Hair Breakage 101
Do you wake up with a lot of hair on your pillow? Or, do you have frizzy, brittle hair? These can be due to hair breakage which is one of the signs of unhealthy hair. If you have this problem, then getting lustrous, shiny and smooth hair can be a little difficult. But there is nothing to worry about as experts from a hair styling school are going over everything related to this issue including causes, home remedies and preventive measures.
What Is Hair Breakage
When the shafts of your hair break, split ends and shorter hair strands occur. This is known as hair breakage which usually occurs due to damaged hair and dry scalp.
Causes of Hair Breakage
There are many reasons behind your hair breakage and they are:
- Lack of moisture
This is one of the main reasons. To fix this, you should use a shampoo and a conditioner that moisturizes your hair and makes it smooth. In fact, rinse your hair with filtered water and not hard water because the latter contains chlorine and harsh chemicals that can damage your hair cuticles leading to high porosity and breakage.
- Heat Styling
Do you use heat styling a lot? This can be one of the causes leading to hair breakage. If you use heat styling products like a flat iron or tongs, use heat protectants that can safeguard your hair from the damage. In addition, limit your usage to once or twice a week.
- Blow Drying Wet Hair
Drying your wet hair with a hairdryer is an absolute no-no. It’s always best to let your hair dry naturally. But if you’re in a hurry, you can use a dryer but hold its nozzle away from your hair while drying your hair.
- Chemical Treatments
There are many chemical treatments such as hair straightening, perming and colouring that can harm your hair’s texture if not maintained properly. Many women conducting these chemical procedures usually opt for keratin treatments as well. This is because the latter process can make the hair strands smoother and healthier.
- Using a Cotton Pillowcase
If you use cotton pillowcases when you sleep, then it’s time you should switch to satin or silk ones instead. This is because cotton is a hard fabric that can create friction with your hair when you sleep on it leading to breakage. The silk or satin materials are softer and better suited to all hair types.
- Over-washing
When you over-wash your hair, you’re stripping off the natural oil from your hair and scalp. That’s why experts strictly recommend that you shampoo your hair thrice a week based on your hair type. However, do not forget to apply conditioner once you’re finished.
- Drying Hair with a Towel
It’s time to bid adieu to the cotton towels instead, stick to microfiber towels that can soak moisture from your hair faster without harming it. You can also use an old t-shirt if that’s handy.
Home Remedies
Get ready to utilize ingredients that are readily available in your house.
- Coconut Oil
This is an ingredient which is easily available. It is a natural moisturizer for your hair. Use one or two tablespoons of this oil depending on the length of your hair. Apply this evenly all over your scalp and hair. Afterwards, wear a shower cap and leave it overnight followed by a hair wash in the morning. Do it once a week for the best results.
- Egg Hair Mask
Egg whites are healthy for your hair as they contain proteins, anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. You need a few more ingredients for making this mask and they are- two tablespoons of olive oil, one cup of milk and a few drops of lemon juice along with two egg whites. Mix all of them in a bowl and ensure they have a thick constituency. Smear it all over your scalp and let it stay for thirty minutes before rinsing it with a mild cleanser.
- Garlic
Garlic is a rich source of sulphur which protects your hair proteins. It also contains antifungal and antioxidant properties that can prevent damage and fungal infections. Use six to seven garlic cloves and one teaspoon of coconut oil. Mince the garlic cloves, add the oil into it and mix them well. Store this mixture in a cool place for a week. Then, apply it on your hair strands and scalp and then wash it off after an hour. Repeat this once a week.
- Avocado
Avocado has vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids that are nutritious for your hair. Use a half avocado, one egg yolk and a tablespoon of butter which is optional. Scoop out the pulp and blend it with the egg yolk to form a thick paste. But before applying this paste, damp your hair and then use your fingertips to massage your scalp properly. Let it stay for twenty minutes and then shampoo your hair. You can use this remedy once or twice a month based on your hair damage.
Preventive Measures
Here are some preventive tips that can protect your hair from hair breakage.
- Trim your hair at least once every six months.
- Avoid using heating products like a flat iron or tongs.
- Do not comb your wet hair, let it dry and then use a wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair.
- Massage your hair with oil once a week.
- Use a hydrating conditioner to moisturize your hair.
- Do not over-wash your hair.
- Avoid chemical treatments as much as possible.
- Maintain a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean meat and fish.
- Drink a lot of water.
That’s everything you need to do for protecting your hair from breakage and other damages. Simple maintenance, healthy eating and avoiding harsh chemical can guarantee you a shiny and smooth hair that you’ve always dreamt of.
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