The Hidden Hair Problems You Didn’t Know You Had & How to Fix Them

Written by: Cassandra Celestin

Your hair is your crown, but sometimes, no matter how much love you show it, things just don’t add up. You’ve got breakage, tangles, or ends that look like they’ve been through the wringer. Sound familiar? If so, you might be dealing with an acquired hair fiber problem. Don’t panic, we’re breaking down what’s going on and how you can get back to the luscious locks you deserve.

What’s Happening to Your Hair?

Hair fiber issues can be sneaky, they creep up on you and make your hair dull, brittle looking, and hard to manage. The good news? These issues are manageable and somewhat fixable with the right approach. Here are the common culprits:  

1. Bubble Hair Deformity: Ever used a hot tool on wet hair? This can create tiny air bubbles inside the hair shaft due to trapped moisture expanding from the heat. These bubbles weaken the strand, making it more prone to breakage.

2. Trichorrhexis Nodosa:  Think of this as little “weak spots” or nodes along your hair that cause it to snap under pressure. This condition is often caused by excessive mechanical, physical, or chemical damage, leading to weakened structural integrity.

3. Trichoptilosis (Split Ends): The classic hair woe. Split ends signal dryness and excessive wear and tear.  This occurs when the protective cuticle layer is worn down, causing the inner cortex to fray and separate. This results from dryness, excessive manipulation, or heat and chemical exposure.

4. Trichonodosis: Those tiny knots in your hair strands? Yep, this happens when hair tangles on itself. This is common in curly and coily hair due to friction, lack of moisture, or improper detangling techniques.

5. Trichoclasis: Clean breaks along the hair shaft, often due to mechanical stress, excessive heat, or weakened hair fibers from chemical treatments. This indicates structural brittleness.

6. Plica Polonica: Matted, tangled hair that feels like it’s given up on life. This phenomenon is often associated with neglect, excessive product buildup, or exposure to extreme environmental factors.

How to Spot the Problem

Before rushing to fix your hair, a little detective work is key. Next time you’re brushing or styling, take a closer look. Are your strands bubbling, breaking, or knotting? Are they splitting at the ends or tangling into an unmanageable mess?  

If yes, it’s time to hit pause on whatever you’re doing to your hair and rethink your routine. The damage could stem from heat, chemicals, or even just brushing the wrong way.

The Fix: How to Bring Your Hair Back to Life

Step 1: Turn Down the Heat

We all love a sleek blowout, but your hair? Not so much. Skip the high-heat blow dryers and flat irons, and opt for air-drying or roller-setting under a hooded dryer. Trust me, your strands will thank you.  
Step 2: Scale Back the Chemicals

If you’re a fan of relaxers, perms, or hair color, it’s time to take a step back. These treatments weaken your strands, so try to space them out. Bonus tip: Use hair repair products with bonding agents to rebuild strength.  

Step 3: Detangle the Right Way

Detangling doesn’t have to mean tug-of-war. Start at the ends and work your way up, using a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush. Be gentle!  

Step 4: Wash and Condition Like a Pro

Keep your hair clean and hydrated. When washing, use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Add a deep conditioner or mask to your weekly/biweekly routine for extra TLC.  

Step 5: Trim the Dead Weight

Split ends are like bad energy, cut them out! Regular trims will stop the damage from traveling up your strands.  

Step 6: Protect Your Crown

Wear silk or satin scarves while you sleep to avoid friction. And when you’re out in the sun or swimming, keep your hair covered or use protective styles.  

The Bottom Line

Hair fiber problems are a pain, but they’re not a life sentence. With a little patience and a lot of love, you can transform your strands into the healthy, gorgeous hair you’ve been dreaming of.  

So, next time you spot a split end or a stubborn knot, remember: you’ve got the tools to fix it. And if you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to consult a professional sometimes, the best fix is a little expert TLC.  

Your hair deserves it.