Do you wonder why hair breaks off on top? Hair breakage is a common issue, and there are many reasons why it might happen. In fact, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, about 80 million Americans experience hair breakage.
In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of hair breakage on the top of the head and some solutions you can try. Keep reading to learn more!
Why Is My Hair Breaks on Top of Head?
There are many reasons why your hair might be breaking. The first step in fixing the problem is to identify the cause. Here are some of the most common causes of hair breakage:
Hair Products and Heat Styling
One of the most common causes of hair breakage on top of the head is physical trauma to the hair. Physical trauma happens if you use harsh shampoo or conditioner, brush your hair too roughly, or wear your hair in tight styles that put a lot of tension on the strands.
Frequent use of heat styling also damages the hair. If you use hot tools like curling irons, blow dryers, and hair straighteners more than you should, you’ll experience some hair breakage over time.
Furthermore, heat styling dries the hair, increasing the risk of breakage. If you must use hot tools, use a heat protectant spray before styling.
Remember to give your hair a break from the heat for a few days before heat styling again. Avoid dyeing your hair frequently, as this can cause damage and make your hair more susceptible to breakage.
Diet
If you’re noticing more hair breakage than usual, it might be time to take a closer look at your diet. While many factors can contribute to hair breakage, including genetics and over-styling, diet is also a major factor.
Like the rest of your body, your hair needs certain nutrients to stay strong and healthy. Not getting enough nutrients like iron, vitamin D, and zinc can lead to dry, brittle hair that’s more prone to breakage.
Not Trimming the Hair
Trim the ends once in a while to keep your hair growing and strong. Your hair stylist should do away with the split ends to avoid further breakage nearer to the hair shaft.
Tight Styling
Styling your hair with tight hair bands or frequent tight hairstyles weakens the hair. The hair stretches and later breaks from the root because of tight hairstyles.
Tight hairstyles can also lead to a hair condition known as traction alopecia. This condition is caused by putting too much tension on your hair, usually if you wear your hair in a tight ponytail or bun.
See a doctor or dermatologist for treatment if you suspect you have traction alopecia.
Protein Deficiency
Hair contains a protein called Keratin, a protein that keeps it strong and in good condition. Subject your hair to regular protein treatments from time to time to ensure that it retains the nutrients it requires to reduce split ends.
The loss of elasticity of your hair or the appearance of stringiness are signs that it needs protein treatment as soon as possible.
How to Prevent Hair Breakage
So, now that you are familiar with the common causes of hair breakage, you could be wondering what to do to prevent hair breakage at the top of your head. Use the following simple tips:
- Cut back on the amount of heat you’re using on your hair. Let it air dry more often, and only style it when necessary.
- Shampoo the hair properly with a product free from harsh and stripping ingredients that dry the hair out.
- Use hair conditioner after every hair shampooing session to help seal and smoothen the split ends.
- Take a multivitamin to give you all the nutrients you need.
- Keep the hair moisturized.
- If you think you might have a medical condition causing your hair breakage, see a doctor as soon as possible.
How to Fix Hair Breakage at the Top of the Head
If you’re already experiencing hair breakage at the top of your head, there are a few things you can do to try and fix it.
Deep Condition the Hair
Deep conditioning treatments penetrate the hair shaft to provide much-needed moisture and nourishment.
This can help to repair damage and prevent future breakage. In addition, deep conditioning can help to make your hair more manageable and easier to style.
Trim the Split Ends
If your hair is particularly dry or brittle, you might want to consider getting a trim to help get rid of any damaged ends. Ask your hairstylist to even out your hair on every salon visit or do it yourself at home.
Eat Nutrient-Rich Diet
If your diet is the cause of hair breakage, make sure to eat healthy foods. Here are some nutrient-rich foods that are good for your hair:
- Omega-3 fatty acids: These are present in salmon, tuna, avocados, and nuts.
- Vitamin A: Can be found in sweet potatoes, carrots, and dark leafy greens.
- Vitamin C: In oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers.
- Vitamin E: In sunflower seeds, almonds, and spinach.
- Protein: In chicken, beef, tofu, and beans.
- Iron: In red meat, dark leafy greens, and fortified cereals.
- Zinc: In oysters, crab, and fortified cereals.
Ensuring you get enough of these nutrients in your diet can help reduce hair breakage and keep your locks looking lustrous.
Avoid Stress
Stress causes hair breakage through a process known as telogen effluvium. This is the process whereby stress causes growing hair to break off prematurely. To reduce stress:
- Make sure you have enough sleep
- Do more exercises
- Listen to calming songs while resting
- Take a deep breath when anxious
- Participate in activities that clear your head.
Reduce Heat Styling
Heat-style your hair less than once a week using the lowest setting on your styling tools to prevent breakage. Spray heat protectant on the hair and top of your head before heat-styling.
Avoid Tight Styling
Use gentle hair clips and ties to reduce tension on your hair. Also, reduce how often you get tight hairstyles, ponytails, or buns.
How to Hide Hair Breakage at the Top of the Head
If your hair is already breaking and you’re trying to grow it out, there are a few ways you can style it to help camouflage the breakage.
- Braid the hair
- Pull it back with a gel to give it a sophisticated look
- Accessorize the hair – One option is to wear your hair in a style that covers the affected area. If you have long hair, try wearing it in a low ponytail or bun.
- Buy a few headwears – If you have shorter hair, you can try wearing a headband or hat. And if you don’t want to deal with your hair, you can always wear a wig or extensions.
- Hold the hair up in a messy hairdo to hide the imperfections
- Angle and Zigzag parting also conceal the broken strands on your hair compared to the middle parting.
- Contrast the hair by adding lowlights/highlights.
- Use volumizing sprays which coat the broken hair strands giving a fake appearance of fullness.
Wrapping Up
If you wonder why do your hair break off on top, don’t despair. Avoid the causes of hair breakage and treat the hair properly to make it healthy and stronger again.
The idea is to prevent further damage that may lead to more severe problems such as hair loss. The process requires discipline and patience.
Visit a doctor if you think you might have a medical condition that’s causing your hair breakage.