Top 3 Mistakes Causing Hair Breakage (And How to Fix Them)
Hair breakage is one of the most common concerns we see in women across the UK, particularly between 25 and 45, when hormonal changes, lifestyle stress, heat styling and colouring all start to take a toll.
The frustrating part? Most breakage isn’t caused by bad hair, it’s caused by everyday habits we don’t realise are damaging it.
Working closely with customers experiencing thinning, shedding and breakage, We’ve narrowed it down to three key mistakes that are responsible for the majority of damage our customers are experiencing when they first contact us.
Let’s break them down, and more importantly, how to fix them.
Overloading Hair with Heat (Without Protection)
Why it causes breakage
Hair is made up of keratin proteins held together by bonds that are extremely sensitive to heat. When you regularly use straighteners, curling wands or even high-heat blow dryers:
- The cuticle becomes weakened
- Moisture is stripped from the cortex
- Hair loses elasticity and snaps under tension
According to research published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, repeated heat exposure above 150°C significantly alters hair fibre structure, making it more prone to breakage.
Common signs:
- Hair snapping mid-length (not just split ends)
- Rough, straw-like texture
- Ends that won’t hold style
How to fix it:
- Always use a heat protectant (this is non-negotiable)
- Lower your styling temperature - most hair types don’t need above 180°C
- Incorporate heat-free styling 2–3 times a week
Brushing and Styling Too Aggressively
Why it causes breakage
Wet hair is at its most vulnerable. When saturated, it stretches up to 30% more than dry hair, making it far more likely to snap when pulled.
One of the biggest mistakes we see (in natural hair and hair extensions) is:
- Brushing from the root down
- Using the wrong tools
- Tugging through knots quickly
Celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin has spoken frequently about this, emphasising that detangling technique is just as important as the products you use.
Common signs:
- Breakage around the crown
- Short flyaways that won’t grow
- Increased shedding after brushing
How to fix it:
- Always detangle from ends upwards
- Use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush (especially one for hair extensions)
- Never brush soaking wet hair, use a nourishing mask first
- Switch to silk accessories to reduce friction
Neglecting Scalp Health
Why it causes breakage
Healthy hair starts at the scalp but this is often the most overlooked part of a routine.
A congested or inflamed scalp can:
- Disrupt the hair growth cycle
- Produce weaker strands
- Lead to increased shedding and breakage
Trichologists (hair and scalp specialists) often highlight that follicle health directly impacts hair strength and longevity.
Dr. Anabel Kingsley (Philip Kingsley Clinic) frequently notes that poor scalp care can result in hair that “grows in weaker and breaks more easily.”
Common signs:
- Hair that feels thin or weak at the root
- Flaking, itchiness or oil imbalance
- Slower growth
How to fix it:
- Introduce regular scalp exfoliation
- Use a scalp massage brush to stimulate circulation
- Avoid heavy product buildup at the roots
- Look for ingredients like caffeine, biotin and niacinamide
Expert Insight: Why Breakage Is So Common Right Now
In the UK, we’re seeing a rise in breakage due to a combination of:
- Increased heat styling (post-lockdown habits)
- Colour-treated and lightened hair
- Stress-related hair changes (including postpartum and hormonal shifts)
- Environmental stressors like hard water and pollution
The key takeaway?
Breakage is rarely caused by one thing. It’s usually a combination of small daily habits.
Simple Routine to Prevent Hair Breakage
If you’re unsure where to start, focus on these three foundations:
- Protect - Always shield hair from heat and friction
- Strengthen – Use protein and moisture-balanced treatments
- Support the scalp – Healthy roots = stronger lengths
If you buy nothing else, these are the three key components to healthier, stronger hair:
 |
 |
 |
Hair breakage can feel frustrating especially when you’re trying to grow your hair longer or improve thickness.
But the good news is this: Once you identify the cause, it’s completely fixable.
Small changes in your routine can make a noticeable difference in just a few weeks - stronger strands, less snapping and hair that actually retains length.
