Hair Loss vs. Hair Breakage: What's the Difference and How to Treat Both?

Noticing more hair in your comb or on your pillow can be worrying. But before you panic, it’s important to understand what’s really happening with your hair. Are you experiencing hair loss, or is it hair breakage?

These two problems may look similar, but they’re very different, and so are the ways to treat them.

In this blog, we’ll explain the difference between hair loss and hair breakage, what causes each, and how you can treat and prevent both with simple, effective steps.

Hair Breakage vs. Hair Loss: What’s the Difference?
What Causes Hair Loss?
What Causes Hair Breakage?
Difference Between Hair Loss and Hair Breakage?
How to Treat Hair Loss?
How to Treat Hair Breakage?
Treating Both Hair Loss and Hair Breakage Together
Natural Ingredients That Help with Hair Loss and and Hair Breakage
Final Thoughts
FAQs

Hair Breakage vs. Hair Loss: What’s the Difference?

Before we learn how to treat them, let’s start with the basics.

What is Hair Loss?

Hair loss, also called shedding, happens when hair falls out from the root. You may see full strands with the tiny white bulb at the end coming out during brushing, washing, or even when you touch your hair.

It's normal to shed 50–100 hairs per day, but if you're losing more than that or seeing bald spots or thinning, it's considered excessive hair loss.

Wha is Hair Breakage?

Hair breakage happens when the hair strand snaps or splits somewhere along its length, not from the root. This leads to uneven hair lengths, frizzy ends, and a feeling that your hair isn’t growing, even though it is.

Breakage usually makes hair look dull, dry, and damaged, especially at the ends and crown.

What Causes Hair Loss?

So, what actually causes hair loss?

Hair loss can be caused by a number of factors. Some are temporary, while others may need medical attention. The common hair loss causes include:

Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause, thyroid issues)

Stress or trauma

Nutritional deficiencies (iron, vitamin D, protein)

Medical conditions (PCOS, alopecia, autoimmune diseases)

Genetics (male or female pattern baldness)

Medications (chemo, antidepressants, etc.)

Post-COVID hair fall (very common)

Tight hairstyles (traction alopecia)

What Causes Hair Breakage?

Hair breakage is usually the result of external damage to the hair shaft. The common hair breakage reasons include:

Overstyling (heat tools, curling, straightening)

Chemical treatments (bleaching, coloring, relaxing)

Rough brushing or towel drying

Lack of moisture

Using harsh shampoos

Sleeping on cotton pillowcases

Skipping trims (leading to split ends)

Difference Between Hair Loss and Hair Breakage?

Here’s a quick guide to help you figure out what you’re dealing with, so make sure to give it a look:

Signs	Hair Loss	Hair Breakage
Where hair falls from	Root (white bulb visible)	Mid-shaft or ends (no bulb)
Hair length	Full-length strands	Shorter, uneven strands
Hair texture	May feel normal	Feels dry, rough, or brittle
Scalp visibility	Thinning or bald patches	No patches, just frizz/damage
When it happens	No patches, just frizz/damage	During styling or touch-up,

How to Control Hair Fall/Loss?

Treating hair loss depends on the cause. Always check with a doctor or dermatologist if you're unsure, especially if it's sudden or severe. But here are some general steps that you can include in your hair care routine to help fight hair fall:

1. Nourish from the Inside

Eat a diet rich in iron, protein, omega-3s, and vitamins A, D, and E.

Drink enough water to stay hydrated.

Consider hair supplements if you're deficient (consult your doctor first).

2. Use a Gentle, Nourishing Hair Oil

Using hair oils, like onion oil, castor oil, coconut oil, and rosemary oil, can help stimulate hair growth and reduce inflammation.

Massage your scalp 2–3 times a week to improve blood circulation.

3. Avoid Tight Hairstyles

Styles like tight ponytails or braids can pull on your roots and cause traction alopecia.

4. Reduce Stress

High stress can lead to telogen effluvium, a type of temporary hair loss.

Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, breathing, or light exercise.

5. Use Mild, Sulphate-Free Shampoos

Harsh shampoos can irritate your scalp and worsen hair loss, which is why you should use gentle shampoos.

How to Control Hair Breakage?

If your strands are snapping before they reach their full length, your hair needs more moisture, protection, and gentle care.

1. Deep Condition Weekly: Use masks with aloe vera, shea butter, honey, or argan oil. You should also look for products labelled "moisturising" or "repairing."

2. Limit Heat Styling: Use heat tools on low settings and always apply a heat protectant spray.

3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Since bleaching and colouring can weaken hair, if you colour your hair, make sure to follow up with protein-rich treatments.

4. Switch to a Microfibre Towel or Cotton T-Shirt: Regular towels can cause friction and lead to breakage. So, you should gently pat your hair dry instead of rubbing it.

5. Use a Wide-Tooth Comb: Always detangle from the bottom up, preferably when your hair is damp and conditioned.

6. Sleep on a Silk Pillowcase: It reduces friction and keeps your hair smooth and protected overnight.

Treating Both Hair Loss and Hair Breakage Together

It’s possible to treat both the issues at the same time, especially if your hair is weak from the roots and damaged from styling. Here’s what you can do:

Be Gentle With Your Hair: Avoid over-washing, aggressive brushing, and heavy styling products.

Follow a Balanced Routine: Use nourishing oils for your scalp, moisturising masks for your ends, and mild shampoos.

Protect and Prevent: Minimise heat and chemical exposure, cover your hair in harsh sun or polluted environments, and avoid stress on the scalp.

Natural Ingredients That Help with Hair Loss and Hair Breakage

Here are some powerful natural ingredients to fight hair fall and breakage:

Ingredients	Benefits
Onion Oil	Boosts hair growth, reduces hair fall
Castor Oil	Strengthens hair shaft, prevents breakage
Aloe Vera	Soothes scalp, hydrates hair
Fenugreek	Reduces shedding, adds shine
Coconut Oil	Deep conditioning and protects hair protein
Rosemary Oil	Stimulates roots, improves circulation
Biotin (Vitamin B7)	Supports healthy hair from the inside

Final Thoughts

Hair problems can feel overwhelming, but the key is understanding what’s really going on. If your hair is falling out from the root, it’s hair loss. If your strands are snapping midway or at the ends, it’s hair breakage. In some cases, it could be both.

The good news? Both issues can be treated with gentle care, natural ingredients, and a consistent hair routine. Be patient, as healthy hair takes time, but the results are worth it!

FAQs

Q. What is the main difference between hair loss and hair breakage?

Ans. Hair loss happens when hair falls out from the root. Hair breakage occurs when the hair strand snaps or splits, usually due to damage or dryness, not from the root.

Q. How do I treat hair breakage naturally?

Ans. Use hydrating masks with aloe vera, coconut oil, honey, or avocado. Avoid heat tools, brush gently, and use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction.

Q. Does diet affect hair fall and breakage?

Ans. Absolutely. Lack of iron, protein, biotin, or vitamin D can trigger hair loss and weaken hair, making it prone to breakage.

Q. How long does it take to see improvement in hair fall or breakage?

Ans. It can take 4–12 weeks of consistent care to see visible changes, depending on the cause. Natural remedies usually take longer but are gentler.

Q. Should I see a doctor for hair loss or breakage?

Ans. Yes, if you notice sudden or severe hair loss, bald patches, or no improvement after 2–3 months of care, consult a dermatologist or trichologist.