Five Main Types of Hair Damage

Most everyone has either seen of had some form of damage done to hair.. Here are the five main classifications of hair damage.

Mechanical Damage

This type of damage is caused by brushing hair very roughly. Even more damage is done when the hair is wet, because hair stretches more when wet. Improperly using round brushes can be very damaging as well as the use of metal combs.

Photochemical Damage

This type of damage is done from the ultraviolet light in sunlight. It effects the hair cuticle, causing the keratin protein of the hair the break down.

Chemical Damage

Bleaching or dyeing hair, changes the hair structure because the dyes or bleaches that are used have to be able to get through the cuticle and into the cortex, causing chemical damage. getting a perm also interferes with the structure of hair. Perm solutions breakdown the disulphide bonds and then reforms them so that the hair is permanently changed into its new style and shape.

Thermal Damage

Using hair dryers, curling irons, or flat irons, greatly reduce the moisture content of hair well below its normal level. Heated styling equipment soften the keratin of the hair, if they are to hot they may cause the water in hair to boil, and steam. This greatly weakens hair and it may break all together.

Systemic Damage

This type of damage is caused by a medical condition or due to genetic predisposition. Some examples would include anemia, poor nutrition or lack of protein in your diet. A low grad infection, or a thyroid condition may cause hair to have a dry, dull look and may even cause hair thinning. Living a healthy lifestyle can help to steer clear of many but maybe not all systemic hair problems.