LOOK AT THE HAIR

Hair breakage or hair loss: how to tell the difference

Shorter broken hairs and completely fallen hairs require a different look. Length, ends, and distribution provide practical clues.
Hair breakage or hair loss: how to tell the difference

Briefly summarized

  • Hair breakage occurs in the hair fiber.
  • Shed hairs detach from the hair follicles.
  • Broken hairs often vary in length.
  • Both can occur simultaneously.
What does hair breakage look like?

Hair fibre

What does hair breakage look like?

Broken hairs are often shorter than the rest and vary in length. Dryness, friction, heat, and chemical treatments can make the fibre more fragile.

The density of the scalp does not necessarily change immediately.

Diffuse hair loss

Telogen effluvium

Learn how diffuse hair loss develops after a trigger.

 Read more →
Telogen effluvium
What helps with a hernia?

CARE

What helps with a hernia?

Gentle washing, careful detangling, and less heat or tension help protect the fibre. Care for the lengths and ends supports the condition of the hair.

Changes become visible as new hair grows out further.

CARTRIDGES

When does hair loss play a role?

A wider part, a thinner crown, a receding hairline, or significantly increased shedding points more toward hair loss.

The Hair Check helps organize distribution and timing.

 Read about sudden hair loss
When does hair loss play a role?
Could it be both?

COMBINATION

Could it be both?

Yes, fragile lengths and increased shedding can occur at the same time.

Therefore, look at both the hair fibre and the density and pattern.

Examine a few loose hairs

Compare length and ends without counting hairs daily. Additionally, look at the general trend of density and care.

Read more about hair loss

Alopecia areata

LOCAL BALD SPOTS

Alopecia areata

Learn what sharply defined bald patches can look like and why timely assessment is important.

 Read more →
What causes telogen effluvium?

POSSIBLE TRIGGERS

What causes telogen effluvium?

View physical, hormonal, and nutritional context.

 Read more →
Types of hair loss

RECOGNISE THE PATTERN

Types of hair loss

Compare the main distributions and trends.

 Read more →

Frequently asked questions about hair breakage or hair loss

How do I recognise a broken hair?

Broken hairs are often shorter and vary in length.
Does a shed hair always have a white bulb?

Sometimes a small keratin area is visible at the tip, but this is not equally clear for every hair.
Can heat cause hair breakage?

Excessive heat can make the hair fibre more fragile.
Can hair breakage make the parting wider?

Severe breakage can reduce volume, but a progressively widening part can also be consistent with pattern thinning.
Can I have a fracture and hair loss at the same time?

Yes, both can occur at the same time.
How does the Hair Check help?

The Hair Check focuses on the pattern and progression of hair loss.

RECOGNISE THE DIRECTION

Is it a fracture or a dislocation?

Combine pattern, timing, and density with the Hair Check.
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