Hair breakage is a phenomenon that most of us will experience at some point in our lives. Do we like it? No. Fortunately, there are ways to combat it when — and even before — it happens. Read on for a few tips about how to prevent and treat hair breakage, and why it might be happening to you.

Your hair type

There are a plethora of reasons that your hair could be breaking, but there are some hair types that are just more predisposed to it. It’s a problem especially for those with curlier, coarser hair textures due to the lack of ability for the oil produced by the scalp to extend the full length of the hair shaft. The tighter the curl, the more susceptible it is to breakage. Ageing and grey hair also breaks off more easily as it tends to grow coarser and resists moisture absorption. It has also lost elasticity, making it ripe for breakage.

Your colour service

The damage your hair sustains when you colour it can also make it more likely to break. If you’re a fan of bleach it can be even more of an issue, especially if you don’t ask for a treatment during your colour service. Harsh chemicals like bleach or permanent relaxers can break down the bonds of the hair, making it weaker and thus more prone to snapping off.

Cool it with the hot tools

Fixing weakened hair can be a matter of simply avoiding the use of hot tools, making spring and summer – a time when you’re more likely to airdry your locks – the perfect time to give your hair a break. If you’re experiencing breakage and have been using your hot tools a lot (or on a super high setting) lately, you may want to take a bit of a hiatus while you nurse your hair back to health. And always use a heat protectant – your hair will thank you for it! 

Reach for an oil

The hair products you use are key weapons in the fight against breakage. Since damaged hair tends to be dry, it’s important to keep it moisturised to replenish the strand. Humectant oils are going to be your BFF here, so explore formulas that contain coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, shea butter, and avocado oil. All help to seal in moisture and give an emollient finish to strengthen the hair from the outside in. We love Chloe Zara Hair & Body Perfume Oil, which is a premium pre- and post-styling leave-in treatment for all hair types. It is packed full of nutrients to protect and nourish the hair while leaving it smelling absolutely amazing. It not only protects your hair from the heat of hot tools but also UV rays and pollution!

Choose a clean, nourishing shampoo and conditioner duo

When you’re shopping for shampoo and conditioner, look for ones suitable for your hair type that are also rich in moisture and sulphate-free. We love Chloe Zara Silk Hair Wash paired with Chloe Zara Silk Hair Condition, both of which are designed to hydrate, restructure, strengthen and nourish for smooth, soft and easy-to-comb hair. Or, if you’re keen on giving shampoo and conditioner bars a whirl, Ethique’s Dry Hair Discovery Pack is a great way to dip your toes into the #giveupthebottle revolution.

Mask up

A hair mask is the ultimate icing on the cake if you’re experiencing hair breakage, and a great habit to adopt even if you’re not. Chloe Zara Hair Silk Hair Balm is a beautiful, super premium masque treatment that is ideal for hair that is dry or damaged from colouring or heat tools. It is rich with natural oils to give your hair optimum restorative hydration and shine, and is best used weekly or fortnightly. For super-stressed strands, add a few drops of Chloe Zara Hair & Body Perfume Oil for an extra boost of hydration.

Want more clean haircare? We’ve combed the globe to bring you the best natural haircare products, made with the best and cleanest ingredients around. You can browse our full range of natural haircare here.