands malleable and with Shine. Check out how to prepare 10 homemade hydration masks.
2. Avoid using excessive chemicals
Dyes and hair straightening products, containing formaldehyde, when used without the proper technique and at intervals of less than 3 months, can damage the structure of the hair, leaving it more porous and lacking elasticity, causing the hair to break quickly. more easily.
3. Use a thermal protector
Heat can alter the structure of the hair, so it is essential to protect the hair with a thermal protector before using a straightener or dryer. If it is necessary to use a hairdryer, it is recommended to position it at least 10 centimeters from the hair, so as not to damage the hair and cause burns to the scalp.
4. Use products with keratin and amino acids
In addition to being part of the hair structure, products that contain keratin and amino acids in their composition help to restructure the hair strand and increase its elasticity.
5. Hair treatments
Treatments such as cauterization, sealing or hair botox seal the cuticle and increase the strand’s capacity to store water inside, leaving the hair more manageable and healthier. Learn how to seal your hair.
6. Avoid using hot water on your hair
In addition to dehydrating the hair, excessive heat stimulates the production of sebum by the scalp and can cause flaking at the hair roots.
7. Massage the scalp and apply essential oils
Stimulating the scalp with circular movements with the fingertips, using essential oils, such as evening primrose oil and rosemary oil, for example, increases blood circulation in the scalp and stimulates hair growth in a healthy and rapid way. Discover other ways to strengthen and stimulate hair growth.
8. Wash your hair correctly
Using shampoo and conditioner, removing all excess product, in addition to drying your hair and avoiding rubbing the scalp, can prevent hair from breaking from the roots and increasing the production of dandruff on the scalp, which prevents hair grows healthily. See how to wash your hair correctly.
Check out the video below for other tips to help your hair grow faster and healthier:
Bibliography
- BRAZILIAN SOCIETY OF DERMATOLOGY. Hair care. Available at: <https://www.sbd.org.br/?s=cabelo+quebradi%C3%A7o>. Accessed on May 3, 2022
- DIAS, Tânia Cristina S. In vitro evaluation of the effect of different chemical/thermal straightening processes on hair fiber. Doctoral thesis, 2015. University of São Paulo.
- BRAZILIAN SOCIETY OF DERMATOLOGY. Risks of formaldehyde – Dermatologists warn against the use of the substance in hair procedures. Available at: <https://www.sbd.org.br/mm/cms/2019/12/27/guiacuidadosformol-2.pdf>. Accessed on May 3, 2022