Hair Breakage in Men

Hair breakage in men is far more common than most guys admit, and it’s not just about “getting older” – it’s usually about everyday habits quietly wrecking your hair fibre. If your hair feels rough, snaps easily, or never seems to grow past a certain length, that’s breakage talking – and the good news is, it’s fixable.

Why men’s hair is snapping, not just shedding

A lot of men assume any change in their hair is “hair loss”, but there’s a difference between hair falling from the root and hair snapping along the shaft.

Men's perm

Breakage is damage to the strand itself – think frayed rope rather than a missing rope.

Key culprits for men include:

  • Aggressive towel‑drying and rough brushing, especially on wet hair.

  • Daily heat from dryers or straighteners without heat protection.

  • Over-washing with harsh shampoos that strip natural oils.

  • Bleach, colour, perms or relaxers, particularly on already dry hair.

  • Tight styles (man buns, braids, undercut ponytails) causing stress on fragile areas.

  • Poor diet and stress, which both weaken the hair’s protein structure.

In the UK, male hair concerns are huge – millions of men are dealing with hair issues, with androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) accounting for the majority of male hair loss cases, which often gets muddled up with breakage.

Everyday habits that quietly cause breakage

You don’t need a complicated routine; you just need to stop battering your hair.

  • Go gentle on wet hair: Hair is at its weakest when wet, so avoid rough towel‑rubbing and brushing straight from the shower. Blot with a soft towel or cotton T‑shirt, then use a wide‑tooth comb from ends upwards.

  • Turn down the heat: Regular high‑heat styling dehydrates the cuticle and leads to brittleness and snapping. Use the cool or medium setting, keep the dryer moving, and always apply a heat‑protect spray first.

  • Rethink your shampoo: Over‑washing with strong detergents strips the scalp’s natural oils, which are your hair’s built‑in conditioner. Most men do well with shampoo 2–4 times a week, using a sulphate‑gentle formula.

  • Condition like you mean it: Skipping conditioner is one of the fastest routes to rough, fragile hair. Focus a nourishing conditioner on mid‑lengths and ends every wash, leaving it on for a couple of minutes.

  • Loosen up tight styles: Constant tension from tight buns or braids can cause breakage and even traction alopecia around the hairline and crown. If you tie your hair up, keep it loose and use snag‑free bands.

A simple example: swapping a rough towel‑rub for a gentle blot and adding a 2‑minute conditioner can noticeably reduce snapping within a few weeks.

Strengthening your hair from the inside

Hair is mostly keratin, a protein, so what you eat and how you live shows up on your head.

modern mullet

Focus on:

  • Protein: Regular servings of eggs, fish, lean meat, beans or lentils help support stronger new growth.

  • Micronutrients: Iron, zinc, vitamin D and biotin are linked to hair health; low levels can contribute to weaker hair and increased breakage.

  • Healthy fats: Omega‑3s from oily fish, nuts and seeds help support scalp health and shine.

  • Stress management: High stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle and make hair more prone to damage and shedding.

If you notice sudden or severe changes – handfuls of hair in the shower, bald patches, or shedding after illness – it’s worth speaking to a GP, as conditions like thyroid issues, anaemia or certain medications can contribute to hair problems.

Products and treatments that actually help

You don’t need a bathroom full of bottles, just smart choices that support your hair rather than strip it.

Look for:

  • Gentle cleanser: A mild, moisturising shampoo that avoids harsh sulphates helps prevent dryness and breakage.

  • Conditioner every wash: Hydrating, bond‑repair or protein‑rich formulas can improve elasticity and reduce snapping when used consistently.

  • Weekly treatment: A deep‑conditioning or bond‑strengthening mask, left on for 10–20 minutes, can noticeably boost softness and resilience.

  • Leave‑in protection: Lightweight creams or sprays add slip (so there’s less friction) and protect from heat and pollution.

If your concern is both breakage and classic male pattern thinning, evidence‑based options like minoxidil and finasteride can help stabilise shedding and improve density, while good hair care limits additional mechanical damage.

When a professional makes the difference

At a certain point, home tweaks can only do so much; a trained eye can spot whether you’re dealing with pure breakage, true hair loss, or a mix of both. A good stylist can:

  • Assess where the breakage is worst and adjust your cut to minimise the appearance of damage.

  • Recommend tailored products and treatments for your hair texture, lifestyle and scalp condition.

  • Guide you on realistic goals – whether that’s growing out a style, managing thinning, or starting fresh with a stronger shape.

If you’re in or around London and ready to get on top of hair breakage, an expert salon visit can be a game‑changer. Ready to strengthen your hair and get a style that works with, not against, your texture? Our award‑winning stylists at Gusto Hairdressing are here to help – book your consultation today.