If your hair feels rough, snaps easily or never seems to grow past a certain length, breakage could be the culprit. Unlike shedding, which happens at the root, breakage is when the hair shaft itself splits or snaps along its length. The good news is that breakage is largely about how we treat our hair day to day, which means small changes to your routine can make a real difference to how strong and healthy your hair looks and feels.

What causes hair breakage?

Hair is surprisingly delicate, especially when it is wet. Breakage tends to build up over time from a mix of everyday habits rather than one single cause. Some of the most common culprits include:

• Aggressive brushing, particularly on wet hair
• High-heat styling without protection
• Tight hairstyles that pull on the roots and lengths
• Rough towel-drying and cotton pillowcases that create friction
• Over-washing or skipping conditioner, which can leave hair dry and brittle
• Chemical treatments such as bleaching, perming or frequent colouring

Once you know what is working against your hair, it becomes much easier to protect it.

8 gentle habits to help reduce breakage

1. Be kind when detangling

Start at the ends and work upwards, using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. Forcing a brush from root to tip puts strain on the lengths and can cause snapping. A little patience here goes a long way.

2. Take extra care with wet hair

Wet hair stretches and breaks more easily than dry hair. Avoid vigorous rubbing with a towel and instead gently squeeze out excess water, ideally with a soft microfibre towel or an old cotton t-shirt.

3. Turn down the heat

If you use straighteners, curling tongs or a hairdryer, try lowering the temperature and always apply a heat-protectant first. Building in a couple of heat-free days each week gives your hair a welcome break.

4. Don't skip conditioner

Conditioner helps smooth the hair cuticle, which can reduce friction and tangling. Focus it on the mid-lengths and ends, where hair is oldest and most prone to breaking.

5. Loosen up your hairstyles

Tight ponytails, buns and braids can place constant tension on the hair. Opt for looser styles where you can, and choose soft, fabric-covered hair ties rather than tight elastic bands.

6. Look after your scalp

Healthy-looking hair starts at the scalp. A gentle scalp massage while you cleanse can be a lovely part of a relaxing routine. Watermans haircare is designed to support a clean, cared-for scalp environment as part of your everyday regime, which many people find a helpful foundation for hair that looks and feels its best.

7. Sleep smarter

Swapping a cotton pillowcase for silk or satin reduces friction overnight, and loosely tying up longer hair can help prevent tangles and tugging while you sleep.

8. Trim regularly

A regular trim removes split ends before they travel further up the hair shaft. It may feel counterintuitive when you are trying to grow your hair, but tidy ends keep the lengths looking healthier.

Be patient with the process

Hair responds slowly, so give any new routine a few weeks before judging the results. Consistency tends to matter far more than any single product or treatment. By handling your hair gently, protecting it from unnecessary stress and supporting your scalp with a regular care routine, you give your hair the best chance to look stronger, smoother and healthier over time.

Every head of hair is different. If you are worried about sudden or significant changes to your hair, it is always worth speaking to a GP or a qualified trichologist.