Why does my hair break? 8 causes to know

Feel like your hair has stopped growing when it is actually breaking regularly? Breakage can make your lengths seem stuck. Before looking for a miracle product, it helps to understand what weakens the hair fibre.

Breakage or hair loss: what is the difference?

Breakage happens when the hair fibre snaps somewhere along its length, so you often find shorter pieces of hair with no root.
Hair loss, on the other hand, is when a hair comes out from its follicle, in the scalp.
A hair found on your brush is therefore not always a sign of the same thing.
Telling them apart helps you understand what you are seeing and adapt your routine.

Why does my hair break?

Hair breaks when its fibre becomes too fragile to withstand everyday handling. Several factors can add up: very dry, less supple lengths, rough detangling, frequent use of heated styling tools, colouring or bleaching, and friction against clothing and towels. The ends are particularly exposed, as they are the oldest part of the hair. An unsuitable routine can also make things worse, for example if it leaves your lengths hard to detangle.

Why does my hair break when I detangle it?

When a knot resists, pulling on it can snap the hair. Divide your hair into sections, start at the ends and work your way up gradually. Hold the strand above the knot so you don't pull on the roots. A product that helps the comb glide can make this step gentler.

How to detangle your hair without damaging it

Dry and brittle hair: what is the link?

Dry lengths can feel rough, be less supple and harder to detangle, so they may be put under more strain during styling. Dryness is not the only possible cause of breakage, though: heat, chemical treatments and mechanical handling matter too.

To better recognise the signs of dryness, see our Dry hair page.

How can I stop my hair from breaking?

Start by limiting what weakens your lengths: detangle without pulling, pat your hair dry instead of rubbing it with a towel and avoid hairstyles that are too tight. If you use a hairdryer or straightener, lower the temperature and use suitable heat protection. Pay special attention to your ends: once they are split, a treatment can improve how they feel, but it will not seal them back together permanently.

Find more tips on our Brittle hair page.

What routine for brittle hair?

A simple routine can follow three steps: wash gently, make detangling easier, then care for your lengths and ends. Adjust the amount of product to your hair texture to keep it supple without weighing it down.

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Looking for a simple routine for fragile hair? Discover our brittle hair routine, built around hydration, nourishment and protection.

FAQ – Brittle hair

Why does my hair break?
Breakage can be linked to several factors, including dry lengths, friction, heat, chemical treatments or rough detangling.

Why does my hair break in the middle?
Breakage mid-length can appear where the hair is under repeated stress, for example from heat, friction or the tension of certain hairstyles.

Why does my hair break at the ends?
The ends are older and more exposed to wear. When they become very fragile or split, they can snap more easily.

Does dry hair break more?
Very dry hair can be less supple and harder to detangle, which can encourage breakage. But not all dry hair breaks, and dryness is not the only cause.

How can I prevent breakage?
Detangle gently, limit excessive heat and friction, and adapt your products to the condition of your lengths. If your ends are badly damaged, a trim can help.

Which oil should I use for brittle hair?
Choose a hair oil suited to your texture and apply a moderate amount to your lengths or ends. An oil can improve how your hair feels, but it cannot permanently repair a fibre that has already snapped.

How can I tell breakage from hair loss?
Breakage is when the fibre snaps along its length: you may find short pieces of hair. Hair loss is when the hair comes out from its follicle, at the scalp.