Eight Causes of Weak Hair

It's possible that you've noticed that your hair is losing strength. This kind of issue can affect the way you look and how you feel about yourself.
Eight Causes of Weak Hair

Last update: 20 October, 2018

Losing hair or having weak hair can be alarming to those who suffer from it; hair loss can happen for many different reasons. In this article, we’ll take a look at eight possible causes of weak hair. 

Causes of weak hair

1. Hormonal activity. Especially in women, very intense hormonal changes can happen. These swings can occur during puberty, after taking birth control pills, during pregnancy or menopause.

These processes are favored by hormones that can affect the quality and growth of the hair, but it depends on each person. All bodies are different.

2. Genetic factors. Genes can determine the strength of your hair; if this is your case, you’ll have to be particularly careful with your hair, avoid touching it too much and exposing it to extreme weather.

3. Lifestyle. It’s been proven that there’s a strong link between lifestyle and health in general. In particular, ongoing  stress has a negative impact on your whole body; your scalp isn’t the exception.

your hair loses strength

Medication and nutrition

4. Strong cosmetic treatments. Using strong chemical products on your hair, submitting it to high temperatures and manipulating it too much can weaken it. The incorrect application of treatments can harm your scalp and make your hair fragile and weak.

5. Illnesses or medication. Severe illnesses can alter many biological processes in your body. Strong medication- such as chemotherapy for cancer, intoxicates hair follicles and as a result your hair can fall out.

6. Having a condition that affects your scalp. Suffering from disorders such as seborrheic dermatitispsoriasis and dermatitis affects the quality of your hair. 

7. Nutritional deficiency. The lack of certain nutrients that are fundamental for some organic processes has a negative impact on the condition of your scalp. Among these nutrients there are some essential amino acids and minerals such as, zinc and iron, and B vitamins.

8. Aging. As you become older, it’s inevitable that your hair follicles suffer some deterioration. In this case, you’ll need to take care of your hair and accept that although it doesn’t have the same quality as before, you can still look beautiful. 

Consequences of having weak hair

  • The main result from the loss of strength in your hair is the thinning of your hair follicles. The hair that used to be thicker, will become thin and weak. 
  • An even more unpleasant consequence is hair loss. If your hair follicles are becoming weaker and weaker, then regeneration and growth will eventually stop.
  • Psychologically speaking, it can result in lower self-esteem. People who have weak hair can constantly feel insecure, which then affects their well-being.
medical check up for weak hair

Signs that you have weak hair

  • In some cases, you may notice that your hair has visibly lost its strength. It will look thinner, dull, dry, fragile, scarce and full of split ends, among other abnormalities. However, before it’s too evident, it’s likely that the harm started without you noticing.
  • The hairs at the top of your head are thinner than the ones at the back of your head. You may feel this by simply touching them.
  • Having visible bald spots. This is when your scalp becomes exposed.
  • It’s normal to lose about 40 to 50 strands of hair daily; but losing more than 100 strands per day is considered to be hair loss. An evident sign of this is when you see a quantity of hair stuck in your clothes, in the shower, in the sink, on your bed, etc.

What can you do about it?

The first thing to do when your have weak hair is to determine the cause of it. This is a health issue, so you should get treatment from your doctor.

There’s nothing you can do with hair that is already weak; it’s the new hair you produce that will show the results of any treatments. There are pills you can take and creams that you can apply so that your new hair grows healthy and strong. 

The hair product industry has designed many new and quick solutions. But, you must always be careful and research these solutions before beginning any treatment. Talking to a professional is the best way to deal with this issue.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.