Damaged hair is a problem that many people, including both women and men, don’t even realize they have. Though we all strive for healthy hair, some of our everyday styling habits may be doing more harm than good.
But how can you tell if your hair is damaged? The signs aren’t always obvious, and damage can appear in different ways. Understanding these signs is the first step to giving your hair the care it needs.
In this article, we’ll break down the most common signs of hair damage in men and women so you can take the right course to repair, restore, and strengthen your locks.
What is Damaged Hair?
The hair cuticle acts as a protective shield for the inner cortex. When hair becomes damaged, this cuticle weakens, cracks, or even wears away in particular areas, leaving the inner structure exposed.
If you were to examine a healthy hair strand and a damaged one up close, the difference would be clear. A healthy cuticle lies flat and uniform, resembling smooth, overlapping ‘scales.’ In contrast, a damaged cuticle appears rough and uneven, with lifted or missing scales which expose the cortex.
This breakdown in the cuticle is a serious issue because it compromises the hair’s ability to retain moisture, strength, and overall health. Without its protective barrier, hair becomes more vulnerable to environmental stressors and thereby further damage.
How can you tell if your hair is damaged?
No matter your hair type—straight, wavy, or curly—specific signs can indicate damage. Here are some key red flags to watch for:
1. Split ends: Healthy hair is flexible and retains moisture, but when it becomes dry and brittle, the ends can fray or split apart. Split ends occur when the hair shaft weakens, making the tips more prone to breaking.
2. Rough texture: Damaged hair often feels rough or coarse, especially toward the mid-lengths and ends, where the cuticle is most exposed to damage. When the protective layer is missing or inconsistent, hair might feel thinner and more fragile.
3. Breakage: Hair that snaps easily is a clear sign of weakened bonds. Hair breakage occurs anywhere along the strand due to loss of strength. To test for breakage, gently pull a strand of hair—healthy hair should have some elasticity, while damaged hair will break with little tension.
4. Excessive tangles and knots: A compromised cuticle causes hair strands to catch on each other, leading to frequent tangles. Although some knots are normal, you shouldn’t have to spend more than a few minutes detangling your hair.
5. Dryness: If your hair constantly feels dry, damage to the cuticle layer may be preventing it from holding onto moisture. When the cuticle is compromised, hydration escapes easily, leaving hair brittle and difficult to manage. This is known as high porosity.
6. Dullness: Shiny hair reflects light owing to a smooth, intact cuticle. If your hair looks dull or lifeless, it might be because the cuticle is raised or uneven, preventing light from bouncing off the surface.
7. Increased hair shedding and loss: Noticing more hair in your brush or shower drain? Damaged hair is more prone to shedding due to weakened bonds within each strand.
What causes damaged hair?
Hair damage can look different for everyone, depending on hair type and texture. However, some common culprits are responsible for most cases of damage. Here are the top causes:
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Chemical treatments: Hair dye, bleach, perms, and relaxers weaken the hair structure, making it more prone to breakage.
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Heat styling: Frequent use of straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers can strip hair of moisture, resulting in dryness and split ends.
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Environmental stressors: UV rays from the sun and air pollution can degrade hair proteins and fade color.
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Hormonal imbalances: Changes in hormone levels can affect hair health, leading to dryness, thinning, or excessive shedding.
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Hard water: Minerals in hard water leave behind residue which weighs hair down and makes it more prone to breakage.
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Chlorine exposure: Swimming in chlorinated pools can strip hair of natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle.
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Poor nutrition and dehydration: A lack of essential nutrients and inadequate water intake can weaken hair, making it dull and fragile.
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Friction and tension: Tight hairstyles, rough towel-drying, and even certain pillowcases can cause tangling, knotting, and frizz.
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Brushing mistakes: Brushing wet hair or over-brushing can overstretch and damage hair strands.
Can damaged hair be repaired?
Unfortunately, once hair is damaged, it can’t be fully repaired—its protein bonds and cuticle structure are permanently altered. That said, you can prevent further damage and improve the look and feel of your hair by following these tips:
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Get regular trims: Removing split ends prevents further breakage and keeps hair looking healthier.
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Wash with lukewarm water: Hot water strips hair of natural oils, resulting in dryness.
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Use deep conditioning treatments: Regular deep conditioning helps restore moisture and enhance hair texture, depending on your hair porosity.
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Apply leave-in conditioner or hair masks: These provide extra hydration and help protect against damage.
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Limit heat styling and use heat protectant: Reduce the use of curling irons, straighteners, and blow dryers, and always apply a heat protectant when styling.
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Choose gentle shampoos: Avoid harsh sulfates, parabens, and alcohols which can dry out and weaken hair.
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Air dry whenever possible: Rubbing hair with a towel can cause frizz and breakage. Instead, gently pat hair dry with a microfiber towel or t-shirt.
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Be gentle with wet hair: Avoid brushing or going to bed with wet hair, and opt for a satin or silk pillowcase to reduce friction.
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Try laser phototherapy: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) helps stimulate hair follicles and improves hair health over time.
Treat damaged hair at home with Theradome
While LLLT can’t reverse existing hair damage, it extends the hair growth cycle, helping to promote thicker, healthier regrowth. Clinically proven to stop hair loss and stimulate new growth, LLLT is a safe, painless, and non-invasive FDA-cleared solution with no known side effects and has been used safely for hair growth for years.
Unlike other treatments, Theradome hair growth helmet has a 98% customer satisfaction rate, making it a trusted, long-term approach to hair restoration. With a one-time investment of under $1,000—plus flexible financing options—Theradome provides an affordable alternative to costly ongoing treatments. Theradome is built to last for a lifetime of use.
The Theradome PRO LH80 is designed to deliver consistent, full-scalp treatment, covering 582 cm² with optimal therapeutic energy. In just two 20-minute sessions per week, it provides the ideal dose of 7 J/cm², stimulating hair follicles to encourage stronger, fuller hair growth. Take the first step toward revitalizing your hair with Theradome today.
