What factors contribute to hair breakage?

Hair breakage is primarily influenced by a combination of internal and external factors that weaken the hair structure. The correct choice identifies several critical contributors to this issue.

Lack of moisture can lead to hair becoming dry and brittle, which makes it more prone to breaking. Healthy hair requires adequate moisture to maintain elasticity and strength. When hair becomes overly dry, it loses its ability to withstand stress and is at risk of damage.

Over-processing, which includes excessive chemical treatments such as coloring, perming, or relaxing, can also compromise the hair's integrity. These processes can strip the natural oils and proteins that help keep hair strong, leading to increased fragility and breakage.

Heat exposure from styling tools, like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons, further exacerbates the problem. High temperatures can damage the cuticle (the hair's outer protective layer), leading to weakened strands that are more susceptible to breakage.

Lastly, mechanical stress from styling practices, such as tight ponytails, braiding, or the frequent use of hair accessories, can cause physical damage to the hair strands, resulting in breakage over time.

Combining all these factors—lack of moisture, over-processing, heat exposure, and mechanical stress—highlights why they are