Trichorrhexis Nodosa: What It Is and How to Prevent It
Trichorrhexis Nodosa (nodes) are small, thickened weak points along the hair shaft that can appear as white dots, commonly at the ends of the hair. These nodes are acquired by mechanical, thermal, or chemical damage, making the hair vulnerable to breakage. They are also congenital reasons, but in this blog we will focus on the external reasons for nodes on the hair shaft Although often mistaken for split ends, nodes are different—when they break, they leave the hair prone to further splitting and damage. Unfortunately, nodes cannot be repaired; they must be cut off to maintain healthy hair.
Nodes are common, even in people who take good care of their hair. As a professional in the hair industry, I’ve even experienced them myself, despite my passion for healthy hair. So, if you’re susceptible to these frustrating weak points, let’s explore what causes them and, most importantly, how to stop them from coming back.
Why Do Nodes Form?
While the causes can vary, excessive heat styling, chemical treatments, wet hair manipulation, environmental stress, and even diet can all contribute to node formation. Let’s break down how to prevent them by improving your routine.
1. Start by Trimming the Damaged Hair
The first step is to cut the nodes off. I know this isn’t what you want to hear, especially if you’re growing your hair, but leaving them untreated will result in further breakage and fraying up the hair shaft. Regular trims, micro-trims (when your hairdresser takes tiny sections and removes nodes) or digital haircuts (when your hair is analysed under a trichoscope and hair is cut where damage is visible) are all essential ways to maintaining long, healthy hair. Then protect hair daily to safeguard against further damage. Our Smoothing Serum is designed to seal weak strands and ends.
2. Less Heat – A Key Culprit
Heat styling is one of the most common causes of nodes. Ever seen tiny hair particles flying around while you straighten or curl your hair? Those are nodes breaking off! To avoid this, limit heat styling to 1-2 times per week, ideally only on wash days, and always use a heat protectant like our Heat Halo - Smoothing and Shine Serum. This heat shield not only protects but also smooths the cuticle for a sleek, shiny finish.
To further reduce heat damage, incorporate silk into your nighttime routine. Silk helps maintain your hairstyle overnight, reducing the need to style daily. You can try our range of heat-free rollers for heatless curls.
3. Managing Hair Chemistry
Regular colouring, bleaching, or relaxing treatments can cause nodes by weakening the hair's structural bonds. To counter this, balance your home care routine with protein, strength, and hydration. Hydrated Halo Shampoo, followed by Strengthen and Shine Conditioner provides a balanced cleanse and care routine. Our Reinforcement - Bond Repairing Treatment is perfect for this. Incorporating a bond treatment when you get your colour or chemical services done in salon can also significantly reduce damage.
At home, use pre-treatments like our Hydrated Halo Pre-Treat weekly to protect ends from being over cleansed. After washing, follow up with our Tangled Toner to restore hydration, contract the cuticle, and create a lightweight moisture barrier to protect against future damage. Finishing with Heat Halo to seal any delicate points along the hair.
4. Wet Hair Vulnerability
Hair is at its most vulnerable when wet, as hydrogen bonds in the hair temporarily break, leaving it more prone to damage. Be gentle—let your hair air-dry without tying it up, and never sleep with wet hair, as this causes friction and potential breakage. Limit washing your hair daily to avoid constant wetting, which opens the cuticle, allowing for potential breakage. Switch to blotting with a our Silk Dry Turban instead of rubbing with a rougher material.
5. Hydration – Inside and Out
Dehydration can lead to weak points in the hair, making it more susceptible to damage. Hydrate by drinking plenty of water and eating water-rich foods. A well-hydrated body ensures strong, resilient hair that’s less likely to break at nodules.
6. Be Gentle When Brushing
Brushing is great for scalp health and distributing oils, but it can also cause damage if done incorrectly. Never brush wet hair—use conditioner and a wide-tooth comb like our Partner in Style or Groom and Go to detangle during wash day, these are made from 100% natural materials that mimic your hairs natural composition. On dry hair, use high-quality tools like our Boar Bristle Brush, which is gentle on strands and helps distribute natural oils.
If you’re prone to over-brushing (like I am!), try adding a nourishing oil, such as our Nourished By - Hair and Scalp Oil, to your hair before brushing or if you need a lightweight version you can reapply our Smoothing Serum on dry hair. This adds protection and reduces the chance of breakage. Avoid brushes with ball tips, as they can snag and cause immediate breakage.
7. Avoid Over-Washing Your Hair
While keeping your scalp clean is important, as healthy hair grows from a clean scalp, washing your hair too frequently can strip it of its natural oils. These oils protect your hair from environmental stressors and nourish it. Give your hair time to maintain its natural oil balance between washes to prevent dryness and subsequent node formation or apply Pre-Treat to ends prior to cleansing which acts as a protective barrier, this is great for those that need to cleanse daily due to other scalp concerns like dandruff.
8. Choosing the Right Styling Tools
Yes, it matters which tools you use! Opt for styling tools that use ionic technology, which releases negative ions to break down water molecules and retain more moisture in the hair shaft. Ionic tools also help to smooth the cuticle, reducing swelling and frizz. Additionally, choose tools with ceramic coatings to distribute heat evenly and minimize damage.
Temperature control is equally important—never use styling tools over 140 degrees Celsius. For more details, you can check out our blog post on the science behind heat styling, including the glass-blowing theory.
9. Sleep on Silk
Silk pillowcases are one of the best investments for your hair. Silk’s natural fibers closely mimic the composition of hair, reducing friction as you sleep. This prevents breakage and helps retain moisture in the hair, allowing you to wake up with a hairstyle that doesn’t need excessive heat styling.
Key Takeaway: Don’t Break Them Off, Cut Them Off!
Trichorrhexis Nodosa is common and treatable, but you must cut off damaged sections to stop the problem at its source. Preventing the recurrence of nodes involves thoughtful care and the right routine. Stick to these tips, and your hair will thank you!
Check out our current discounted bundles designed for nodes and split ends
