What Causes Hair Breakage and How to Fix It

Hair breakage can feel incredibly defeating, those little snapped pieces around the sink, the frayed ends, the uneven lengths that never seem to grow. If you’re noticing your hair becoming weaker, rougher, or simply not behaving the way it used to, you’re not alone. Hair breakage is one of the most common concerns we see at D’or Hairstylists, and with the right knowledge (and a little care), it’s absolutely something you can overcome.

Now that you know you’re not alone, let’s take a closer look at what’s really happening inside your hair, the habits that may be contributing, and the salon-approved ways to restore strength, shine, and confidence.

What Hair Breakage Actually Is

Hair breakage occurs when the structure of the hair shaft weakens to the point where strands snap. Unlike hair loss, where the hair sheds from the follicle, breakage happens along the length, leading to uneven pieces, split ends, and a rough feel.

Think of your hair like a rope: when the fibres fray or weaken, the rope eventually snaps. Hair behaves the same way, when the cuticle (outer layer) is damaged, the inner core becomes vulnerable.

A major contributor is porosity. Highly porous hair absorbs water quickly but loses it just as fast, making it fragile, dry, and prone to snapping.

Everyday Habits That Cause Hair Breakage

You might be surprised at how many daily habits slowly wear your hair down. Some of the most common culprits include:

Aggressive brushing or towel-drying

Vigorous towel-drying or tugging through knots can cause the cuticle to become rough. Wet hair is especially vulnerable, it stretches and snaps easily.

Tight ponytails or gym buns

Constant tension leads to breakage around the hairline and crown, particularly when hair is pulled back in the same way every day.

Sleeping with hair tied up

Friction from cotton pillowcases and tension from hair ties can cause overnight damage.

Using harsh shampoos or skipping conditioner

Cleansers that strip natural oils leave the hair dry and brittle.

Wrong brush type

Metal or stiff-bristle brushes can snag delicate strands.

These habits seem harmless, but over time, they create cumulative damage that shows up as frizz, flyaways, and breakage.

Heat Damage and Styling Tools

Heat styling changes the structure of your hair. Straighteners, curlers, and blow dryers weaken the bonds that hold your strands together, especially when used without heat protection.

Signs of heat damage include:

* Ends that look white or translucent

* Rough texture even after conditioning

* Loss of elasticity

* Frizz that doesn’t respond to products

For most people, heat styling more than 2–3 times per week becomes too much without restorative treatments.

Chemical and Colour Damage

Bleaching, colouring, perming, and relaxing all alter the internal structure of the hair. Bleach in particular opens the cuticle to remove pigment, but this also removes moisture and weakens the hair’s support system. This is why blonde clients often experience breakage more frequently.

Professional colour work and proper bond-repair treatments make all the difference in protecting the hair’s integrity.

When Hair Breakage Is Linked to Your Lifestyle

Breakage isn’t just about what you put on your hair, sometimes it’s connected to what’s happening in your life.

Factors that affect hair strength include:

* Stress (increased cortisol weakens the growth cycle)

* Poor diet (low protein = weak strands)

* Hormonal changes (pregnancy, postpartum, menopause)

* Medication side effects

* Environmental exposure (sun, wind, chlorine, ocean, dry weather)

If your breakage feels sudden or seasonal, lifestyle triggers may be part of the puzzle.

How to Fix Hair Breakage: At-Home Solutions

If you’re looking for ways to start repairing your hair right now, here are gentle, salon-approved habits that truly make a difference:

1. Gentle cleansing

Swap harsh shampoos for moisture-focused or sulphate-free options.

2. Condition every wash

Never skip this step, it replaces lost hydration and smooths the cuticle.

3. Heat protection, always

A non-negotiable. Apply before every blow-dry or hot tool.

4. Weekly repair masks

Bond builders and deep moisturising masks help restore internal strength.

5. Switch to a silk pillowcase

Less friction = less snapping.

6. Use the right brush

Opt for soft, flexible bristles and start detangling from the ends upward.

7. Avoid stretching wet hair

Wet strands can stretch up to 30%, and then break. Handle with care.

Professional Repair Options

Some types of breakage simply need professional intervention, and this is where the team at D’or can transform your hair more quickly and safely than at-home care alone.

Salon-level solutions include:

* Hydration & moisture treatments for instant softness

* Bond-repair treatments to rebuild strength from the inside out

* Protein boosts to reinforce weak, brittle strands.

* Professional trims to remove damaged ends

* Colour correction or reducing bleach usage for long-term recovery

A stylist can also identify whether the breakage is caused by dryness, protein imbalance, chemical stress, or another factor.

When Breakage Means Something Bigger

Not all breakage is “normal.” Consider booking a consultation if you notice:

* Suddenly, severe breakage

* Patchy breakage around the hairline

* Damage after at-home bleaching

* Breakage caused by the box dye

* A noticeable change in texture or elasticity

These are signs that your hair needs professional care to avoid further damage.

Products That Support Stronger, Healthier Hair

Instead of listing dozens of products, here are the categories that matter most:

* Bond builders to reinforce the internal structure

* Leave-in moisturisers for softness and protection

* Strengthening serums to support weak strands

* Gentle, sulphate-free shampoos to maintain hydration

Your stylist can guide you towards the best fit for your hair’s needs.

If breakage still feels overwhelming, expert help can make all the difference.

You don’t need to guess your way through breakage. At D’or Hairstylists, we offer personalised consultations and work with premium professional brands like Kérastase, Kevin Murphy, and L’Oréal Professionnel, creating tailored plans that nurture your hair back to strength, shine, and confidence.

If you’re ready for a fresh start, we’d love to help you get there.

Book your personalised hair consultation today, your healthiest, most beautiful hair begins here.