Hair breakage can happen due to various reasons, including the use of specific hair products, diet, and stress. To prevent hair breakage, it is essential to choose hair products that contain ingredients that strengthen the hair. Here are some ingredients to look for and avoid in hair products:
Ingredients to look for:
- Keratin: Keratin is a protein that makes up 95% of our hair, and it is essential for maintaining healthy hair. Fine hair has 40% less keratin than thick hair, so using hair products that contain keratin can help strengthen fine hair.
- Collagen: Collagen is a protein that helps to strengthen hair and improve its elasticity.
- Biotin: Biotin is a B vitamin that helps to strengthen hair and promote hair growth.
- Spirulina: Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It can help to strengthen hair and prevent breakage.
Ingredients to avoid:
- Sulfates: Sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause it to become dry and brittle.
- Mineral oil: Mineral oil is a cost-efficient, moisturizing oil that is used in many different cosmetic formulations. While it works well as a protective, glossy coating for the hair, it cant actually penetrate the hair fiber and therefore wont be effective at treating existing damage.
- Parabens: Parabens are preservatives that are commonly used in hair products. They have been linked to hormone disruption and other health concerns.
It is also important to avoid hair products that contain harsh chemicals, such as those used for coloring, perming, or relaxing the hair, as they can weaken the hair and make it more likely to break. Additionally, over-brushing the hair can cause breakage, so it is best to use a wide-tooth comb on damp hair instead of a brush.
To summarize, some ingredients that can help prevent hair breakage include keratin, collagen, biotin, and spirulina, while sulfates, mineral oil, and parabens should be avoided. It is also important to avoid harsh chemicals and over-brushing the hair.