If your hair feels dry, snaps easily or never seems to grow past a certain length, you may be dealing with breakage. The good news is that a few small changes to your routine can make a real difference.
Here is what causes hair breakage, how to spot it and how to help prevent it.
How to help prevent hair breakage: the short answer
- Swap tight elastics for claw clips. Smooth claws hold hair without snagging.
- Cut back on heat and chemicals. Air-dry when you can and always use a heat protectant.
- Treat your hair weekly. A hydrating mask or oil restores softness and shine.
- Be gentle. Use a smooth comb, especially on wet hair.
- Trim regularly. Trims stop split ends travelling further up the hair.
How can I tell if my hair is damaged?
- Split ends
- Flyaways you cannot tame
- Frizz that will not smooth down
- Uneven lengths
- Short, broken strands around the crown or hairline
- Hair that seems to stop growing at a certain length
- Dullness and a lack of shine
- Overall dryness
If a few of these sound familiar, do not worry. With consistent care, you will see an improvement.
What causes split ends?
Split ends happen when the protective outer layer of the hair, the cuticle, wears down and the strand begins to fray. Common causes include:
- Heat styling with straighteners, curling tongs and hairdryers
- Bleach, colour and relaxers
- Over-washing or harsh shampoos
- Sun, wind and pollution
- Rough handling, such as brushing hard or tying hair too tightly
A split end treatment can soften the look of fraying, but a trim is the only way to remove split ends.
Why is my hair shedding so much?
For many of us, extra shedding is a seasonal change. If it feels excessive or carries on for months, it is worth speaking to your GP or a trichologist.
How do I get my hair healthy again?
1. Swap hair ties for claw clips
Tight elastics can snag, stretch and break hair, especially if you wear them every day. A claw clip holds hair without the tight pull. Our French Handmade claw clips are polished three times during a ten-step process, so the edges are beautifully smooth.
2. Reduce heat and chemical damage
Air-dry when you can, use a heat protectant spray and leave time between colouring or chemical treatments.
3. Nourish with treatments
Use a weekly treatment such as a hydrating mask, leave-in conditioner or oil to restore softness, shine and strength.
4. Be gentle when styling
Detangle with a smooth-edged comb such as our Large Handled Comb in Periwinkle, especially when hair is wet. Wrap hair in a soft towel or T-shirt instead of rubbing it dry.
5. Have regular trims
It may feel counterintuitive, but trimming split ends stops them travelling further up the hair, so it looks healthier overall.
Frequently asked questions
Are claw clips better for your hair than hair ties?
A smooth claw clip spreads the hold across more hair and avoids the tight pull of an elastic. Read about the benefits of hair claws.
Can hair accessories cause breakage?
Rough or poorly finished accessories can catch on hair. Choose smooth, polished pieces in the right size. We explain more in do barrettes damage hair?
How long does it take to repair damaged hair?
Damaged lengths cannot be fully repaired, but with gentle care and regular trims, new growth comes through healthier over a few months.
Find your perfect piece
Be kind to your hair every day. Shop our claw clips.
