Hair Breakage 101 - Why your hair breaks & how to fix it

There are a number of reasons why your hair breaks,and you already know most of them. But, do you know how to fix them? In this article, we take a pragmatic approach to helping you reduce breakage so you can finally start seeing progress in your hair growth efforts. Let’s unpack what breaks your hair & how you can fix it. Ready? Let’s jump into it.

1. Dryness is enemy number one

When hair lacks moisture, it becomes brittle and snaps easily. Type 4 hair is characterised by its curls and coils that need more moisture than looser hair types. This is because the coils and bends make it harder for natural oils to travel down the strand so you need to do your hair a solid and provide the moisture.

How to Fix it: Moisturise and then seal it in. After washing and conditioning your hair, choose your favourite cream moisturiser and  then lock in that goodness with MPL Olive Hair Oil or MPL Coconut Hair Oil.

2. Too much tension

Tight braids, ponytails, and wigs can stress your strands and your scalp if done too regularly without any downtime in between. Over time, that tension weakens follicles and leads to breakage — especially around your edges.

How to Fix it: Loosen up. Alternate between protective styles and low-manipulation looks. When you’re taking one style out, give your hair a break. Incorporate scalp massage days to give your scalp some love while nourishing it using MPL Hair Treatment 5 Oils to boost circulation.

3. Heat without protection

Flat irons and blow-dryers aren’t the enemy — careless heat is. High temperatures strip moisture and damage the protein bonds that keep your hair strong.

How to Fix it: Always use a heat protector and keep the temperature moderate. Limit direct heat to once or twice a month but if you can go heatless for longer periods, we highly recommend it.

4. Over-handling and rough detangling

Constant combing, brushing, or styling when your hair’s dry = breakage.

How to Fix it: Detangle only when your hair is damp and coated with slip — a few drops of MPL Black Castor Oil or MPL Vitamin E Hair Oil do the trick. Use your fingers first, then a wide-tooth comb from ends to roots.

5. Skipping trims

Holding on to split ends doesn’t preserve length — it accelerates breakage.

How to Fix it: Trim regularly (every 8–12 weeks) to keep your ends healthy and prevent splits from travelling up the shaft.

6. Neglecting nutrition

Healthy hair starts inside. Protein, iron, and vitamins A and E all contribute to stronger strands.

How to Fix it: Eat balanced meals, stay hydrated, and pair internal care with consistent external care.

Breakage is a sign, not a sentence. Once you identify what your hair needs — moisture, gentler handling, or simply more rest — give that to it.

To softer ends, fewer snapped strands, and satisfying fullness that shows you that your hair is growing.

Love MPL,Your Hair Doctor