Hair fall and hair breakage: Know the difference

Loss of volume is invariably one of the most common hair issues faced by all these days. Hair thinning or shedding can make your hair look limp or even form bald patches. When we witness our hair volume reducing, we tend to assume that hair fall is the root cause. While hair fall is a major concern, it still might not be the only cause of decreasing volume. Hair breakage could also be adding to your already existing hair problems. Both the terms might sound similar to you, but they have prominent differences. If you are someone who’s confused between both terms, we’re here to break it down for you.

Health Shots got in touch with Dr Mandeep Singh, HOD-Plastic Surgery, Paras Health, Gururgram, to understand the key difference between hair fall and hair breakage.

What is hair fall?

Hair fall and breakage are two common hair problems that most people face. Although both conditions can result in hair loss, they are caused by different factors and have different characteristics.

Dr Singh explains the issue of hair fall. “Hair fall, commonly known as hair shedding, happens when the hair follicle hits the end of its growth cycle and falls out naturally. On average, people lose 50 to 100 hair strands per day, which is considered normal. However, excessive hair fall can be a sign of an underlying health condition such as hormonal changes, stress, nutritional deficiencies, or genetics. Hair fall typically results in the entire shaft coming out from the root, leaving a white bulb at the end of the strand.”

Tips to treat hair fall

Hair fall can be controlled with the right guidance and routine. You may abide by the following tips to see visible results.

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• Oil your hair at least once a week to promote scalp health.
• Switch to a hydrating conditioner and a gentle shampoo that is devoid of parabens and sulfates. Such products cause the least damage or drying of the hair.
• Wash your hair twice or thrice a week to have a clean scalp.
• Your diet plays a major role in maintaining the health of your hair. Incorporate foods rich in iron, omega-3, and other essential vitamins to make your hair strong and healthy from within.

What is hair breakage?

“Hair breakage, on the other hand, occurs when the hair strand breaks due to external stressors such as excessive heat styling, harsh chemicals, tight hairstyles, or brushing and combing hair while they are wet. Hair breakage often results in shorter, uneven hair strands that have a rough, frayed appearance. Unlike hair fall, hair breakage does not typically result in a white bulb at the end of the strand,“ explains the expert.

Also read: Bhringraj can help you boost hair growth and control hair fall! Know how to use it

Tips to treat hair breakage

• Hair breakage commonly occurs when your hair become dry and brittle. The best way to treat is to add moisture back to your hair. You may start using hydrating shampoos and conditions on your tresses that will help your mane regain strength.
• You may also start using a repairing hair mask twice a week to lock moisture in your hair.
• Lastly, try to keep away from hair styling and heating tools as much as possible.