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Hair breakage can be a frustrating problem, causing issues like frizz, dryness, and difficulty growing longer hair. Several concerns can result in hair breakage, ranging from damaging hair styling to poor nutrition to serious underlying medical concerns. Dermatologists like Dr. Damstetter are educated in caring for the hair as well as the skin and understand how patients can improve their hair health. If you are facing hair breakage in or near Glenview, IL, schedule an appointment at Reserve Dermatology.
What Causes Hair Breakage?
Individual hairs are composed of an inner cuticle that is surrounded by overlapping scales that hold the strand together. When these scales fall apart, the hair strands can separate or break. More minor damage is also responsible for frizz or dryness.
Many issues can cause hair breakage. Some of these include:
- Poor diet or disordered eating
- Stress
- Dryness, which may be due to low humidity, heat, or other factors
- Heat damage from tools such as hair dryers or curling irons
- Chemical processes such as dyes, relaxers, or perms
- Poor at-home care such as over-washing or incorrect brushing and combing
- Lack of regular trims
- Hypothyroidism
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How Can I Prevent Hair Breakage?
A majority of hair breakage is the result of hair care or lifestyle habits that you can change at home for healthier hair. To prevent hair breakage, avoid heat styling or chemically processing your hair as much as possible. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends waiting at least 8-10 weeks between dyeing, perming, or relaxing the hair, for example. Gently washing and conditioning the hair daily can help reduce breakage. Some hairstyles are too tight and can cause breakage, as can some extensions. Stick to looser hairstyles if possible and avoid damaging hair accessories or tight hats. Finally, be sure to keep up with a balanced and nutritious diet.
View Dr. Damstetter’s Healthy Hair Goals Products
Hair Breakage Treatment
Some hair breakage can be a sign of a larger underlying medical issue. For this reason, patients who keep up with healthy hair care at home but still notice breakage or thinning should seek care from a dermatologist. During an appointment, Dr. Damstetter can examine your hair and review your medical history to help determine a cause for your hair breakage or hair loss. She can also review factors like your regular hair care products and recommend steps you can take at home to improve your hair health. This may include recommended changes in your diet, vitamins and nutritional supplements, or new products to incorporate. If necessary, Dr. Damstetter may also recommend testing for medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, especially if you show symptoms outside of hair breakage.
For patients who are also experiencing hair thinning or hair loss, treatment options can include oral or topical medication, such as corticosteroids or minoxidil, as well as platelet-rich plasma. This varies depending on your specific symptoms and the cause of your hair loss.
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Schedule an Appointment
To learn more about hair breakage and achieving healthier hair, schedule an appointment with Dr. Liz Damstetter at Reserve Dermatology. Call our Glenview, IL office or contact us online to schedule your first appointment.
