Photo via @thejaynekim
Summer can take a serious toll on your hair. Between chlorinated pools, ocean swims, and relentless heat and humidity, your strands have been through a lot by the time September rolls around. Now that fall is on the horizon, there’s no better time to give your hair some extra attention. If you’re dealing with breakage, the honest truth is that existing damage can’t be reversed – but that doesn’t mean your strands are a lost cause. With a few strategic additions to your routine and a commitment to consistency, you can absolutely prevent further damage and get your hair back on track. It just takes knowing where to start. Ahead, our tried-and-true tricks for preventing hair breakage before it gets worse.
What Causes Hair Breakage?
Unlike hair loss, which occurs when strands shed from the root, hair breakage happens when the shaft of the strand weakens and snaps. The result? Split ends, frizz, uneven lengths, and generally unruly strands – all the things standing between you and a good hair day. The culprits are numerous and often work in combination. For example, chemical treatments, like color and relaxers, compromise the hair’s internal structure, while environmental exposure to sun, salt, and chlorine strips moisture from the cuticle. Add excess stress from overbrushing, tight hairstyles, and excessive heat styling into the mix, and you have a recipe for chronically dry, fragile strands.
The tricky part is that most people don’t notice breakage until it’s already significant, which is exactly why a preventative approach matters more than a reactive one.
Build a Prevention Routine
A strengthening hair routine should focus on nourishing your strands while supporting their overall resilience. Look for products formulated with bond-building or strengthening ingredients, such as the Bur Bur Growing Season Repair Oil and Olaplex Bond Protector Serum, and work them into the ends of your hair regularly. It’s also important to prioritize hydration. Treat your strands to a deep-conditioning hair mask once a week to replenish moisture. Finally, don’t skip your trims. Keeping up with regular haircuts can help remove damaged ends before they have a chance to worsen and travel farther up the strand.
Follow these tips – and over time, you’ll be well on your way to fewer split ends and less breakage.
