Each hair on your head is made up of different layers, according to the Nemours Foundation. The outer layer, called the cuticle, is composed of scales that overlap in order to protect the two inside layers of hair. However, that layer may become damaged and expose the inside layers to harms such as dry air, harsh chemicals and sun damage. Ultimately, this can cause your hair to break. Fortunately, following some basic hair care strategies right now will decrease your hair's risk of breakage.
Professional Maintenance
Visit your salon every six weeks or so for a trim or cut, recommends Women's Healthcare Topics online. Split ends can't be permanently repaired with special serums, so your best option if you want revitalized hair is to trim them off. Get regular cuts and trims even if you're planning to grow out your hair, recommends the Nemours Foundation. Trims may even help your hair grow out longer and stronger because it won't continue to break off.
Gentle Washing
Shampooing more than a few times a week --- especially if you use a harsh shampoo --- can cause your hair to dry out and make it more susceptible to breakage, according to Discovery Health online. Aim to wash your hair every two to three days with a shampoo that has a pH somewhere between 4.5 and 6.7; this should help prevent over-drying and stimulate your hair's oil glands every once in a while, according to Discovery Health. When shampooing, lather gently and use the tips of your fingers rather than your fingernails to stimulate your oil glands.
Conditioning
Find a conditioner that contains no fragrance, as it will be less likely to contain large amounts of hair drying alcohol, according to Discovery Health. When you're finished rinsing the shampoo out of your hair, towel dry your tresses to remove any excess water before you apply your conditioner. Focus conditioning the roots and ends and leave it in for at least one to two minutes during the summer and at least three minutes during the winter, recommends Women's Healthcare Topics. Use cool to lukewarm water to rinse it out.
Careful Styling
Using heated styling tools such as hair dryers and curling irons can cause your hair to dry out and break, according to the Nemours Foundation. Avoid using heated tools on wet hair and turn the heat down to a low setting any time you plan to use one. Hair chemicals such as relaxers, perms and dye can also damage your hair and cause it to break, according to the Nemours Foundation. Talk to your hair stylist about how often he thinks you should use a heated styling tool or receive a chemical treatment based on your hair type.
Medical Help
Your dry, breaking hair may be a sign if an underlying health issue such as malnutrition or hypothyroidism if it continues to break despite your best efforts to heal your hair, according to the Nemours Foundation. Talk to your doctor if your hair breakage is persistent or if you're experiencing hair loss or any other symptoms you can't explain, recommends the MedlinePlus website. Your doctor may inspect your hair under a microscope or perform a blood test before she determines whether you have a medical problem that needs its own treatment.
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