How to end hair breakage

Every woman desires a full head of long, shiny, and healthy hair. However, this doesn’t happen naturally for everyone. Whether it’s due to genetics, medication, diet, or hair type, breakage is a common concern. And it doesn’t matter if you’re rocking your natural curls, sporting a textured style, or maintaining a perm hair, breakage is a frustrating reality. But the good news is, it’s preventable!

Breakage typically occurs when hair is too dry, weak, or stressed from styling. Factors like heat, chemical treatments, and even tight braids can lead to damage. Eventually, the hair becomes fragile and vulnerable, leading to breakage or split ends.

It’s also crucial to understand your hair’s condition to properly diagnose potential problems. Take, for instance, natural hair, especially type 4C, which features coils and kinks. This hair is prone to breakage because it’s naturally drier. The more tightly coiled the hair, the harder it is for natural oils from the scalp to travel down the shaft. As a result, you’ll experience dryness, friction, and breakage, especially if you’re over-manipulating your hair with heat and some protective hairstyles that do more harm than good.

To prevent this, here’s what you need to pay close attention to:

Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise!

This cannot be emphasised enough. Your curls thrive on moisture. Make sure you’re deep conditioning regularly with a rich, nourishing mask. Look for ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil and avocado oil, as these powerful ingredients will keep your curls hydrated and prevent snapping.

Use a wide-tooth comb

Natural hair requires a lot of patience, especially if it’s thick and dense. And that can be challenging. But the key is to comb it out gently. Wet hair is more vulnerable to breakage, so always detangle your hair when it’s damp, not soaking wet as often done in salons. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to work through tangles, starting from the ends and working your way up.

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Protective hairstyles

Not all protective hairstyles are created equal, so opt for low-manipulation styles like braids, twists, or buns. These styles minimise breakage because your hair is tucked away and doesn’t experience daily wear and tear. However, avoid keeping them in for too long, especially if they are overly tight, as that can cause damage. Aim for a few weeks and then give your hair a break.

Use heat sparingly

Natural hair and heat don’t always mix well. If you need to use a blow dryer or flat iron, always apply a heat protectant first. When you do straighten or curl, try to limit heat styling to once every two weeks, or even less frequently, to prevent unnecessary heat stress on your hair.