Why does hair breakage happen?

Why does hair breakage happen?

Marilyn Sherlock (Trichologist) gives expert video advice on: Can you effect the speed of the hair growth cycle?; How long does it take for hair to grow?; How can hair breakage be prevented? and more...

Hair breakage happens due to the natural or chemical weathering of the hair. The hair is made up mainly of the central core, which is called the cortex and is made of water, which is very elastic. The hair is protected by the hair cuticle, which is a form of scales on the outside of the hair shaft. If those scales wear out, which they do - through natural weathering, curling, hair brushing, swimming, sunshine, central heating, as the hair gets older - it will become quite delicate. The cuticle will be removed and the moisture exposed, so the moisture in the hair is no longer retained, and so the hair becomes brittle. This can also happen if the hair is chemically over-processed. It will remove the cuticle from the hair, allowing the central moisture to escape. Breakage of the hair takes place at the point of interest there. Even after the hair feels dry, having washed it, it actually contains something like 10% water.