Hair Breakage: 5 Common Causes and How To Prevent it in the First Place

There’s no better feeling than having a fresh hair color, but the truth is, it causes damage to the hair. Over processing it using bleach or other harsh coloring agents can cause the cuticle to break down, leading to dryness and frizz. Counteract this by asking your colorist to use a bonding treatment to help maintain the integrity of your hair and shield against potential damage.

Regularly blow-drying, straightening and curling your hair will cause damage. Using a heat protection spray, and a shampoo and conditioner formulated for damaged, over-processed hair will work wonders. Dove Rescue & Protect Shampoo and Serum Conditioner, infused with ceramides and peptides, nourishes and protects hair from the inside out, to strengthen strands and seal split ends.

Think Kim Kardashian-inspired high-and-tight ponytails, created using hair gels that sometimes contain high amounts of drying alcohol. Over time they can put pressure on your roots, and tight bands may be abrasive to the cuticle surface. While it’s great to style your hair however you like, we'd recommend saving more extravagant looks for special occasions rather than every day. 

Yep, you heard us correctly, washing your hair too often can damage it (something to bear in mind if you suffer with an oily scalp). Of course, washing it once a day is fine, but avoid any more than that. Instead, make dry shampoo your new best friend. Dove Detox and Purify Dry Shampoo removes oil, leaving no visible residue. The dream.

It may sound obvious, but chances are you’re not being as gentle as you should be. Try not to towel dry hair vigorously post-shower, use detangling brushes and try not to tug them through tangles. Switch to silk hair bands, avoiding elastic ones that can get stuck and tear hair, and if you’re feeling particularly bouji, invest in a silk pillowcase to help hair retain moisture and fight frizz.