Brittle hair: how can you strengthen the hair fibre?
Hair that breaks when brushed, split ends, lengths that “stop growing”: these are signs of weakened hair fibre. The good news is that you can strengthen it with the right habits and active ingredients.
By the Luxéol team · Reading time: 6 min · Updated 9 July 2026
Key points to remember
- Brittle hair is hair with a weakened fibre: it breaks along the lengths, often at the ends.
- This should be distinguished from hair loss: with breakage, the hair breaks; it does not fall out from the root (there is no small white bulb at the end).
- Main causes: heat, colouring, aggressive brushing, dryness and repeated actions that wear down the hair fibre.
- The hair fibre is strengthened by protecting it (from heat and friction) and nourishing it, both from within and on the surface.
- Active ingredients include: silica (horsetail), nettle, MSM, collagen, sulphur-containing amino acids; zinc and vitamin B8 contribute to the maintenance of normal hair.
Why does my hair break?
The hair fibre is made of keratin and protected by the cuticle. When this protection is damaged, the hair loses strength and eventually breaks. The causes often add up:
- Repeated heat (very hot hairdryer, straighteners, curling iron).
- Colouring and bleaching, which weaken the internal structure.
- Harsh brushing, especially on wet hair, which is more fragile.
- Dryness: a dehydrated hair fibre is brittle.
- Mechanical stress: tight hair ties, friction, pulled-back hairstyles.
Brittle hair or hair loss: how can you tell the difference?
A simple way to tell: look at the end of the hair you find. If it ends in a clean break along the length, without a small swelling at the base, it is breakage. If it has a small bulb at one end, it has fallen out from the root: this is more likely to be hair loss (see our dedicated article). Breakage often gives the impression that hair “is no longer growing”, when in fact it is growing but breaking before it can gain length.
How can you strengthen weakened hair?
- Reduce heat and always apply a heat protectant before styling.
- Detangle towel-dried hair, from the ends towards the roots, using a soft brush.
- Nourish regularly with a mask, focusing on the lengths and ends.
- Trim the ends regularly to prevent split ends from travelling up.
- Space out colouring treatments and hairstyles that pull on the hair fibre.
- Support from within with a three-month strengthening programme.
Which active ingredients strengthen the hair fibre?
Active ingredients associated with hair strength
Recognised role / use |
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Field horsetail (silica) |
Plant traditionally associated with strengthening the hair fibre |
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Nettle |
Helps strengthen hair |
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MSM & collagen |
Provides sulphur and peptides to support the hair fibre |
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Sulphur-containing amino acids (cysteine, methionine) |
Components of keratin |
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Zinc |
Contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and normal protein synthesis |
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Vitamin B8 (biotin) |
Contributes to the maintenance of normal hair |
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The Luxéol strengthening range
Luxéol strengthening protocol
A targeted protocol to strengthen the hair fibre and reduce breakage, based on strengthening active ingredients, alongside gentle habits and good nutrition.
Complete your routine with a strengthening shampoo and a nourishing treatment on the lengths, to protect the hair fibre while the programme works from within.
Summary: brittle hair
In practice |
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Sign |
Hair breaking along the lengths, split ends |
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To distinguish from |
Hair loss (hair that has fallen out with its bulb) |
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Key habits |
Less heat, gentleness, regular nourishment |
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Active ingredients to prioritise |
Horsetail, nettle, MSM, collagen, zinc, B8 |
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Programme duration |
At least 3 months |
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Frequently asked questions
How do I know whether my hair is breaking or falling out?
Do horsetail and nettle really strengthen hair?
How long does it take to see the hair fibre become stronger?
Should you cut brittle hair?
Food supplements should be used as part of a healthy lifestyle and should not replace a varied, balanced diet. This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. In the event of significant, sudden or persistent hair loss, consult a healthcare professional.
Sources
- European Register of authorised health claims (EC Regulation No 1924/2006) — zinc, biotin.
- Vidal.fr — “How to care for your hair to prevent breakage.”
- French Society of Dermatology — guidance on the structure of the hair fibre.
