Breakage?

I'm a new natural girl since October 27. I've never had a relaxer or anything of the sort. However I keep reading about the need to protect the hair from breakage. This may seem like a silly question but what is breakage? Is it simular to shedding? I use a leave in conditioner and oil my ends at night because I'm a bantu knot girl but I'm just confused about protecting my hair against the B word.

Great question, I would like to know too [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Here's an article that explains the difference between breakage and shedding.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/286359/hair_care_shedding_or_breakage_understanding.html?cat=69

Oh thank!!!! that was really helpful!