Hair loss and hair breakage are two prevalent concerns among people worldwide, 1-3 each with distinct causes and effects. If your curls seem a little thinner or your waves appear leaner, the natural assumption might be that your hair is falling out.
However, that's not always the case. There's a significant difference between hair loss and hair breakage, and it's important to address each issue differently for effective treatment.
In this article, we'll explore the definitions and science behind hair loss and hair breakage, how to differentiate between the two, and share some fantastic products to help you manage and prevent both issues.
What is Hair Loss?
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is a dermatological disorder characterized by decreased hair density on the scalp. Alopecia is the clinical name for any type of hair loss. This condition arises due to disruptions in the hair life cycle, leading to reduced production of new hair. Hair loss in women and hair loss in men can manifest differently, often influenced by hormonal and genetic factors.
A healthy scalp typically sheds hair regularly, with new hair emerging from follicles through complex biochemical processes. However, disturbances in follicle activity, nutrient deficiencies, or external stress can impair these processes, leading to hair loss.
Severe damage can result in cellular death and permanent baldness.4-6
What is Hair Breakage?
Hair breakage, on the other hand, is a mechanical issue affecting the hair shaft. It occurs when protein threads within the hair structure break down due to excessive physical stress from combing, brushing, and styling.
Using hair bands and other holding devices can also exert pressure on the hair shaft, damaging its cuticle. Wet hair is particularly vulnerable to breakage, and the most severe form of breakage is split ends, which compromise the hair's structural integrity.7-8
How to Tell if You’re Experiencing Hair Loss or Hair Breakage
Differentiating between hair loss and hair breakage is straightforward. Hair loss is evidenced by decreased hair density, particularly noticeable at the front of the scalp.
In contrast, hair breakage manifests as broken hair strands and split ends, resulting in a disordered hairstyle and disrupted curl patterns.
Effective Treatments for Hair Loss and Thinning
Preventing hair loss and thinning and promoting hair growth has been a significant focus of scientific research. Here are some key strategies:
- Scalp Care: Keep your scalp clean, hygienic, and well-conditioned. Massage with oils regularly and exfoliate to remove dead cells.
- Natural Oils: Hair oil infused with onion seeds and garlic combats oxidative stress, enhances scalp cell health, and increases hair density.9-12 Fenugreek seed oil stimulates new hair growth,13 while horsetail-infused oil or extract also boosts hair density.
- Essential Oils: Rosemary oil enhances blood circulation to scalp cells, promoting hair growth.12 Always use a carrier oil when applying essential oils to avoid irritation.
- Medication: Minoxidil is a well-known hair loss treatment for hair growth but may require a prescription.
How to Reduce Hair Breakage Naturally
Building on these natural prevention methods and maintaining a consistent hair care routine are essential for keeping your hair healthy and strong. Here are some hair care tips and a simple yet effective regimen you can follow:
- Hair Care: Keep your hair clean, well-conditioned, and hydrated. Healthy hair is less prone to breakage.
- Gentle Handling: Comb gently (especially when wet) and avoid excessive heat styling to minimize hair damage.
- Natural Hairstyles: Avoid tight hairstyles and tying them up for extended periods, as these practices can contribute to unhealthy hair and lead to conditions like traction alopecia.
- Natural Oils: Use oils to reduce frizz and tangles, minimize friction, and improve hair lubricity.
- Customized Routine: Develop a hair care routine tailored to your hair’s needs to maintain its natural health and sheen.
Daily Hair Care Routine to Prevent Breakage
Maintaining a consistent hair care routine is key to enhancing these natural prevention techniques. Here is a simple yet effective regimen you can follow:
- Anti-residue Shampoo: Use an anti-residue shampoo once a week to eliminate debris, dust particles, and product buildup from your hair and scalp.
- Hydrating Shampoo: Cleanse your hair with a hydrating shampoo twice weekly to ensure it stays moisturized and nourished.
- Hydrating Rinse-off Conditioner: After shampooing, apply a hydrating rinse-off conditioner twice weekly to provide additional moisture and improve hair manageability.
- Leave-in Conditioner: Use a leave-in conditioner regularly to protect your hair shaft and maintain hydration throughout the day. This product is essential and should always remain in your hair.
- Deep Conditioning Treatment: Treat your hair to a deep conditioning treatment once every 15 days to restore moisture, repair damage, and enhance softness.
- Oil Therapy: Apply your favorite natural oil to your hair and scalp twice a week to nourish and strengthen your hair and promote overall scalp health.
