7 Tips For Avoiding Hair Breakage

African hair is the most fragile and delicate of all hair type. Due to its molecular structure and small quantity of protective oils, it is almost impossible to eliminate hair breakage weather processed or in a natural state. Damaged hair is fragile, so it tends to break. Hair breakage tends to be frizzy and unhealthy looking, which eventually becomes very thin and sometimes results to bald spots. To correct the damage here are 7 easy tips that you can use to restore your hair’s health.

1. Wear a Satin Bonnet or Use a Satin Pillow Case
A lot of people don’t know how much damage using cotton pillowcase does to the hair at night.  All that rubbing tears your hair and can cause breakage.  It is very important to protect your hair with a satin cap before bedtime. Another option would be satin pillowcase, which works as good as the satin cap.

2. Detangle Damp Hair Not Wet Hair
Hair is its most fragile when wet. If you have highly textured hair that tangles easily, its best to lightly mist hair and detangle with a wide tooth comb before shampooing. Shampooing in plaits or jumbo twists also prevents tangles and breakage.

3. Keep Hair Hydrated
Water is always and will always be the primary source of moisture for hair and is the single most important factor in the hydration levels of hair. When your hair is dehydrated, it looses elasticity and is prone to snapping when you comb it or even handle it with your hands. To keep your hair supple, water should touch all hair textures a minimum of once per week simply by washing it. With protective styling with braids or twists, you keep your hair hydrated by just spritzing it with water/water based product or a water/oil mixture if washing is not required and then sealed with an oil or butter if needed.

4. Avoid Heat
Avoid direct heat on your natural hair. Frequent heat from flat irons and blow dryers weakens the hair, thin and break them over time.

5. Avoid Shampoos Containing Sulfates
Shampoos that contain sulfate Laureth (SL) is an absolute No, No for your hair.  Sulfates are chemicals in the shampoo that pulls the moisture from your hair, leaving it dry and brittle. Think of it this way, washing up liquids and most household soaps contains Sulfate Laureth. The main purpose for this is to remove oils and though grease from dishes, which is exactly what it does to the hair. So the next time you grab a shampoo from the shelves, do check the ingredients before purchasing.  If you see ingredients such as “sodium laureth sulfate” or a similar chemical combination with the term “sulfate” listed, then try to avoid the product.  There are several sulfate free products in the market that will leave your hair healthy and nourished instead of dry and stripped of natural oils.

6. Give Your Ends Extra TLC
Your ends are both the oldest part of your hair and the most fragile.  They need a little extra attention.  Make sure you have your ends covered by applying product from ends to roots.  This is especially important when using the LOC method to moisturize hair.

7. Trim Those Dead Ends
Removing split ends is the only way to prevent further breakage. I know for those trying to grow their hair this may seem like a long cause, but removing split ends is the only way to prevent further damage on other parts of the same hair strand where split ends are present. Small trims every 6 weeks will help keep your hair in optimal shape and decrease breakage.

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