How can I stop hair along my hairline from breaking?

[u/Glum-Vegetable-2268]

Hi, I have bleached blonde hair. I have been bleaching it for over 10 years and never had any issues with breakage.

Around 8 months ago hair next to my face started breaking. With time the breakage started affecting my entire hairline - from hair next to my face to hair above the neck.

The broken strands are difficult to capture on photos, but believe me - these aren't baby hairs or layers. My baby hairs have always been strong, soft and smooth. These broken strands are dry like straw. I never experienced anything like that.

When it comes to lifestyle/behavioral changes that could cause the breakage, the only thing I can think of is that last year I switched hairdressers. My new hairdresser doesn't seem to be the best colorist to be honest. Maybe the breakage is caused by improper bleaching/coloring technique (?).

I started to take extra good care of my hair: low-heat drying, braid, soft scrunchies, silk pillowcase, all that jazz, tho even without doing all that stuff I used to have super strong hair in the past.

Please advise what I can do to prevent hair along my hairline from further breaking. I've researched Reddit and still have no idea, you guys are my last hope!

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PS My current routine consists entirely of Olaplex products. I have been using no. 3 on and off for years and I recently got the rest of the line. The products definitely make my hair look better, but they don't seem to prevent breakage.

Olaplex no. 3 treatment Olaplex no. 4 shampoo Olaplex no. 5 conditioner used interchangeably with no. 8 hair mask I have just finished a bottle of Moroccanoil Treatment Light and switched to Olaplex no. 9 oil

Last year I used an entire bottle of K18. It didn't solve my problem, my hair keeps breaking, but I'm thinking of giving it another chance - at this point I'm desperate.

[u/aggressive-teaspoon]

I can't speak for the original commenter, but I use a claw clip (if not doing anything that involves laying down) or a high bun. With any ponytail or bun, it's important not to pull the hair super tightly into the style. If your hair is slippery or otherwise doesn't stay put very well, try to use a bit of styling product to help hold the style together without pulling super tightly.

A lot of haircare decisions are about mitigating damage rather than avoiding it entirely (which is just not possible). Wearing hair down has its issues as well, such as getting caught on things, excess tangling, etc.

[u/wateraerobics_ → u/aggressive-teaspoon]

I mean what about for running? I don't think this would work?

I clearly have the same issue the girl in the picture has but my hair is always in tight ponies or buns because I workout almost daily

[u/aggressive-teaspoon → u/wateraerobics_]

The general principles to avoid breakage from ponytails are to try not to pull your ponytail super tightly, vary the position of the ponytail on your head, use lower-friction hair ties, and wear the style for as little time as possible.

When it comes to specific hairstyles and hacks, it really depends on your hair type, length, and what can make it hold together. My natural hair is fine, thick, and super slippery, so a super tight ponytail fails to keep my hair up for very long in the first place. This has made large claw clips (more anchoring to the base of my hair = stays up much longer, even with bouncing) and/or styling product (typically mousse for me; allows my hair to stick to itself much better) more effective options for me than a tight ponytail, and they also pose lower risk for breakage or traction alopecia.

Like I said previously, the point is mitigation. I don't think it's helpful to anyone to say "never put your hair in a tight ponytail" or other absolutes. If alternative ways to put up your hair simply don't work out for you, then just focus on mitigating the damage associated with a tight ponytail. For example, if you run in the afternoon or evening, put up your hairstyle close to when you head out for the run instead of wearing it all day. Similarly, take the hairstyle down (or at least re-tie it more loosely) as soon as you can after finishing the run.

[u/wateraerobics_ → u/aggressive-teaspoon]

Thank you! This was really helpful I'll definitely look into all of these suggestions!

[u/Alive_Worldliness_95 → u/aggressive-teaspoon]

Make sure the claw clip edges are Very smooth.  Hairdresser for 40 plus years. Make sure any implements, brushes combs, clips are Smooth. If not, hair is a fiber, it will shred, hair if rough.