Causes of Hair Breakage and How to Avoid It

Breakage unlike shedding is neither a natural or normal process but rather an indication of an imbalance between important forces within the hair strand. These forces are protein and moisture. Broken hairs do not fall naturally from the head, they are signs of mishandling or abuse.

Breakage may be caused by damage from the use of heat, exposure to the sun, rough handling or mechanical abuse and chemical processes such as relaxers or hair dyes. The older the hair the more vulnerable it becomes to breakage. This makes the ends of hair likely to break from typical, everyday wear and tear. In addition to everyday wear and tear on the older parts of hair, breakage may also result from a lack of moisture (conditioning) in the hair strands or too much protein in the hair cause by excessive protein treatments.

Even with the greatest care and pamper, some breakage is inevitable due to the delicate nature of our hair, especially if you have fine kinks and coils common to most naturals. All you can do is try to keep breakage to the absolute minimum. A few broken strands while handling your hair is not cause for concern. However if you start noticing several broken strands over a short period of time then perhaps you should be mindful of your hair's protein or moisture balance.

Pay attention to your nails before you handle your hair, make sure there are no rough edges to snag hair. Always be careful when handling hair and detangle with care beginning at the ends and working your way up. Also, be mindful of the tools you use in your hair and whether they are contributing to breakage. Give your hair ends some TLC (tender loving Care). Always remember they are the oldest, weakest part of your hair so they will be more prone to breakage. Do not skip or shorten your conditioning step. Condition your hair after each shampoo and deep condition often. This is especially critical if your hair has been colored or dyed. If you co-wash with traditional conditioners, remember that these typically contain protein and too much protein will lead to breakage and other hair damage. Check and read your labels very well. Keep hair ends in shape with regular trims and minimize the use of heat. This should lead to a reduction in breakage and help in maintaining a strong and healthy hair.

Seven Foods For Healthy Hair Growth

Hair loss is not uncommon for men but did you know that it can also affect women? Genetics plays a major role in male baldness but hormonal imbalances, underactive thyroid, nutritional deficiencies and stress are more common causes of hair loss in women.

If you want to counter hair loss there are a number of vitamin supplements available which provide your hair with the nutrients it requires for growth.

Here are 7 healthy foods packed full of nutrients your hair will love.

1. Oily Fish, Nuts and Avocados

The key hair is essential fatty acids which are not only critical to your overall health and wellbeing but also to the health of your hair. It will help your hair shine with health.

2. Citrus Fruit, Kiwi Fruit and Strawberries

What do these three fruits have in common? They are packed with vitamin C. Vitamin C helps in the production of collagen, and collagens is what surrounds and protects the hair shaft. If collagen breaks down hair is more likely to break, so increase collagen by increasing your vitamin C intake. Collagen also plays a vital role in the reduction of wrinkles so it's a win for your whole body.

3. Nuts, Brown Rice and Oats

These three foods include a form of vitamin B called Biotin. Biotin is key in hair growth and the circulation of nutrients around your scalp and hair follicles.

4. Red Meat, Dark Green Leafy Veges, Berries and Cashews

Iron is essential for hair growth so it is critical that you get enough. Women often suffer from iron deficiency which is just going to add to hair loss issues. If you are not getting enough iron in your diet then take a good supplement. Vitamin C is key to iron absorption so keep up the fresh fruit and vege too.

5. Cucumber, Mango, Asparagus

These foods are rich in silica which also play a major role in hair growth. If you really want to grow your hair fast then take a 500mg silica supplement twice daily.

6. Oysters, Brazil Nuts and Eggs

These are foods that are high in zinc. Zinc is essential for hair and nail strength. If you really think your hair and nails need a health boost you might want to consider taking zinc supplements, or even a zinc and silica supplement.

7. Sunflower Seeds, Almonds Pine nuts and Dried Apricots

These are all foods that are high in Vitamin E which is essential in the manufacture of Keratin. Keratin protects and strengthens hair. Increasing your vitamin E intake will help prevent breakage and further damage.

Finally, try to reduce your levels of stress this will help immensely to reduce the levels of hair loss.