Hair breakage and split ends are common problems experienced by both men and women. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, split ends are symptomatic of hair shaft disorders and frequently occur due to dry, brittle and damaged hair. Since split ends cannot be repaired, they split up the hair shaft until the strand eventually breaks off.
Chemical Treatments
Over-processing with chemical treatments such as permanent color, perms and relaxers or straighteners can cause damage to the hair shaft. According to Teens Health, these treatments may even cause hair loss if they are applied improperly or used too frequently. Chemical treatments such as perms or relaxers break the bonds of your hair, which may make your hair weaker and more susceptible to breakage, damage and split ends.
Brushing, scratching or washing your hair too soon after the treatment may increase the likelihood of breakage. Some permanent hair-color treatments can also cause hair loss and damage, especially if you have thin, delicate or chemically-processed hair.
Alcohol-Based Products
Hair products that contain ethanol, or alcohol, such as hair spray, gel and mousse, can dry out your hair and leave it brittle and weak, especially if these items are applied too frequently. According to Riquette Hofstein in her book "Grow Hair Fast: 7 Steps to a New Head of Hair in 90 Days," using products containing alcohol, especially isopropyl alcohol commonly found in hair gels, is a common cause of hair shaft breakage, which can potentially result in hair loss. The addition of alcohol helps these products dry quicker, though this can also cause your hair to lose moisture.
If you brush your hair after applying these products, the risk of damage is higher. When the product dries, it can create hair clumping and a sticky texture that is difficult to brush through. If you brush too firmly or try to remove tangles, the hair that has clumped together can break off or split.
Environmental Conditions
Hair often becomes damaged due to overexposure to sun, wind, extreme heat or cold and salt or chlorinated water. According to author Hofstein, the sun's UV rays can dry your hair out and create brittle hair that is prone to damage. Damage and breakage can also occur due to the harsh, drying effect of salt and chlorinated water. If you don't wash your hair immediately after swimming, the chemicals or salt will stay in your hair and cause breakage and damage to the hair shaft, according to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery.
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