Brittle Hair Introduction

Brittle hair breaks frequently due to a weakened hair shaft. According to Akbari, you can actually cause brittle hair by shampooing too roughly. When you twist or push your hair around on your head while it's wet, there's a good chance you'll tear the shaft. Akbari says this causes poor elasticity, making future breakage likely. Similarly, frequent use of hot styling tools can strip away the cuticle's protective layers, thinning the hair shaft and causing it to split or break more easily. The harsh chemicals used in perms and hair dye can also "fry" your strands, making them brittle and breakage-prone.