Fragile (brittle) hair
23.04.2025
Fragile (brittle) hair is the result of several factors that affect its structure, elasticity and health.
With proper care and nutrition, you can prevent or reduce hair breakage and keep it strong and healthy.
The most common reasons why hair becomes brittle:
Lack of moisture
• Dry scalp: When the scalp does not produce enough natural oil (sebum), hair loses moisture and becomes dry and brittle.
• Environmental factors: Dry air, cold weather or exposure to the sun and wind can dry out hair.
Excessive use of chemical treatments
• Coloring and bleaching: Chemical processes damage the hair cuticle, causing moisture loss and weakened hair structure.
• Perming or straightening hair: These methods break the chemical bonds in the hair and make it more brittle.
Excessive heat treatment
• Flat irons, dryers, curling irons: Frequent use of these devices can damage hair strands due to high temperatures. If you don’t use heat protection, the damage is even worse.
Improper hair care
• Rough combing: Combing wet hair or using rough brushes causes hair breakage.
• Frequent washing: Washing too often removes natural oils and dries out your hair.
• Choosing the wrong products: Shampoos with strong sulfates or products containing alcohol dry out your hair even more.
Unbalanced diet
• Nutrient deficiencies: A lack of protein, omega-3 fats, iron, biotin, zinc, and vitamins (A, E, B-complex) affects hair health.
• Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids can cause dry, brittle hair.
Stress and hormonal changes
• Stress: Prolonged stress weakens your hair follicles, which affects the quality of your hair.
• Hormonal imbalances: Conditions like menopause, pregnancy, thyroid problems, or PCOS can weaken your hair.
Age
• As we age, sebum production decreases, making hair thinner and more brittle. Elasticity and moisture retention also decrease.
Environmental influences and bad habits
• Exposure to chlorine and sea water: Chlorine in swimming pools and salt in sea water damage the hair cuticle.
• Excessive use of drying products: Hairsprays, gels and other products can dry out hair if used excessively.
How to prevent hair breakage?
• Moisturizing: Use moisturizing masks and oils regularly.
• Heat protection: Apply a heat protection product before using appliances.
• Balanced diet: Eat foods rich in protein, omega-3 and vitamins.
• Gentle combing: Use soft-bristled brushes or wide-toothed combs.
• Proper care: Avoid washing too often and use mild, sulfate-free products.
You may like these too
Pancakes
What are pancakes? Pancakes are a thin, baked dish made from a liquid batter, usually made from flou
03.09.2026
Eating Right at Work
Eating right at work is key to overcoming those “office biological traps” we talked abou
03.09.2026
Foods that should not be eaten after their expiration date
When it comes to food, it is crucial to distinguish between two labels: “Best before” (q
03.09.2026
Which grains should be soaked before cooking
Soaking foods is not just an old cooking trick from our grandmothers, but a scientifically supported
01.09.2026