4 Hair Breakage Treatments That Make a Visible Difference

Strong, healthy hair doesn't just happen. With so many everyday aggressors at play – from heat styling to pollution – most of us need extra support to keep strands resilient in the face of hair breakage. And that means more than simply switching your shampoo; hair breakage treatments are the answer when you start seeing split ends, as they're potent and absorbent enough to get to the root of the problem.

So, let's take a look at the hair breakage treatments that actually make a difference, from a hair mask that boosts resilience to a leave-in treatment that repairs hair damage in 90 seconds¹...

What Causes Hair Breakage?

Hair breakage can be caused by a range of factors, so what are the most common culprits? These are the everyday stressors that weaken strands and lead to snapping...

• Excessive heat styling: If you love a smooth blow-dry or rely on your flat iron to tame frizz, you’re not alone. But using hot tools too frequently – or skipping a heat protectant – can gradually weaken the hair cuticle. Over time, this leads to dryness, brittleness and, eventually, breakage as natural oils are stripped away.
• Friction and mechanical damage: The little things we do every day can make a big difference. Too-rough towel-drying, brushing hair while it’s still wet, wearing tight elastics, or sleeping on the wrong pillowcase can all create friction that lifts and frays the cuticle. This kind of repetitive stress can cause split ends, mid-shaft breakage, and an overall loss of strength.
• Pollution and metal particles: Environmental stressors like dust, smoke, and tiny metal particles in the air and water can settle onto our hair and scalp without us even noticing. These pollutants create oxidative stress that weakens the hair fiber from within, leaving strands dull, dry, and more prone to snapping – especially if you spend a lot of time outside.
• Over-processing with harsh chemical treatments: Coloring, lightening and perming services are the answer to some of our favorites, but they’re also powerful chemical processes that should be used with care. When applied too often or without proper aftercare, they can break down the bonds that keep your hair strong. The result: hair that feels porous, delicate, and more likely to break with even gentle tension.

What are the Best Hair Treatments for Breakage?

From hair masks to serums to leave-in treatments, you can target breakage at every stage of your regimen. Choose the right formula to suit your needs – or combine them for extra care.

1. For Up to 95% More Resilience²: Fusion Intense Repair Mask

If your goal is to protect against breakage, this creamy deep conditioning treatment is for you. Teamed with the Fusion Intense Repair Shampoo, the Fusion Intense Repair Mask gives you up to 95% more resilience against breakage². The formula features Silksteel Technology; a breakthrough innovation powered by nourishing amino acids and inspired by the strongest fiber in nature: the spiderweb. Use it weekly to improve elasticity – something you're lacking if your hair is prone to split ends and snapping – while repairing hair on both macro and micro levels for inside-out replenishment.

The Benefits:

• Leaves hair up to 95% more resilient against breakage².
• Packed with silk amino acids and micronized lipids.
• Repairs damaged hair on macro and micro levels.

How to Use It:

After washing your hair with Fusion Intense Repair Shampoo, squeeze out excess water, then apply Fusion Intense Repair Mask to the mid-lengths and ends. Let it absorb for five minutes – long enough for a scalp massage to boost circulation – then rinse thoroughly.

2. For Intensive Damage Repair: ULTIMATE REPAIR Mask

Damage is the leading cause of hair breakage, so if you're struggling with the condition, you need an extra nourishing treatment to stop snapping – and fast. While breakage can't be reversed, it can be stopped with the right products, and ULTIMATE REPAIR Mask is our intensive formula for improving strength.

First up, it's enriched with a blend of AHA and Omega-9, a powerful duo that helps to rebuild the internal bonds while repairing the hair shaft's outer protective layer. Plus, it features smart conditioning agents that identify and treat the areas that need it most. Damage is rarely even – it varies all throughout your hair – so this bespoke approach is a game-changer.

The Benefits:

• Powered by AHA and Omega-9 to repair internal bonds and the outer protective layer.
• Paves the way for up to 6x easier detangling², in turn reducing breakage.
• Rich and creamy, with smart conditioning agents to target areas of extreme damage.

How to Use It:

Wash your hair with ULTIMATE REPAIR Shampoo first, then squeeze out excess water or gently towel-dry your hair, so your mask can be easily absorbed. Apply it to mid-lengths and ends, and let the creamy formula get to work for up to five minutes. Rinse thoroughly before gently blotting hair dry with a microfiber towel.

