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Hair Breakage vs Hair Fall: How to Identify & Treat Both

Dr. Jagatjit Singh Kohli

Dr. Jagatjit Singh Kohli

MBBS, DHMS-Harvard, Masters in Clinical Dermatology

July 17th, 2025

Hair issues can be baffling. One morning, you notice broken hair on your pillow. Next, your hairbrush is bristling with hair. But is hair fall or hair breakage? Knowing the difference is the beginning of the solution. Many people treat them the same, but they aren’t. This blog will help you spot the signs, learn the causes, and explore the best treatment options.

What Is Hair Breakage?

Hair breakage happens when the strand snaps off from the middle. It does not drop from the root and typically shows up as little, broken pieces of hair.

How to Identify Hair Breakage

  • You see a lot of split ends.
  • Hair is dry, soft, or rough to the touch.
  • Strands of hair are uneven and shorter.
  • Breakage often shows up around the crown, hairline, or ends.

Common Causes of Hair Breakage

  • Lack of moisture or protein.
  • Overuse of heat styling tools.
  • Tight hairstyles like ponytails or braids.
  • Using harsh shampoos or not conditioning enough.
  • Chemical treatments (bleaching, colouring, straightening).

What Is Hair Fall?

Hair fall (or hair loss) means the hair strand falls from the root. Everyone loses some hair daily, but if it’s more than 50-100 strands a day, it could be a problem.

How to Identify Hair Fall

  • Hair parting looks wider than before.
  • You can see thinning or bald patches.
  • Hair falls while brushing, washing, or sleeping.
  • You notice full strands with the white bulb (root).

Common Causes of Hair Fall

  • Certain medicines.
  • Stress or sickness.
  • Bad diet or nutrient lack.
  • Genetics or family history.
  • Hormonal fluctuations (pregnancy or menopause).

Hair Breakage vs Hair Fall: Key Differences

Feature
Hair Breakage
Hair Fall
Where it Breaks Middle of the strand From the root
Strand Appearance Jagged fragments Long strand with bulbous root
Common Cause Styling or dryness damage Hormonal, genetic, or internal
Type of Treatment External treatment Internal treatment or medical assistance

How to Treat Hair Breakage

  • Be Gentle to Hair – Do not brush wet hair harshly. Use a wide-tooth comb.
  • Trims Are a Boon – Trimming every 6–8 weeks can keep split ends from travelling up the strand.
  • Switch to Gently Shampooing – Harsh shampoos remove moisture from hair. Opt for sulfate-free shampoos.
  • Reduce Heat Use – Avoid blow-drying, straightening, or curling. Apply a heat protectant whenever necessary.
  • Deep Condition Regularly – Apply hydrating masks and conditioners. Opt for products containing protein and natural oils.
  • Repair Your Hair with Proper Care – A proper hair breakage treatment improves the hair from within. Clinics provide treatments that regain shine, moisture, and elasticity.

How to Treat Hair Fall

  • Eat Hair-Friendly Foods – Consume more iron, zinc, vitamin D, and protein.
  • Avoid Crash Diets – Drastic weight loss or improper diet can cause hair loss.
  • Check Hormones and Deficiencies – At times, it’s an inside job. Have your blood tests done.
  • Manage Stress Levels – Stress can induce excessive hair loss. Practice meditation, walking, or any relaxing hobby.
  • Experiment with Safe Oils and Scalp Massage – Apply natural oils such as coconut, castor, or rosemary. Massage boosts blood flow.
  • Consultation – When nothing helps, it’s time to consult with clinics that offer personalised hair loss treatment based on your scalp and health.

When to See a Specialist

It’s okay to try home care for a while. But if your hair keeps thinning or breaking, see a pro. A dermatologist for hair loss can spot the cause quickly and give the right treatment plan. Experts look at your scalp, lifestyle, and body health before starting a treatment. You’ll get a custom plan with real results.

Final Thoughts

Hair breakage and hair fall are different problems. But both need the proper care to fix. While hair breakage often comes from outside damage, hair fall usually starts from inside the body. Don’t ignore the signs and spot the problem early. Choose the right hair breakage treatment or hair loss treatment to bring back your healthy hair. And if it feels too much to handle, the experts at www.agelockskinclinics.com are just one visit away.

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Hair Breakage vs Hair Fall: How to Identify & Treat Both
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