When it comes to hair, we all want it to look its best. But sometimes, despite our best efforts, our hair can become damaged. In this blog post, we'll delve deep into the world of hair care practices, chemical treatments, environmental factors, and other aspects that can harm your precious locks.
Hair Damage Causes
Damage caused by hair care practices:
Split Ends: These result from factors like excessive brushing and the use of harsh styling tools, causing hair ends to split and appear frizzy.
Breakage: Hair breakage occurs when we're too rough with our hair, whether through brushing, combing, or using damaging hair care practices.
Mechanical Damage: Aggressive hair care practices like brushing or combing wet hair, using tight hair accessories, or wearing hairstyles that pull on the hair can lead to mechanical damage.
Product Build-up: Excessive use of styling products, silicones, and heavy conditioners can result in product build-up on the hair shaft, making it heavy, greasy, and prone to breakage.
Damage from Chemical Treatments:
Heat Damage: Frequent use of high-temperature heat styling tools like flat irons and curling irons can weaken the hair's protein structure, making it brittle and susceptible to damage.
Chemical Damage: Hair colouring, perming, and relaxing treatments can weaken the hair's structure, causing it to become dry and prone to breakage.
Over-Processing: Using chemical treatments too frequently or leaving them on for extended periods can lead to over-processing and severe hair damage.
Environmental and External Factors:
Dry and Dehydrated Hair: Dry hair lacks moisture and can appear dull and frizzy. Dehydration can result from exposure to harsh weather, over washing, and using products that strip away natural oils. Consider using gentle Sulfate free shampoo.
UV Damage: Prolonged exposure to sunlight, especially without protection, can lead to UV damage, which weakens the hair and makes it dry and discoloured.
Environmental Damage: Pollution, hard water, and extreme weather conditions can take a toll on hair health, making it look dull and brittle.
Other Types of Damage:
Tangling: Hair that tangles easily is more prone to breakage when untangling, especially if not done gently.
Protein Loss: Hair is primarily composed of a protein called keratin. Excessive loss of protein due to damage can weaken the hair's structure.
Stress-Related Damage: Chronic stress can affect hair health, leading to excessive hair shedding and changes in hair texture.
Hair Damage Solutions
As per the guidelines provided by the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), there are numerous recommended practices and strategies we can employ to effectively prevent or minimize hair damage.
When it comes to hair care practices consider the following:
Gentle Shampooing: When washing your hair, replace vigorous rubbing with a soothing scalp massage. Allow the shampoo to flow naturally through your hair when rinsing, avoiding harsh rubbing.
Embrace Conditioning: Never skip the conditioner after shampooing to maintain your hair's health and vitality.
Swimmer's Defense: For avid swimmers, protect your hair with a swim cap, rinse immediately after swimming, and use swimmers' shampoo followed by a deep conditioner.
Tender Towel Treatment: Ditch the rough towel rub-down and opt for a gentle wrap to absorb excess water. Allow your hair to air dry naturally.
Combing Wet Hair: For straight hair, partially dry before using a wide-toothed comb gently. If your hair is textured or curly, opt for damp hair for easier detangling.
To minimise the harmful side effects of chemical treatments opt for:
Mindful Heat Styling: Whenever possible, let your hair air dry, minimizing exposure to heat tools. When necessary, lower the heat setting and limit usage to once a week or less.
Streamlined Styling: Consider hairstyles that require fewer styling products to reduce product build-up. you can also consider using shampoos with Tea tree oil as they help remove the chemicals build-up on the scalp.
Loose Hairstyles: Say no to tightly pulled-back styles like tight ponytails, buns, or cornrows. Choose covered rubber bands designed for hair styling to minimize stress.
Weaves and Extensions: If you love weaves or extensions, opt for lighter options, seek professional installation, vary your styles, and maintain proper scalp hygiene.
Chemical Treatment Caution: Extend the time between hair colouring, perming, or relaxing treatments, especially in dry conditions. Limit each service to one (colouring, relaxer, or perm), and use conditioner regularly. Protect your hair from the sun with leave-in conditioner or a wide-brimmed hat.
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