Chemical hair damage: bleaching, colouring, perms and straightening
If your hair feels brittle, dry and breaks along the length, it is often a sign that the hair shaft has been damaged. Here is a clear overview of why it happens and how to reduce damage.
What is chemical hair damage?
Chemical treatments can affect the structure of the hair shaft and make it less elastic. The result can be frizz, split ends and strands breaking along the length, even if you are not losing hair from the scalp.
Chemical straightening: how it works and why hair can be damaged
Chemical straightening is a process where bonds in the hair shaft are broken down and fixed into a new shape. It can create a straighter result, but it can also make hair drier, less elastic and more prone to breakage.
- Drier hair and moisture loss can make the strand brittle.
- Reduced elasticity makes hair break more easily during styling and brushing.
- Repeated treatments increase the risk of breakage along the lengths.
Bleaching and colouring: when risk increases
Bleaching and strong colour can open the hair cuticle and reduce hair strength. Chemical treatment combined with heat tools and mechanical wear is a common reason why hair breaks.
How to reduce damage
- Prioritise moisture: conditioner, mask and oil as needed.
- Reduce heat and use heat protection.
- Avoid new chemical treatments until the hair has stabilised.
- Trim clearly damaged lengths. This often makes the biggest difference.
When should you seek professional help?
Seek help if your hair continues to break easily despite changed habits, if you get bald patches, or if you are also shedding full strands from the scalp.
Book a free consultation so we can help determine whether this is mainly breakage or whether hair loss should be assessed.
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