You might be used to snapped-off strands coming away with your ponytail holder, but hair breakage doesn't have to be an inevitable fact of life. Just a few simple tweaks in your routine may be all that it takes to put a stop to this problem. Read on to learn how to stop hair breakage.



Trim Regularly
You know that splits ends make your hair look unpolished, but did you know that they can also contribute to breakage? Brittle split ends are prone to snapping right off. Prevent these breaks by getting regular cuts.

Keep Hands Off
Playing with your hair pulls and tugs on it in unnecessary ways. Twisting strands around your fingers can contribute to hair breakage over time. Resist the temptation!



Limit Heat
You love your hair dryer and irons, but they're not the kindest to your locks. All of that heat can dry out and weaken your hair for easier breakage. When styling with a flat or curling iron, turn down the heat and apply a protective serum first, such as Aussie Hair Insurance Heat Protecting Shine Spray, $3.40.

As for your blow dryer, hold off on using it until your hair is about three-quarters of the way dry. Once your locks have had plenty of time to air-dry, hold the dryer about 6 inches from your head, keep it moving continuously and use the coolest setting.

Style Dry
Your hair is most susceptible to breakage when it's wet, so be extra careful with it during that time. To tame just-washed hair, simply run your fingers through gently and save the combs and brushes for after your mane is dry. Along those lines, resist the urge to rub your wet hair with a towel, which is just killer on your tresses. Instead, pat it dry.

Avoid the habit of wrapping a hair tie around wet locks. Hold off on styling until your hair is dry and better able to withstand pulls and tugs.

Keep It Loose
A tight ponytail yanks on your hair. The same goes for too-snug buns, braids or other styles. If the 'do is tight enough to hurt your scalp, your strands are probably suffering damage as well. Keep the grip loose enough that the hairstyle feels comfortable. To further prevent hair breakage, keep variety in your styles rather than pulling your hair back in the same ponytail every day.



Color Carefully
Dyeing your hair repeatedly, especially if you regularly go lighter, can weaken your strands. If you can't part ways with the developer bottle, make sure to deep-condition your colored locks regularly. Try Kerastase Reflection Mask Chroma Riche, $63.

Use the Right Pillowcase
A standard pillowcase rubs against your head and tugs on strands all night long. To prevent hair breakage, choose a pillowcase made of satin or silk so that your hair will glide over it.