Hair breakage at the top of your head can be frustrating, but the good news is that it’s fixable with the right approach. Understanding the causes and making necessary changes to your hair care routine can help restore your hair’s strength and health. This guide will take you through the reasons behind hair breakage and provide effective steps to stop it.
Understanding Hair Breakage at the Top
Hair breakage is different from hair shedding. While shedding involves the entire strand falling out from the root, breakage occurs when the hair weakens and snaps along the shaft. If you notice short, frizzy, or uneven hairs at the top of your head, you may be dealing with breakage.
Common Causes of Hair Breakage on Top
1. Tight Hairstyles & Excessive Tension
Wearing tight ponytails, buns, or braids consistently puts stress on your hair, leading to breakage. This condition, called traction alopecia, weakens hair follicles over time.
2. Incorrect Brushing Techniques
Brushing too aggressively or starting at the roots can create knots and cause unnecessary tension, leading to breakage.
3. Heat Styling & Chemical Treatments
Frequent use of flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers strips moisture from your hair, making it brittle. Similarly, chemical treatments like relaxers, perms, and frequent hair coloring weaken hair structure
4. Lack of Proper Nutrition
Hair health is directly linked to diet. A deficiency in essential nutrients like iron, vitamin D, and protein can cause weak, breakage-prone hair.
5. Infrequent Trimming
Split ends travel up the hair shaft, making the strands weak and prone to snapping
6. Improper Hair Washing & Drying Habits
Overwashing strips the hair of natural oils, while aggressive towel drying can roughen the cuticle, increasing breakage.
7. Weaves, Extensions, & Protective Styles
While protective styles can help maintain length, wearing them too tightly or for too long can lead to breakage, especially at the crown.
8. Stress & Hormonal Imbalances
Stress triggers telogen effluvium, a condition that causes hair to fall out prematurely, making it appear as if your hair is breaking
How to Fix Hair Breakage at the Top
1. Be Gentle with Your Hair
Always detangle your hair starting from the ends and work your way up to minimize stress on your strands.
Use a wide-tooth comb or a brush with soft bristles.
2. Avoid Tight Hairstyles
Opt for looser ponytails, buns, or braids to reduce tension.
Use silk scrunchies instead of elastic bands to prevent pulling.
Try wearing your hair down a few times a week to give it a break.
3. Limit Heat Styling & Chemical Treatment
Keep heat styling to a minimum, no more than once a week.
Always apply a heat protectant before using hot tools.
Reduce the use of relaxers, perms, and hair dyes, spacing out treatments as much as possible.
4. Use Moisturizing & Strengthening Product
Apply a deep conditioning treatment at least once a week to keep your hair hydrated.
Use a leave-in conditioner to seal in moisture.
Incorporate protein treatments if your hair feels weak and stringy.
5. Trim Regularly
Get a trim every 8–12 weeks to remove split ends and prevent further breakage.
6. Improve Your Diet for Healthier Hair
Include nutrient-rich foods like:
Protein: Chicken, fish, tofu, and beans for hair strength.
Iron: Spinach, red meat, and lentils to prevent excessive shedding.
Vitamin A & C: Carrots, bell peppers, and oranges for scalp health. Zinc & Biotin: Nuts, seeds, and eggs to boost hair growth
7. Avoid Harsh Shampoo & Overwashing
Use a sulfate-free shampoo to prevent stripping natural oils.
Wash your hair only when necessary (every 2–3 days) to maintain moisture balance.
8. Massage Your Scalp for Blood Circulation
A 4-minute daily scalp massage can stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles.
Add a few drops of rosemary oil for extra nourishment.
9. Handle Wet Hair with Care
Avoid brushing wet hair aggressively. Instead, use a microfiber towel or let it air dry gently.
10. Protect Your Hair While Sleeping
Use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction that leads to breakage. Wrap your hair in a silk scarf or wear a satin bonnet
10. Protect Your Hair While Sleeping
Use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction that leads to breakage.
Wrap your hair in a silk scarf or wear a satin bonnet .
How to Hide Hair Breakage While It Grows Back
If you’re currently dealing with visible breakage, here are some ways to style your hair while it recovers:
- Try a messy updo to conceal broken strands.
- Use volumizing sprays to give the appearance of fuller hair.
- Opt for zigzag or side parting instead of a middle part to hide uneven lengths.
- Experiment with hair accessories like headbands or clips to cover breakage areas.
final thought
Hair breakage at the top can be distressing, but with patience and the right care, you can restore your hair’s strength. The key is to be gentle, avoid excessive tension, nourish your hair from within, and adopt a consistent and healthy hair routine.
By making small changes in your daily habits, you’ll soon notice healthier, stronger, and more resilient hair. Stay consistent, and your hair will thank you!