Very fine hair and breakage

[Bombalerina]

My DD (17) has very very fine hair, it’s getting thinner and is breaking a lot. I bought her a Denman brush with boar and nylon bristle and it’s actually made things much worse and has caused much breakage.

She’s had recent blood tests and no worries on that front.

I’ve no idea what to do…

I’d just add that she’s doesn’t colour it, doesn’t straighten it and doesn’t even use a hairdryer.

I have very fine hair and have used a large toothed comb since I was a teenager and never use a hairbrush. After washing I never comb from the roots and always start combing from the ends and gently working up to the roots. I use shampoo and conditioner for fine hair and a serum on the ends. Have it cut regularly too.

What products does she use on it? I was dealing with a lot of breakage for ages and after a lot of research I realised my fine, straight, undyed, undamaged hair doesn’t really need any moisture at all. I thought my hair was getting really dry but the products I was using were causing “hygral fatigue” and the hair was stretching and snapping. I also found out that my hair type doesn’t need protein, it can cause hair to feel dry and snap, so the anti-breakage products I was using were making things worse. I now use baby shampoo, no conditioner and I blow dry my hair. It’s shinier and I’m losing a lot less hair

@Bombalerina What shampoo and conditioner is she using? Cheap supermarket brands like Herbal Essences are full of strong detergents and are dreadful for fragile hair. Try using a sulphate free shampoo such as Pureology.

@Kimmers4334

You’re right about protein based shampoo’s causing hair breakage if used on the wrong hair types. However, don’t use any ‘no tears’ type baby shampoo as it’s alkaline based (same as tears) and the wrong pH for hair, which is acidic.

Use olaplex for breakage. Damage is caused by all sorts of things like brushing, environmental factors, humidity, tying it up etc, not just heat and colouring/bleaching. No.3 plus treatment would be perfect for her a few times a week until it gets better and then maintain once a week. Olaplex also have shampoo and conditioner to maintain the strength and hair integrity. Well worth the investment and will make a real difference. Good luck!

When you say no worries on the blood tests, did you get the actual readings for her ferritin, B12, and Vit D levels? All three can be related to thinning hair and a GP's idea of what's 'fine/normal' doesn't always match with optimal conditions for healthy hair growth.

use a silk pillow case and silk hair ties

use hair masks before a wash once a week.

use something like the Pantene grow abundant serum every night before bed, it doesn’t make your hair greasy so doesn’t need to be just before a hair wash.

oil the hair ends every night with something like Moroccan oil to help keep them in good condition and prevent breakage there.

5-10 minutes head massage a day is helpful too. You can buy the little wooden massagers on eBay etc.

Thank you so much for all the tips and advice. She uses Aveeno Apple Vinegar and I now think it might be part of the problem. We’ve now switched to another one (L’Oréal Elvive Dream Lengths) and bought a wide tooth comb. We have microfibres towels and satin pillowcases which we’ll start using. We’ll also look at her bloods again as her iron was fine last time but just about. Thank you!!!

I was going to suggest bloods first.
What I can add to what was already said is that wet hair is very fragile. Make sure she doesnt go to sleep with wet hair, not only is it bad for hair but also her scalp. It's better to gently dry hair on cooler setting. Before washing she should gently brush her hair in direction she will br washing them. Once conditioner is applied first gently detangle with her fingers then use wide toothed comb to distribute product. Same with leave in conditioner - first detangle with fingers then wide tooth comb. Basically be very very gentle with wet hair. I like Noughty leave in spray Thirst Aid, it's not too heavy x

I have fine hair. I always finger-comb it gently before using a wide tooth comb. Aussie 3 miracle oil is helpful on tangled ends.

Just echoing this, i dont know if it differs according to where you live but a regular blood panel where I live doesnt measure ferritin, ive just been given a specific blood test that will look at it.

Does she tie it up at all? How and with what?
When she brushes her hair how does she brush it? Needs to be from ends to roots working its way up
What conditioner is she using and what products does she use post wash, is she using a leave in conditioner?
And most importantly, how long is it and how often is she getting it cut, has she had a proper trim lately to get rid of the dead bits?

Just a recommendation, I have fine hair too and I find this shampoo & conditioner range from M&S really good and affordable.

My hair is still fine obviously and it breaks easily because that's just the nature of my hair, but it's in better condition. You also have to look after it in the way you brush it, environment etc.

I use Loreal extraordinary oil on the ends in the morning if it's a bit dry, use a soft scrunchie if tying up, and also don't wash it every day. Olaplex can also be a nice addition but pricey for regular use.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/food/nourishing-shampoo/p/fdp60739242

Also try a tangle teaser hairbrush for when it's wet https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/tangle-teezer-the-ultimate-detangler-transformative-teal/17775292/?affil=thggpsad&switchcurrency=GBP&shippingcountry=GB&shoppingpid=1343502&thg_ppc_campaign=20538670200&adtype=pla&product_id=17775292&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=20538670200&cq_con=&cq_term=&cq_med=pla&cq_plac=&cq_net=x&cq_plt=gp&affil=thgpsad&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20538670764&gbraid=0AAAAAD-fXiqv8b93tlWRqsNej7hRtWWoJ

The Aveeno shampoo is a clarifying shampoo and shouldn’t be used for every wash. It’s for a deep clean every now and then and unless she’s using g lots of products constantly it’s unnecessary to use for every wash.

try the Pantene grown abundant range. There a mask, shampoo, conditioner and serum.

Abbey Yung is a good follow on instagram, she does lots of factual videos on products.