Eight Signs of Unhealthy Hair and How to Improve It
Healthy hair is often impacted by heat styling, bleaching, and excessive brushing. Identifying the signs of unhealthy hair and addressing the damage are crucial to restoring its strength and shine. Understanding the difference between healthy and unhealthy hair, and knowing what steps to take, can significantly improve your hair's overall condition.
Here are the key indicators of unhealthy hair and actionable tips to help you bring your locks back to life.
Table of Contents
- Excessive Hair Shedding
- Split Ends
- Dull, Lackluster Hair
- Hair that Tangles Easily
- Dry, Brittle, or Rough Hair
- No Natural Volume
- Lack of Elasticity
- Frequent Breakage and Snapping
1. Excessive Hair Shedding
It’s normal to lose 50-100 hairs per day, but if you notice significant or rapid shedding, it could indicate an underlying issue. Conditions like telogen effluvium cause excessive shedding, often triggered by stress, pregnancy, or weight loss. If you suspect excessive shedding, consult your doctor to rule out any internal health problems.
Learn more about hair loss, shedding, and breakage [here].
2. Split Ends
Split ends are a clear sign of hair damage. While trimming helps reduce them, deep conditioning treatments and techniques like velaterapia (candle cutting) — when done professionally — can manage and reduce split ends. Prose’s pre-shampoo mask, shampoo, and conditioner are proven to reduce breakage by up to 71%.
3. Dull, Lackluster Hair
When hair loses its shine, it's often due to a lack of moisture, nutrients, or overuse of harsh products. Revive dull hair by incorporating hair oils or detox treatments like clarifying shampoos. With the right care, you can transform lifeless hair into glossy, manageable strands.
4. Hair that Tangles Easily
Damaged hair tangles easily, especially when wet. To avoid causing more harm during detangling, use a moisturizing leave-in conditioner before combing. Prose’s Custom Leave-In Conditioner helps smooth strands, making your hair more manageable and less prone to breakage.
5. Dry, Brittle, or Rough Hair
Heat styling and frequent coloring can lead to dry, brittle hair. To combat this, switch to a hydrating shampoo and conditioner. Prose’s custom formulas gently cleanse without stripping natural oils and provide light hydration to keep hair feeling soft and nourished.
6. No Natural Volume
If your hair feels weighed down or lacks natural body, you may benefit from a clarifying shampoo or scalp treatment. Prose’s Custom Pre-Shampoo Scalp Mask restores scalp health, which is key for hair with natural volume and bounce.
7. Lack of Elasticity
Elasticity affects how your hair holds styles and maintains its shape. Hair lacking elasticity can feel dry, damaged, or dull. To restore elasticity, use conditioners, leave-in treatments, and limit heat styling. Weekly deep conditioning masks can also help maintain moisture and protect against breakage.
8. Frequent Breakage and Snapping
If your hair breaks or snaps easily, it’s time to rethink your styling routine. Incorporate deep conditioners, lower heat settings on styling tools, and use heat protectants. When brushing, start at the ends and work your way up to minimize breakage.
Pro Tip: A boar bristle brush is gentle and effective for preventing damage while brushing. Check out Prose’s high-quality hair tools and products to support healthier hair.
Taking care of your hair requires attention and the right products. Whether you’re battling shedding, dryness, or breakage, Prose has custom solutions to help restore and maintain your hair’s health.