Hair Health: 3 Common Habits That Can Cause Breakage and Hair Loss

During a haircare routine, certain practices may seem harmless yet gradually affect hair health. Repeated regularly, some behaviours can leave strands drier, weaker and more prone to breakage.

Beyond appearance, it is also worth monitoring changes to the scalp, the amount of hair loss and hair thickness. According to dermatologist and trichologist Dr Bianca Almeida, recognising persistent changes is essential to establish whether there is simply damage to the hair shaft or a condition requiring investigation.

Below are common habits that can harm hair health.

1. Overusing hairdryers, straighteners and styling tools

Regular exposure to high temperatures can damage the hair structure. “Frequent use of heat sources, particularly at high temperatures, can contribute to dryness and breakage. There is no need to stop using a hairdryer or straightener, but it is important to avoid very high temperatures and keeping the appliance on the same area for too long. Using heat protection can also help minimise damage,” explains Dr Bianca Almeida.

2. Pulling or using too much force when detangling hair

Another frequent mistake occurs when brushing or combing hair. “When hair is already sensitised, excessive pulling can increase breakage. It is important to detangle hair carefully, especially when it is wet or has undergone a chemical treatment. Small changes in the way hair is handled can make a difference in preserving its structure,” advises the specialist. The recommendation is to detangle gently, starting at the ends and gradually working upwards towards the roots.

3. Having chemical treatments too close together

Chemical procedures, including colouring, bleaching and straightening, require care. “Chemical treatments can significantly alter the structure of the hair, especially when they involve processes such as bleaching. When the hair shaft is already sensitised, carrying out further procedures too soon increases the risk of damage and breakage. It is important to allow suitable intervals and assess the condition of the hair before having another chemical treatment,” highlights Dr Bianca Almeida.

Do not overlook changes in volume and thickness

Breakage is not always the main concern. Progressive thinning also warrants attention and may be linked to conditions such as androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as pattern hair loss. In women, this change can develop gradually: the centre parting may become wider, more of the scalp may show, or a ponytail may lose volume.

“It is common for a woman to notice that her hair is finer or has lost volume without necessarily experiencing very heavy hair loss. Progressive thinning may be a sign of androgenetic alopecia and needs to be distinguished from breakage. The earlier we identify the cause, the greater the opportunities to establish an appropriate monitoring and treatment strategy,” the dermatologist explains.

Do not try to treat hair loss with vitamins and products alone

When hair starts shedding more, people often independently turn to vitamins, supplements or specialist products. However, hair loss can have a range of causes, and supplements taken without guidance will not necessarily solve the issue. Hormonal changes, stress, illness, nutritional deficiencies and significant weight loss are among the factors that may be associated with changes to the hair.

“The indiscriminate use of vitamins and supplements is not recommended. When a nutritional deficiency is suspected, each person needs to be assessed individually to determine whether a deficiency actually exists. Hair loss can have different causes, and treatment needs to target the issue responsible for the change,” stresses Dr Bianca Almeida.

How rapid weight loss can affect hair

Significant weight loss may also be followed by a temporary increase in hair loss. This condition, known as telogen effluvium, can appear several months after substantial weight loss. Alongside weight loss itself, highly restrictive diets may reduce the intake of protein and other nutrients needed for the body to function properly.

“It is relatively common for patients to notice increased hair shedding after substantial weight loss. In these cases, we need to assess whether this is telogen effluvium linked to weight loss or whether there is also another condition, such as androgenetic alopecia, which can cause progressive thinning of the hair,” the specialist explains.

When should you see a dermatologist?

Heavy or persistent hair loss, the appearance of bald patches, a gradual reduction in volume, thinning strands, itching, flaking or other scalp changes should be assessed by a dermatologist. It is also important to distinguish between hair loss from the root and breakage along the lengths, as these two issues may have different causes and treatments.

“There is no universal routine for every hair type. Care needs to take account of the characteristics of the hair, the scalp and each person’s stage of life. When a change persists, the ideal approach is to investigate its cause rather than simply try to conceal the problem with products,” concludes Dr Bianca Almeida.

By Sarah Carvalho