As winter sets in, many people experience an increase in their hair fall because of the harsh weather conditions. Cold temperatures, combined with low humidity and indoor heating can lead to dry and brittle hair, making it more prone to breakage. Read ahead to understand the causes and try some protective measures that are crucial during this season to maintain healthy and resilient hair. We’ll talk about how to prevent hair breakage,
8 Hair Breakage Causes
Hair breakage during winter can be attributed to several factors associated with the harsh weather conditions. Some common hair breakage causes include:
1. Dry Air
Winter air tends to be dry, leading to a lack of moisture in the hair. Dry hair is more prone to breakage as it becomes brittle and loses elasticity.
2. Low Humidity
Indoor heating systems can further reduce humidity levels, contributing to dryness in both the air and the hair. Insufficient moisture can weaken the hair structure.
3. Frequent Washing
Overwashing hair, especially with hot water, can strip away natural oils that keep the hair hydrated, leaving it more susceptible to breakage.
4. Cold Temperatures
Exposure to cold temperatures can cause the hair cuticle to lift, making it more vulnerable to damage from environmental factors.
5. Hat Friction
Wearing hats and scarves to stay warm can lead to friction and rubbing against the hair fibres, causing breakage, particularly if the materials are rough.
6. Lack Of Sun Exposure
Reduced exposure to sunlight during winter can result in lower vitamin D levels, which play a role in maintaining healthy hair.
7. Overuse Of Heating Tools
In an attempt to counteract the cold, people may use heating tools like hairdryers and straighteners more frequently, contributing to heat damage and breakage.
8. Poor Nutrition
Winter diets may lack essential nutrients that promote hair health, such as vitamins and proteins, leading to weakened hair strands.
7 Signs Of Hair Breakage
The signs and symptoms of hair breakage during winter include:
1. Increased Frizz
Hair may become frizzy and unmanageable, indicating a lack of moisture and potential breakage.
2. Split Ends
The ends of the hair may split, forming Y-shaped splits, which is a clear sign of breakage.
3. Rough Texture
Hair may feel rough and dry to the touch, indicating a loss of natural oils and moisture.
4. Tangled Hair
Breakage can lead to more tangles and knots in the hair, making it harder to comb or brush.
5. Excessive Shedding
Increased hair fall or shedding, especially during combing or washing, can be a sign of weakened hair.
6. Dull Appearance
Hair may lose its natural shine and appear dull due to the damaged cuticle.
7. Brittle Strands
Hair strands may feel brittle and easily snap, particularly when subjected to minimal stress.
8. Visible Breakage Points
Short, uneven strands or visible breakage points along the length of the hair.
9. Scalp Dryness
A dry and flaky scalp can contribute to weakened hair structure.
10. Changes In Elasticity
Hair may lose its elasticity, becoming less flexible and more prone to breakage.
How To Stop Hair Breakage Naturally?
Here are a few home remedies for hair breakage during winter:
1. Deep Conditioning Masks:
- Prepare a homemade hair mask using ingredients like honey, yoghurt, and coconut oil.
- Apply the mask to your hair, focusing on the ends.
- Leave it on for at least 30 minutes before washing it out.
2. Hot Oil Treatments:
- Warm up natural oils like olive oil, coconut oil, or argan oil.
- Massage the warm oil into your scalp and through the length of your hair.
- Wrap your hair in a warm towel and leave it for about an hour before shampooing.
3. Avocado Hair Mask:
- Mash a ripe avocado and mix it with a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Apply this mixture to damp hair and leave it on for 30-45 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly and shampoo as usual.
4. Aloe Vera Gel:
- Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to your scalp and hair.
- Leave it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
5. Regular Trimming:
Schedule regular hair trims to get rid of split ends and prevent them from travelling up the hair shaft.
6. Silk Or Satin Pillowcases:
Switch to silk or satin pillowcases to reduce friction and minimize hair breakage while sleeping.
How To Reduce Hair Breakage?
Here are a few treatment options for hair breakage, that will answer your question how to reduce hair breakage:
1. Protein Treatments:
- Use protein-rich hair treatments or masks to strengthen and fortify the hair shaft.
- Products with ingredients like keratin, collagen, or amino acids can help repair damaged hair.
2. Leave-In Conditioners:
- If you’re wondering how to prevent hair breakage, apply leave-in conditioners that provide added moisture and protection.
- These products can help in detangling and reducing friction, preventing further breakage.
3. Heat Protectants:
- If you use heat styling tools, always apply a heat protectant before styling.
- This forms a barrier against the heat, preventing damage and breakage.
4. Low-Manipulation Styles:
- Opt for hairstyles that require less pulling and tugging on the hair.
- Loose braids, buns, or protective styles can minimize stress on the hair.
5. Vitamin Supplements:
- Consult with a healthcare professional about taking supplements that promote hair health, such as biotin, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids.
How To Avoid Hair Breakage?
Here are some preventive measures for hair breakage treatment at home:
1. Gentle Detangling:
- Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to gently remove knots and tangles.
- Start from your end and work your way up to minimise stress on the hair.
2. Hydrate And Moisturise:
- If you’re wondering how to avoid hair breakage, keep your hair well-hydrated by drinking enough water and using moisturizing hair products.
- Deep condition your hair regularly to maintain moisture levels.
3. Balanced Diet:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, as nutrition plays a crucial role in hair health.
- Include foods with omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, and vitamin E.
4. Professional Treatments:
- Consider salon treatments like deep conditioning, hot oil treatments, or keratin treatments for intensive repair.
5. Reducing Chemical Exposure:
- Minimize the use of harsh chemical treatments like perms, relaxers, or excessive hair colouring.
- Opt for gentler, natural hair care options
5 Product Recommendations To Prevent Hair Breakage
Here are a few products for hair breakage treatment at home:
1. Parachute Advanced Ayurvedic Coconut Hair Oil
This hair oil is enriched with the goodness of coconut, aloe vera, and other natural ingredients that help to nourish and strengthen the hair follicles, preventing breakage and hair fall.
2. Biotique Bio Kelp Protein Shampoo for Falling Hair
This shampoo is formulated with kelp protein, peppermint oil, and mint leaf extract to gently cleanse the scalp and hair while providing essential nutrients to strengthen the hair and prevent breakage.
3. WOW Skin Science Onion Black Seed Hair Oil
This hair oil is a blend of onion, black seed, almond, castor, jojoba, olive, and coconut oils that help to stimulate hair growth, prevent breakage, and add shine to the hair.
4. Minimalist Hair Serum with 18% Hair Growth Actives
This hair serum is a concentrated blend of peptides and extracts, with Redensyl, Anagain, Procapil, Capixyl and Baicapil that help to promote hair growth, reduce hair fall, and prevent breakage.
5. Indulekha Bringha Ayurvedic Oil
This hair oil is a traditional Ayurvedic remedy that is known for its ability to strengthen hair roots, nourish the scalp, and prevent hair breakage.
Although winter brings challenges to maintaining healthy hair, which often leads to increased breakage, it can be easily fixed. Dry air, low humidity, and other environmental factors also contribute to dryness and brittleness, and identifying signs like increased frizz, split ends, and dullness is a very important step. With natural remedies providing the much-needed moisture, incorporating preventive measures can also help minimise and prevent hair breakage during the winter months.
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