If I asked you if you wanted healthy, luscious, thick, beautiful hair I’m 100% sure you wouldn’t say no. It’s something we all wish for. Right? However, in order to achieve that, our hair requires strength.
The strength of your hair is compromised daily without knowing how to identify weak strands and taking actions. Knowing how to build and maintain your hair’s strength with these tips will help stop unnecessary breakage and the avoid the health decline of your hair.
What are the signs of weak hair?
The signs of weak hair are often very visible and can appear dull with irregular length (due to split ends), frizzy, tangled, rough, and can cause hair thinning.[1] The common symptom of all weakened hair is the lack of elasticity of the hair strand. This results in little to no resilience when the hair is manipulated.
What causes weak hair?
GENETICS
Genetics determine the hair's texture, length, growth rate and density of our hair and it’s no different with hair weakness. Our genetics determine how quickly or slowly our hair thins as we age.
HORMONES
Hormonal imbalances are often another cause of sudden hair loss in men and women. For instance, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can cause significant weakness in hair[2] and PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome may cause male-pattern baldness in women[3].
SCALP INFECTIONS
Fungal infections like Piedra can cause the hair to become extremely weak [4] and Seborrheic Dermatitis can even interrupt the hair’s growth cycle; causing the hair to fall out prematurely [5].
POOR DIET
Whether your diet is being affected by stress or you’re on a crash diet that often leaves out whole food groups the results manifest in your hair’s health. Eating a balanced diet is essential to growing strong hair. The lack of vitamins A, D, E, iron, niacin, biotin, selenium, folic acid, and protein can cause weak hair. [6]
MEDICATION
A variety of medications may interfere with the hair’s growth cycle and produce hair loss [7]. The good news is that medication-induced hair loss is usually reversible after treatment, or the use of medication is discontinued.
ILLNESS/DISEASE
Normally the hair grows within a cycle. The active phase a, the rest phase and then it sheds to replace the old hair to grow a new strand. When the body is faced with trauma due to illness or an underlying disease
HYGRAL FATIGUE
Water absorption causes hair strands to swell and when done excessively; it can cause hair texture changes or breakage [8] For instance, Hygral Fatigue is the result of the swelling and deswelling of the hair[9], leaving the strand limp and lifeless because of an imbalance of moisture and protein .
EXCESSIVE STYLING
Everyday styling of tour strands causes natural “weathering” and can contribute to frizz or tangling [10].When the hair becomes overly manipulated or subject to damaging hair practices it can damage the hair’s cuticle. Once the hair cuticle is damaged the hair becomes weakened.
3 WAYS TO STRENGTHEN WEAK HAIR
#1) TREAT WITH PROTEIN
One of the basic protein building blocks of the hair is keratin and typically the main protein affected during when the hair is damage [11]. Previous studies have shown that when the hair’s protein structure has been damaged through chemical styling, protein treatments such as a keratin treatment[12] may be helpful in strengthening the hair.
A great conditioner to helping balance out protein and moisture is
If you’re looking for a more protein concentrated treatment , I recommend trying :
#2 DIET BALANCE
Certain vitamin deficiencies are important for cell growth and can cause hair loss when deficient. [13] It's extremely important to make sure your body is getting the right amount of nutrients to support strong strands. Below is a list of vitamins needed for stronger hair.
VITAMINS AND MINERALS | FOOD SOURCES |
Vitamin A | Spinach, eggs, milk, carrots, sweet potatoes, yogurt, |
Vitamin B | Dark leafy vegetables, whole grains, milk, cheese, meat |
Vitamin C | Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers |
Vitamin D | Tuna, milk, egg yolk, fortified non-dairy milk |
Vitamin E | Avocados, almonds,sunflower seeds |
Iron | Read meat, spinach, eggs, dried fruit, seafood |
Selenium | Cashews, bananas, fish, turkey, chicken, spinach, milk |
Zinc | Legumes, pumpkin seeds, shellfish, dark chocolate |
Riboflavin | Mushrooms, eggs, lean meats, quinoa, spinach, tomatoes, fortified cereals and grains |
Biotin | Liver, salmon, nuts and seeds, dairy, egg yolk |
**You should always seek the advice of your doctor if you are taking medications or have pre-existing medical conditions before taking supplements
#3 SMART STYLING
One of the best ways to combat weak, brittle hair is to prevent it from happening. Make sure you are incorporating these smart styling tips into your hair routine:
· Avoid or limit harsh hair treatments that include, dye, or texture altering chemicals
· Detangle in sections gently with a product that provides slip
· Use a leave-in treatment for added protection
· Get rid of split ends
· Use the right hair products made for your unique hair texture.
· Avoid high heat styling
· Choose styles with little to no tension to reduce stress on the hair
THE WRAP-UP
Weak strands can be prevented. It’s always better to take precautions than to try and repair them. Even though there are measures you can take to help restore strength to the hair it doesn’t guarantee complete reversal of damage. By following the techniques and tips found here, you can easily maintain hair strength and stop weak, damaged hair before it starts.
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