From nightime habits to how you brush, these are the mistakes that could be causing hair breakage
11:53, 08 Jan 2026
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Unless you can somehow say that you never touch your hair or expose it to the elements, we’d venture that you need to know how to protect your hair from damage. Whether you colour it, use heat on it or simply rake a brush through it daily, external factors can really take their toll on your precious strands, leading to dryness and even breakage.
So how can you protect them and keep them as soft and as healthy as possible? Here are five ways to help shield and strengthen your mane…
How to strengthen your hair and protect against damage
Use heat protection
Whether you simply rough dry your hair with a hair dryer or have an extensive styling regime, a form of heat protection is an absolute must to shield your hair from any heat related damage and keep it soft. We love ARKIVE The Prologue, £13, or TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Spray.
READ MORE: Can home dermarollers boost hair growth? Trichologist weighs in on scalp microneedling
A spray is the most common form, but these days many leave-in products like balms and oils also come with heat protection – which is usually mentioned on the product’s packaging. You can also buy protective sprays for when you’re out in the sun, often containing UV filters, as well as wearing a sunhat.
Apply treatments regularly
Using one of the best hair masks is a great way to restore and repair your hair once every week or so, whether you leave yours on while you soak in the bath or let it work its magic while you do housework.
Try something like Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Mask, £42, or Kérastase Genesis Masque Reconstituant Hair Mask, £42.30.
Invest in a silk pillowcase
Silk (or more affordable satin) pillowcases are great because they help to minimise friction on the hair while you sleep, helping to reduce mechanical damage inflicted on your strands as a result. In addition to their hair benefits, some claim they also help prevent fine lines and wrinkles (not to mention that they’re incredibly soft!). Try something like Kitsch Satin Pillowcase, £15, or for a very luxe silk option Slip’s Silk Pillowcase, £85.
Sleep with your hair tied up
Sleeping with your hair secured in a loose bun is another way of reducing the friction on your hair while you sleep, by keeping the bulk of it lifted and all in one place. Like the pillowcase, a silk or satin scrunchie will be gentler on your strands here – try Invisibobble’s Scrunchies, £10 for two.
Brush from the bottom up when detangling
Roughly brushing out any tangles or knots can cause a lot of strain on your hair, so it’s best to take the gentlest approach possible if you are detangling. Very gently starting from the ends and working your way up, rather than going from the roots to the tips, will help to reduce the tension and any potential breakage.