8 Practical Tips for Preventing Hair Damage and Breakage
Prevent your hair from damage and breakage
Having luscious locks is a dream for everyone. Healthy, strong, and shiny hair not only makes you look good but also boosts your self-confidence. However, the continuous use of styling tools, chemical treatments, and exposure to the elements may damage your hair.
The good news is, you can take several steps to prevent hair damage and breakage. Keep reading to discover eight practical tips for preventing hair damage and breakage.
1. Limit the Use of Heat Styling Tools
Heat styling tools, such as curling irons, straighteners, and blow dryers, enable you to quickly achieve your desired hairstyle. Nonetheless, these tools can also cause your hair to break if not used correctly.
The heat from heat styling tools can weaken the hair shaft, making it more vulnerable to breakage. To minimize the damage, limit your usage of these tools or use them at the lowest setting possible. It is also recommendable to apply serum or a heat-protectant spray before using them.
2. Get the Right Shampoo and Conditioner
Shampoos help clean the hair and scalp by removing dirt and oil buildup. Hair conditioners nourish and hydrate the hair, making it look smoother and less frizzy. Unfortunately, some shampoos and conditioners contain sulfates, parabens, and other hazardous chemicals that can cause hair breakage.
When looking for hair products, choose those specifically formulated for your hair. Read the label carefully to ensure your preferred shampoo and conditioner contain no harmful ingredients.
3. Be Gentle When Brushing Your Hair
Hair is gentle and can quickly break if you brush it too roughly. When you go hard on your hair, you’re likely to cause knots and tangles to tighten, resulting in hair breakage. Moreover, rough brushing hurts the hair follicles and irritates the scalp, which can lead to hair loss.
To prevent hair damage, use a wide-tooth comb or a brush with soft bristles to brush your hair. They are designed to make your hairstyling easy while ensuring you look awesome.
4. Protect Your Hair from the Sun
Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause your hair to become dry and frizzy. That’s because UV rays damage the cuticle, the hair’s outer protective layer. When the cuticle is damaged, your hair may lose its moisture and become susceptible to breakage.
To protect your hair from sun damage, wear a scarf or a hat when walking in an open place for a long time. You can also use a leave-in conditioner or a UV-protectant spray to keep your hair safe from harsh sun rays.
5. Avoid Tight Hairstyles
Pulling your hair too tightly can cause tension on the scalp and hair shaft, which makes it easy for your hair to break. This condition, known as traction alopecia, is common among people who prefer tight hairstyles, such as ponytails, braids, and buns.
Avoid traction alopecia by wearing looser hairstyles. If you must wear braids or tight weaves, ensure they are done by professionals who understand the hair structure. You may also try to use hair accessories like headbands and clips, to keep hair out of your face.
Avoid over washing your hair
6. Don’t Over-Wash Your Hair
Washing your hair at close intervals can strip it of its natural oils. These oils help to moisturize the hair, ensuring it doesn’t become dry and brittle. They also consist of vitamins and nutrients like omega fatty acids and vitamin E, vital for preventing hair damage.
Preferably, aim to wash your hair every two days using a gentle shampoo with less harmful chemicals. In case you have oily hair, try a dry shampoo to help absorb excess oil.
7. Try Hair Masks
Hair masks are a form of deep conditioning treatment that moisturizes and nourishes the hair. They contain all-important ingredients such as natural oils, proteins, vitamins, and other elements that promote healthy hair growth.
By providing the hair with essential nutrients, hair masks keep the hair strong, shiny, and rejuvenated, preventing hair damage. Further, you can utilize them to repair hair that is already broken.
Get the most out of your hair mask by following good hair care practices. These include washing and drying your hair correctly, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, and employing appropriate hair treatment products.
8. Eat a Healthy Diet
What you eat can significantly affect the health of your hair. Therefore, ensure you eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins, proteins, and other key minerals. Foods that particularly promote healthy hair growth include nuts, seeds, leafy green vegetables, and fatty fish. In addition, drink a lot of water to keep your hair hydrated and healthy.
Hair breakage is a real problem
Get the Right Brush for Preventing Hair Damage
By observing the above tips, your hair will not suffer breakage or damage. Appropriate tools can also help keep your scalp healthy and prevent hair breakage. One mandatory haircare tool you shouldn’t miss is a high-quality brush.
Hair Breakage FAQs
How Can I Prevent Hair Breakage Naturally?
Air dry your hair instead of blow drying it. Eat fresh fruits and drink water frequently. Gently shampoo and condition the hair without scrubbing too hard. Also, avoid towel drying your hair and regularly trim it.
What Causes Hair to Break Easily?
Some common reasons for hair breakage include the different hair products (e.g. shampoos, relaxers, and colors) that contain harsh chemicals, stress, styling, heat, and aggressive brushing.
What Oil is Best for Hair Breakage?
Natural oils are preferable if you want to prevent hair breakage: coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, avocado oil, almond oil, and argan oil, among others.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
© 2023 Carole Mireri
