by Anja Emerson

Created on: December 26, 2009   Last Updated: December 27, 2009

Hair breakage is a daily problem for a large percent of women all over the world. Caused by excessive use of harsh chemicals, frequent dyeing, aggressive brushing or insufficient moisturizing, hair breakage is irreversible and makes hair texture look rough and unattractive.

In order to reduce and prevent hair breakage, try following some of the tips below:

1. Reduce the use of products that contain strong chemicals.

Minimize the use of hairstyling products such as hairspray, dyes and other chemical treatments. Your hair is very fragile and sensitive; it can be easily damaged by the powerful substances found in many hair products.

2. Avoid using heat on your hair.
The frequent use of curling irons and hair straighteners will severely damage your hair in the long run by weakening it, causing split ends, making it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Frequent blow drying can have the same effect. If you have to style your hair using heat, use a product that will protect your hair.

3. Use hairbrushes with natural bristles or a wide toothed comb.
The usual hairbrushes with plastic bristles will cause breakage to your hair by ripping it. This can be prevented if you switch to a brush with natural bristles, or even better, use a wide toothed comb. When combing or brushing your hair, do it gently, starting from the ends and detangle it slowly, without pulling it aggressively. You may spend more time this way, but your hair will show the difference.

4. Never brush hair when it is wet.
Wet hair is more sensitive and elastic, therefore brushing can cause it to snap and break. Always brush hair only when it is completely dry.

5. Moisturize your hair properly.
In order to be healthy and strong, your hair needs a good amount of moisture. Use a regular conditioner appropriate for your hair type every time you wash it. For an extra treat, use a hair mask every two weeks. The ingredients in hair masks will nurture and strengthen your hair by deeply moisturizing it, while also giving it shine. You can also make your own hair mask using natural ingredients like eggs or essential oils, rather than buying one from the pharmacy. However, avoid using hair masks more than once a week because they can make your hair look greasy and dull.

6. Avoid hairstyles that put excessive stress on your hair.
Wearing your hair in a ponytail or braided for a long period of time can put too much on stress on the hair shafts and cause breakage. Try sleeping with your hair loose and use a scrunchy when you need to keep your hair in a ponytail.

7. Eat a healthy diet, rich in vitamins and proteins.
Avoid foods that contain saturated fats, artificial colorings and preservatives. This is beneficial not only for your hair, but also for your whole body. A balanced, varied diet, rich in vitamins and proteins will improve your overall health and this will reflect on your skin and hair.

Because your hair is essentially made out of protein, it will benefit immensely from a diet rich in: vitamins A, E and B, iron, zinc, copper, biotin (also stimulates growth) and omega-3 fatty acids.

Remember that your hair is very sensitive to internal factors like your diet, but also to external factors like weather and the way you handle it. In order to be strong and beautiful, it needs a lot of care and nurturing, but the results are well worth the effort.

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