Remember, this routine is a guideline. Feel free to adjust it based on your hair’s unique needs and conditions for optimal results.
Proven Combinations for Reducing Hair Breakage
Our Bounce Curl products have been meticulously tested to ensure they help reduce hair breakage. Here are some highly recommended combinations, along with their impressive results:
- This combination has been shown to reduce hair breakage by approximately 51%. Start with the Gentle Clarifying Shampoo to deeply cleanse your hair and scalp. Follow with the Turmeric Hair Detox Mask to purify and nourish, and finish with the Ayurvedic Deep Conditioner to infuse your hair with natural herbs for ultimate softness and strength.
- Using these two products together can reduce hair breakage by approximately 36%. The Pure Silk Moisturizing Shampoo hydrates your scalp with essential fatty acids, while the Super Smooth Cream Conditioner provides gentle hydration without weighing down your hair.
- This combination reduces hair breakage by approximately 62% for the highest level of protection. After the hydrating benefits of the Pure Silk Moisturizing Shampoo and Super Smooth Cream Conditioner, apply the Moisture Balance Leave-In Conditioner for deep nourishment and UV protection.
- Hydra Drench Cleansing Conditioner + Super Smooth Cream Conditioner This duo reduces hair breakage by approximately 46%. The Hydra Drench Cleansing Conditioner gently cleanses and hydrates parched hair, while the Super Smooth Cream Conditioner ensures your hair remains moisturized and tangle-free.
Product Benefits
Using these superb combinations of Bounce Curl products can effectively reduce hair breakage. Made with naturally derived, science-backed formulas, these products have been clinically tested to ensure they minimize breakage. Incorporating these products into your hair care routine will help you achieve stronger, healthier, and more resilient hair.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between hair loss and hair breakage is vital for choosing the right treatments. You can maintain healthy hair and prevent damage by following proper hair care routines and using effective products. Embrace these tips and enjoy beautiful, resilient hair every day!
References:
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- Camacho‐Bragado, G.; Balooch, G.; Dixon‐Parks, F.; Porter, C.; Bryant, H., Understanding breakage in curly hair. British Journal of Dermatology 2015, 173 (S2), 10-16.
- Bryant, H.; Porter, C.; Yang, G., Curly hair: measured differences and contributions to breakage. International Journal of Dermatology 2012, 51, 8-11.
- Ghanaat, M., Types of hair loss and treatment options, including the novel low-level light therapy and its proposed mechanism. South Med J 2010, 103 (9), 917-921.
- Mirmirani, P., Hormonal changes in menopause: do they contribute to a ‘midlife hair crisis’ in women? British Journal of Dermatology 2011, 165 (s3), 7-11.
- Rushton, D.; Norris, M.; Dover, R.; Busuttil, N., Causes of hair loss and the developments in hair rejuvenation. International journal of cosmetic science 2002, 24 (1), 17-23.
damage. J. Cosmet. Sci 2011, 62, 207.
- Robbins, C., Hair breakage during combing. I. Pathways of breakage. Journal of Cosmetic Science 2006, 57 (3), 233-243.
- Maldonado, P. D.; Alvarez-Idaboy, J. R.; Aguilar-González, A.; Lira-Rocha, A.; Jung-Cook, H.; Medina-Campos, O. N.; Pedraza-Chaverrí, J.; Galano, A., Role of allyl group in the hydroxyl and peroxyl radical scavenging activity of S-allylcysteine. The Journal of Physical Chemistry B 2011, 115 (45), 13408-13417.
- Ruksiriwanich, W.; Khantham, C.; Muangsanguan, A.; Chittasupho, C.; Rachtanapun, P.; Jantanasakulwong, K.; Phimolsiripol, Y.; Sommano, S. R.; Sringarm, K.; Ferrer, E., Phytochemical constitution, anti-inflammation, anti-androgen, and hair growth-promoting potential of shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) extract. Plants 2022, 11 (11), 1499.
- Sharquie, K. E.; Al‐Obaidi, H. K., Onion juice (Allium cepa L.), a new topical treatment for alopecia areata. The Journal of dermatology 2002, 29 (6), 343-346.
- Panahi, Y.; Taghizadeh, M.; Marzony, E. T.; Sahebkar, A., Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial. Skinmed 2015, 13 (1), 15-21.
- Schulz, C.; Bielfeldt, S.; Reimann, J., Fenugreek+ micronutrients: Efficacy of a food supplement against hair loss. Kosmetische Medizin 2006, 27 (4), 176.
