What is a common cause of hair breakage?

Excessive heat styling is recognized as a common cause of hair breakage because the high temperatures from styling tools, such as hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons, can damage the hair's structure. When hair is exposed to heat repeatedly, it can lead to moisture loss and weaken the protein bonds within the hair. This heat damage can make hair brittle and susceptible to breaking, leading to split ends and an overall unhealthy appearance.

In contrast, washing hair too often may strip natural oils but isn't solely responsible for breakage; rather, it can lead to dryness. Conditioning is essential for maintaining healthy hair, and too much conditioning generally does not cause breakage—proper conditioning helps to keep hair hydrated and nourished. Using a wide-tooth comb is often recommended for detangling wet hair to minimize breakage, as it is less likely to pull on hair compared to finer-toothed combs. Therefore, the significant risk associated with heat styling makes it a leading cause of hair breakage.