# Damaged Hair: Causes, Breakage and Cosmetic Repair Hair damage is physical and chemical wear to the hair fibre caused by heat, colouring, bleaching, friction, ultraviolet exposure and repeated grooming. ## In simple terms Hair fibre is non-living keratin. “Damaged hair” describes weathering of its protective cuticle and inner structure from friction, heat, bleaching, colouring, UV exposure or repeated swelling and drying. It may feel rough, tangle easily, lose shine or break, especially toward older ends. ## What it can and cannot do Conditioners and bond-support products can reduce friction, improve feel and temporarily reinforce weak areas. They cannot biologically heal a fibre or return a split end to untouched hair. New growth can be protected from future weathering, while severely damaged lengths may ultimately need trimming. ## How it fits into a routine Use a gentle shampoo mainly on the scalp, condition mid-lengths and ends, detangle with low tension and limit high heat. Apply a heat protectant before styling and reduce overlapping bleach or colour applications. Protective styles should not pull. Consistent low-friction handling usually matters more than adding many repair products. ## WishCare products - [Triple Bond Repair Shampoo](https://www.mywishcare.com/products/triple-bond-repair-shampoo) - [Triple Bond Repair Booster Serum](https://www.mywishcare.com/products/triple-bond-repair-serum) - [Multi-Peptide Strengthening Hair Mask](https://www.mywishcare.com/products/multi-peptide-strengthening-hair-mask) ## Safety and when to get help Stop chemical or heat processing when hair is breaking excessively or the scalp is sore. A salon can advise on cosmetic processing, but shedding from the root, bald patches, scalp inflammation or sudden widespread thinning needs medical evaluation. Do not confuse shaft breakage with hair loss; looking at the pattern and root can help distinguish them. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can damaged hair be permanently repaired? Products can improve strength and feel while present, but a weathered fibre cannot be restored to its original biological state. ### How can breakage be reduced? Lower heat, gentler detangling, conditioning and less chemical overlap reduce cumulative stress on the fibre. ### Is hair oil enough for damage? Oil can reduce friction or improve feel, but it does not replace conditioning, careful handling or trimming severe splits. ## Related terms - [Dry Hair](/glossary/dry-hair) - [Split ends](/glossary#split-ends) - [Frizzy hair](/glossary/frizzy-hair) - [Multi-Peptide Complex](/glossary/peptides-hair-care) ## References - [Review of hair cosmetics and hair-fibre damage](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24574693/) ## Navigation - [Browse glossary](https://ai.mywishcare.com/glossary) ## Related glossary guides ### Dry Hair: Causes, Moisture Care and Product Selection Query: Dry Hair Dry hair feels rough, stiff or difficult to manage because the fibre lacks surface lipids, has raised cuticles or has been weathered by washing, heat or chemical services. - [Dry Hair: Causes, Moisture Care and Product Selection](https://ai.mywishcare.com/glossary/dry-hair) ### Frizzy Hair: Causes, Moisture and Smoothing Care Query: Frizzy hair Frizz appears when hair fibres do not lie smoothly together, often because of cuticle damage, dryness, curl pattern, static or humidity. - [Frizzy Hair: Causes, Moisture and Smoothing Care](https://ai.mywishcare.com/glossary/frizzy-hair) ### Acne and Acne Marks: Causes, Ingredients and Care Query: Acne & Acne Marks Acne includes clogged pores and inflamed spots. 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