Black hair can come with hair breakage that is hard to block.
It can be so beautiful when it’s cared for.
But what’s one of the absolute, number one complaints of most Black women, regardless of whether their hair is relaxed or natural? How to stop so many little pieces of that hair from ending up in the sink, on the pillowcase, on the back collar of a shirt, etc.
To maintain healthier and stronger hair that sees less breakage, there are five primary things you need to do:
Shampoo your hair as needed.
If you work out often, work outside, or are often in an area where dirt, odors, smoke or excessive residue is in the air, you should shampoo your hair at least once per week.
Use shampoos that are suited to your hair type, texture, and condition. If your hair is relaxed, color-treated, dry, or has any other special needs, be cautious. Take extra care to ensure that the shampoo is not only gentle.
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Use the right conditioner.
If your hair is weak and breaking off, you will need to use a protein-based treatment to add strength back to your fragile hair. Hair is approximately 85-90 percent protein and will need protein to restore what may have been lost.
Always follow a protein treatment with a moisture treatment to soften hair that has been strengthened and often hardened by protein.
Your hair needs moisture, particularly when it is exposed to chemical treatments and heat appliances. Use a
moisturizing hair dress between shampoos.
Deep condition your hair, at least once per week to keep hair soft and flexible.
Hair is approximately 10-15 % moisture and when moisture is lost hair become dry and brittle and will surely break off.
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Friction is the number #1 cause of breakage in women regardless of culture, hair type or texture.
Hair is a fiber and when fibers rub against each other, they create friction and often tangle.
Tangled hair often becomes torn and ripped out. Leave-in conditioners are excellent for their detangling benefits. Better quality leave-in products provide a much-needed layer of protection to the hair that can last long after the conditioning service.
Pay attention to the ends of your hair.
If you notice split ends, cut them off immediately because splits can go all the way up to your hair shaft.
Think of it as a run in your stockings, it cannot be repaired and will continue to expand with daily wear and tear. The only way to rid yourself of the split is to remove it before it goes up the hair shaft.
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You should comb your hair once daily, with a large-tooth comb. No broken teeth – they can rip and tear hair strands. Consider using a baby brush for smoothing your edges because edges are naturally very fragile. If hair is natural, use a boar bristle brush, never nylon because it can cut hair strands. If your hair is relaxed, use a paddle brush, plastic, and rubber with balled tips to protect your strands.
Avoid using excessive and repeated heat. Use curling/flat irons and blow dryers only when hair is clean. Only use when absolutely necessary, such as for special occasions.
Sleep in a satin cap or on a satin pillowcase.
Eat a balanced diet. Take vitamins to keep hair healthy and strong from the inside. These include vitamin C, vitamin E and silica vitamin B, zinc, copper, protein, and Biotin, to name a few.
Visit the BlackDoctor.org Hair Care center for more articles and tips.
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