3. For Hair Damage Repair in 90 Seconds¹: ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue

Not all hair treatments belong in the shower. ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue is a spray-on, leave-in treatment that works miracles in record time. Its potent dose of AHA and Omega-9 – along with its liquid-light texture – allows you to repair hair damage in 90 seconds¹ and leaves you with up to 99% less breakage³.

Iconic for all the right reasons, it also suits all hair textures and types. From straight, thinning hair to color-treated curls, every mane will benefit from this powerful treatment.

The Benefits:

• Repairs hair damage in 90 seconds¹.
• Leaves you with up to 12x smoother hair² and up to 99% less breakage³.
• Lightweight feel suits all hair textures and types, from straight to coily.

How to Use It:

After washing your hair with ULTIMATE REPAIR Shampoo and ULTIMATE REPAIR Conditioner or Mask, mist ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue from roots to ends. Let it absorb for 90 seconds, then style your hair as usual. It's that easy to repair damaged hair and put a stop to breakage.

4. For Overnight Breakage Protection: ULTIMATE REPAIR Night Serum

One extra step before bedtime can make all the difference to your hair's condition. If you often wake up to frizz and tangles, apply ULTIMATE REPAIR Night Serum each evening. With its rich creamy-gel texture and defense polymers, it shields strands from friction while you sleep – because, believe it or not, pillow damage is one of the causes of breakage.

So, not only will you go to bed and wake up with smoother, silkier, healthier-looking hair, but you'll also be giving the hair shaft what it needs to stay strong – even through the most restless nights.

The Benefits:

It's simple. Apply ULTIMATE REPAIR Night Serum to clean, dry hair before bed, focusing on the mid-lengths, ends and any areas where stubborn frizz appears. Then, go to bed – preferably on a silk or satin pillowcase. The serum will absorb while you sleep, so you'll have smooth, healthy, frizz-free hair by morning.

Your Hair Breakage Questions – Answered

How Long Will It Take to See Results?

When fixing breakage, the timeline varies for everyone, depending on:

• how bad the damage is;
• how fast your hair naturally grows;
• which hair breakage treatment you choose;
• how consistent you are with your regimen.

But with a trim to remove the split ends and regular use of your hair breakage treatment, you will start to see results in weeks. In fact, with ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue, you'll notice hair damage repair in 90 seconds¹.

Is Breakage Ever Permanent?

Yes and no. Once a strand of hair is broken, you can't put it back together, so the damage to that section of hair is permanent. But, as new hair growth comes through, you get a fresh start, with healthy roots that become healthy lengths. By trimming away the split ends and maintaining a consistent care routine, you can ensure breakage doesn't happen again.

Can I Reverse Breakage or Just Stop It?

You can't reverse hair breakage and split ends, but you can put a stop to it, so focus on repair and prevention to guarantee stronger, healthier hair in the future. This often starts with a trim to remove the broken hair. Then, follow a nourishing routine, like the ULTIMATE REPAIR regimen, to support strands as new hair growth comes in.

Should I Stop Bleaching Entirely?

This is a question for your Wella colorist, who will be able to assess your hair to check if it's strong enough for lightening services. They may recommend a gentler hair lightener, like Blondor Soft Blonde Cream or BlondorPlex, with the latter giving you up to 97% less breakage⁴. But if they feel your hair needs a break from bleaching, they could suggest a zero-lift, zero-damage color gloss. SHINEFINITY delivers, with a range of cool and warm hues for a gentle, translucent veil of color and shine.

Does My Scalp Matter?

Yes! Your scalp absolutely matters when it comes to healthy hair, so take the time to show it some extra care on wash days. While this won't reverse breakage, it will encourage healthy hair growth so you can enjoy a more manageable mane in future. One simple step is giving yourself a scalp massage; something you can do while your hair mask or conditioning is being absorbed.

Now you’ve got the full lowdown on hair breakage treatments, level up your routine with the right formula(s) for you. Then, keep your new regimen consistent; your future healthy mane will thank you.

¹ When using ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue.

² On wet hair, vs. non conditioning shampoo.

³ When using ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue instrumental test vs. non-conditioning Shampoo.

⁴ When using Wellaplex N°2 with Blondorplex, versus Blondorplex alone.