JAKARTA - Hair loss and breakage are often misunderstood as the same hair problem. In fact, the two conditions are different and need to understand the difference because it determines the right treatment.
Quoted from Men's Health, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, dermatologist Ariel Ostad said that the difference between the two conditions lies in the problematic hair. Thinning hair due to hair loss occurs in the follicle or hair root, so that hair production is reduced or becomes finer.
Meanwhile, broken hair occurs on the hair shaft that has grown on the surface. Hair loss and broken problems are in different areas, so the handling is different.
"Both of them come from different areas, so the handling is also not the same," said Ostad.
Hair loss due to thinning hair is often associated with genetic factors such as androgenic alopecia. Stress, illness, or weight loss also trigger the condition.
On the other hand, broken hair is more often caused by physical or chemical damage. Broken hair is also affected by the use of hot tools, hair dyes, hairstyles that are too tight, and lack of moisture can make the hair shaft brittle.
Hair that thins due to loss is usually characterized by a scalp that begins to be visible and a reduced number of hairs. Hair also often falls out from the roots with a white tip.
Meanwhile, broken hair looks uneven and feels rough when touched. Short hair cuts without roots are a sign that the hair is broken at the stem.
For the treatment of hair loss, it cannot be generalized for everyone, because the causes are different. Understanding the type of hair loss is the first step to maintain hair health more effectively.
"Thickening shampoos can make hair look fuller, but they don't address hair loss from the roots," says doctor Marisa Garshick.
Treatment for broken hair focuses on strengthening and protecting the hair shaft. This approach is important so that the treatment is carried out according to the condition of the hair.
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