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Your hair plays a significant role in your overall appearance, so it is only natural to invest many hours in its care.
However, the first step is recognizing signs of damaged and poor hair health.
You should watch out for indicators such as excessive hair fall, split ends, frizz, dullness, compromised elasticity, and dandruff problems, which are all red flags demanding immediate care. (1)
Signs That Your Hair Is Damaged
Ever wondered what damaged hair truly looks like? Read on for the signs and insights on how to rejuvenate your hair health.
You lose more than 100 strands daily
Recognizing signs of damaged hair is crucial. Losing more than 100 hairs daily is a red flag, signaling potential issues with your hair or underlying health conditions.
While some hair fall is natural in the hair growth cycle, exceeding this limit may indicate a significant problem.
Termed “hair shedding,” excessive daily hair loss could result from medical conditions such as thyroid issues, polycystic ovarian disorder (PCOD), alopecia areata, pregnancy, postoperative stress, and other illnesses. (2)(3)(4)
Combating excessive hair fall involves therapeutic hot oil massages using nourishing oils such as amla oil, olive oil, argan oil, and coconut oil.
This practice enhances blood flow to the follicles, ensuring a rich supply of nutrients and oxygen to the scalp. (5)
Your hair frays a lot and you have split ends
Nature has designed your hair with a built-in protective outer layer called the hair cuticle. When this shield starts to get damaged, split ends take the front.
Split ends appear as strands branching toward the tips, causing a messy look and making the hair more prone to breakage. (1)
Packed with fatty acids, coconut oil deeply nourishes the hair and scalp. Its easy absorption ensures proper hair care, creating an added defense against split ends. (6)(7)
Your hair breaks when slightly pulled or stretched
Hair that breaks with a slight pull or stretch signals an issue. Hair strands are naturally elastic, thanks to keratin fibers, which allow the hair strands to stretch and bounce back.
However, damaged or unhealthy hair loses this resilience, becoming prone to breakage. (8)(9)
To enhance elasticity, prioritize omega-3 and -6 fatty acids in your diet. These nutrients provide essential moisture to the hair, promoting overall hair and scalp health. (10)
You struggle with dull and frizzy hair
Excessive frizz can also signal unhealthy locks. For this, you can blame today’s trend of frequent heat styling and the use of chemical-filled products that often trap people in the vicious and never-ending cycle of frizzy hair. (11)(12)
Also, it is normal to be concerned about dull hair lacking a healthy shine. Shiny hair reflects the hair’s structural strength and resilience. Pollution and chemicals can strip away this shine, leaving your hair looking lifeless. (13)
A yogurt and honey mask with its intense hydrating properties works wonders in conditioning the hair, making it shiny and frizz-free. Just blend 4 tbsp of yogurt with 1 tbsp of honey for a perfect hair mask. (14)
You have dandruff and slow hair growth
Dandruff isn’t just an annoying issue; it’s a sign of scalp oil imbalance. A scalp that is too oily or excessively dry can lead to troublesome dandruff issues, causing damage to your locks.
The symptoms of dandruff, including flakiness and itchiness, also hinder hair growth by causing the accumulation of dead skin cells on the scalp. (15)(16)(17)
Most-Asked Questions
Can coloring or heat styling cause damage?
Yes, both these hair treatments can strip moisture from the hair and weaken the hair structure.
What about the frequent use of hair products?
Overuse and the frequent use of hair products can lead to product buildup, making the hair dull and prone to breakage.
Is it possible to repair damaged hair?
While you can’t fully reverse the damage, good hair care can help.
How often should I trim my hair to prevent damage?
Regular trims every 8-12 weeks prevent split ends from worsening.
Final Word
Damaged hair exhibits signs such as excessive hair fall, split ends, frizz, dullness, compromised elasticity, and dandruff.
Losing over 100 strands daily may indicate underlying health issues. Frizz and dullness that stem from heat styling and the use of chemical products are also red flags to look out for. Furthermore, dandruff signals scalp oil imbalance, which hinders hair growth.
Recognizing these signs is very important for proactive hair care.
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