Our hair is one of the most noticeable features of our appearance. It can frame our face, express our personality and typically, it’s one of our main sources of confidence.

However, for many people, their hair can be a source of insecurity, especially when it becomes weak and fragile. If you’ve been noticing that your hair has been struggling with weakness, it’s important to figure out the root cause so that you can take the necessary steps to address it.

Here are five potential reasons why your hair might be weak and struggling, and what you can do to treat it:.

1. Nutritional Deficiencies

Our hair is made up of primarily keratin, a protein that requires an adequate amount of amino acids to keep it strong and healthy. A deficiency in these nutrients can lead to hair that is brittle, weak, and prone to breakage.

Iron and zinc deficiencies can also lead to hair loss.

Solution: Make a conscious effort to eat a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods including protein, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.

Additionally, you can consider taking a multivitamin that contains nutrients like biotin, vitamin D, iron, and zinc, which are essential for healthy hair growth.

2. Over-Styling

Excessive heat styling and chemical treatments like coloring and perming can damage the hair and lead to weakness and breakage. Heat from styling tools can cause the hair shaft to become brittle and prone to breakage.

Harsh chemicals can strip the hair of its natural protective oils, leading to dry and damaged hair.

Solution: Limit your use of heat styling tools as much as possible. When you do use them, make sure to use a heat protectant product. Also, consider using a deep conditioning treatment once a week to help nourish and strengthen your hair.

Lastly, consider opting for natural hair dyes and avoid chemical treatments as much as possible.

3. Hormonal Changes

Hair loss and thinning can be caused by changes in hormones, specifically changes in estrogen and testosterone levels.

Women may experience hair loss post-partum, during menopause, or as a result of hormonal imbalances like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Men with low levels of testosterone may also experience hair loss.

Solution: If you suspect that your hair loss may be attributed to hormonal changes, speak to your healthcare provider to get a professional assessment and explore what options you have.

4. Stress

Stress can lead to a variety of physical and emotional symptoms, including hair loss and weak hair. High levels of stress can cause the hair follicles to enter a resting phase, leading to hair loss.

Solution: Managing stress is essential to maintaining overall health, so it’s important to make time for self-care activities, like exercise, meditation, or therapy.

Additionally, consider incorporating scalp massages and deep breathing exercises to help combat the negative effects of stress on your hair.

5. Genetics

Genetics plays a significant role in hair health. If baldness or hair loss is a common trait in your family, you are more likely to experience it yourself.

Solution: While you can’t change your genetics, there are several treatments that can help manage hair loss, like topical creams, medications, and hair-transplant surgery.

Talk to your healthcare provider to learn more about what options are available to you.