Weak and thinning hair not only looks unattractive, but is also difficult to manage. It is also susceptible to many problems like dead ends and split ends that occur when the hair is damaged due to heat or chemical application. One of the major causes of weak hair is improper or unbalanced diet. But there might also be other reasons like using hair dryer or straightener quite frequently or products that contain harmful chemicals.
In this post, we will explore what causes weak hair and how to strengthen damaged and fragile hair to look more attractive and be more self-assured.
How to Diagnose Weak Hair?
Some women may not be aware that they have weak or limp hair. However, it is very important to address this problem as it may indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as deficiency of certain nutrients in the body. Hair loss may be a sign of weak hair, but it is more related to genes. So, if you find that you are losing hair due to breakage, then you are not a victim of natural hair loss.
Weak hair can be diagnosed by finding out if you often experience dryness and dandruff or excessive oiling. Moreover, if your hair is quickly falling out, it may also be a sign of fragile hair. Another notable indicator of weakened hair is the appearance of split ends. Split ends can be treated in a number of ways that include getting a haircut every two months or so. It is also important to use the right products when caring for your hair and the experts suggest using products that contain natural ingredients good for your hair like Aloe Vera, jojoba, coconut oil, olive oil and chamomile.
It is also recommended to use shampoos that help to retain the moisture of hair instead of making it extremely dry. There are protein masks available on the market that can prove to be beneficial in strengthening weak hair. Remember that permanent damage to hair will be irreparable, so it’s important to address this issue before it’s too late.
What Causes Weak Hair?
Weak hair may have a genetic connection but progressive hair loss, split ends and dull-looking hair indicate that we have not been taking care of our hair properly.
Here are some of the known causes of weak hair or hair breakage and the conditions associated with it:
- Biotin (vitamin B7) and vitamin D deficiency;
- Iron deficiency;
- Calcium deficiency;
- Hypothyroidism;
- Stress;
- Extreme dryness and uncontrolled dandruff;
- Heat damage done by using dryers and irons;
- Professional hair straightening;
- Using harsh shampoos quite frequently;
- Using accessories that damage the hair;
- Backcombing;
- Coloring;
- Consumption of alcohol and some prescription drugs.
Hair loss or hair falling out is the first indication of weak hair. If the condition is deteriorating with time and home remedies are not being any effective, then it must be a case of nutrient deficiency. You must see a doctor and have your vitamin and mineral levels checked, especially those of iron, vitamin D and calcium. Stress can also prove to be detrimental to overall physical health including the health of hair, nails and skin.
Dryness and dandruff weaken the roots and eventually cause the hair to fall out, so the condition needs to be addressed on time.
You must also know how often to shampoo your hair; it is once a week, daily or twice a week. It mostly depends on your hair type and texture, for example, if you have oily hair it is fine to wash your hair every day but if you have dry hair excessive washing will only make the condition worse.
Alcohol is detrimental to overall health, so it might also be a cause of hair breakage. Cut back on alcohol consumption as well as other foods that may be linked with hair loss or thinning hair. If your thyroid gland is producing low thyroid hormone, it may also become a cause of weak hair. Some people take prescription drugs for conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, depression and sleeplessness. They also experience a certain level of hair loss. The solution is to take extra care of your hair by using some home remedies, oil massaging and avoiding straighteners as well as professional hair straightening. When opting for hair dye, it is recommended to choose a color that is close to your natural hair color.
Tips to Strengthen Weak Hair:
- Start with eating a well-balanced diet that includes all the essential nutrients. Protein, omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, folic acid, vitamin D, vitamin C, iron and zinc are particularly good for hair growth. Foods that may help to strengthen weakened hair include eggs, fish, nuts and seeds, spinach, citrus fruits, liver, bananas, and sweet potatoes.
- Effective stress management can help cure damaged hair.
- Wash and condition your hair using mild shampoo and conditioner, and preferably one that contains natural ingredients.
- Oil massages your hair regularly, especially before taking a shower.
- Dry your hair only naturally and avoid using towels or dryers.
- Avoid over brushing your hair and if possible use a wide-toothed comb to detangle the locks.
- Take supplements containing zinc, omega-3 fatty acids and folic acid after consulting a doctor.
Eventually.
What causes weak hair is a question that pops up in many women’s mind. Since healthy and shiny hair looks beautiful and affects a woman’s appearance, every woman wants to address this issue. The first step in choosing a remedy is to find out the cause of the problem. If it is related to nutrient deficiency, then you must see a physician and start taking supplements to address the issue.
If your own actions like drying or straightening hair too frequently are involved, then it requires your own intervention to cure the condition. Improper diet and not eating foods that are good for hair growth is probably the most common cause of weak hair, and it can also make deficiency of certain nutrients more pronounced. No matter what the cause of thinning hair, it’s important to diagnose the condition as early as possible in order to control it on time.
Healthy hair is the pride of every woman!
