Have you noticed more hair on your brush than usual? Are your locks not as lush as they used to be? Hair breakage can be quite a bummer. After all, your hair is a vital part of your look, so it’s understandable to feel a bit stressed out about it. But don’t worry! Preventing hair breakage is totally doable! Scroll down as we deep dive into the causes, solutions, and best practices to keep your mane healthy and strong.
The Culprits Behind Hair Breakage
First, let’s talk about what hair breakage is & what’s causing your hair to break. Understanding the root of the problem (pun intended) is the first step to solving it.
What is hair breakage?
Hair breakage is when your hair gets weak and snaps off easier than a twig. This can leave your hair looking frizzy, thin, and not as fabulous as it should be. Just imagine your hair as a series of tiny, delicate threads. When these threads are healthy and strong, they can withstand quite a bit—from the pull of a hairbrush to the heat of your favourite styling tools. However, when weakened, they can snap and break off at any point along the hair shaft. This isn’t like normal hair shedding, where hair falls out from the roots to welcome the new hair growth cycle. Breakage is more about the actual strands snapping into shorter pieces, leaving you with thin, frizzy, or uneven locks.
So, what are the causes of hair breakage?
Now, you might be wondering, “What causes my hair to break in the first place?” There are a few culprits behind this pesky problem, so let’s dive right into them:
Heat Styling Overload: We all love a good hairdo, but excessive use of heat styling tools can leave your hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. The high temperatures cause the hair cuticle to lift, making your strands severely vulnerable to damage.
Chemical Treatments: Are you a fan of chemical relaxers, dyes, and bleaches? They may elevate your usual look, but unfortunately, they can alter your hair’s natural makeup, weakening it and making it more susceptible to snapping.
Poor Nutrition: Believe it or not, what you eat affects your hair. A diet lacking in essential nutrients can lead to hair prone to breakage. Your hair needs a balanced diet just as much as your body does.
Other Causes of Hair Breakage: Stress can even affect your hair! It can disrupt your hair’s growth cycle, leading to breakage and even hair loss. Even the way you brush or tie your hair can put extra stress on your delicate strands. Environmental factors, like the harsh South African sun, can also play a role, zapping moisture from your hair and leaving it more prone to snapping.
Solutions to Strengthen Your Strands
Now that we know the culprits, let’s talk about solutions. Here are some tried-and-true ways to stop hair breakage and keep your locks looking lovely.
Turn Down the Heat
Heat styling tools are like a double-edged sword—they create fabulous dos but can leave your hair fried and frazzled. To keep your hair looking healthy, it’s wise to dial down the heat. What if you need to use these tools constantly? Reach for a heat-protectant spray like Paul Mitchell Clean Beauty Heat Styling Spray. It helps reduce frizz and seal shine while protecting your hair from damaging heat.
Embrace Your Natural Texture
Explore styles that work with your natural texture. That way, you’re not just giving your hair a break from chemical treatments but also celebrating its unique beauty. Afro-textured hair, in particular, thrives with natural hair products that cater to its specific needs. Here’s a good example: INOAR Afro Vegan Conditioner. It helps maintain moisture, protect scalp health and stimulate hair growth with organic and vegan ingredients like shea butter and castor oil.
Eat a Balanced Diet
You know what they say, “You are what you eat,” and this couldn’t be truer for your hair. A balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals is like premium fuel for your follicles. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and biotin are the dream team for hair health. Omega-3s, found in fish like salmon and mackerel, nourish the scalp. On the other hand, iron, which is abundant in leafy greens and red meat, helps oxygenate your hair cells. And don’t forget about biotin. Present in eggs, nuts, and avocados, it supports keratin production, keeping your hair strong and resilient.
Manage Stress
Last but not least, managing stress is key. Finding ways to unwind and relax, like exercise, meditation, or indulging in your favourite hobbies, can do wonders for your stress levels. And when you’re less stressed, your hair can remain in its growth phase longer, staying healthier and stronger. So, for the sake of your hair, take that yoga class, go for a run, or simply breathe deeply.
How to Fix Hair Breakage with the Right Hair Products
Dealing with hair breakage can feel like a never-ending battle. So if you’re looking for more solutions to treating hair breakage and preventing it from happening again, check out some fantastic finds from EverythingHair.co.za. These top-quality hair care products can help fix breakage and get your hair back to its glorious self.
The Biosense Anti-Breakage Treatment is specifically designed to tackle breakage head-on. It works by reinforcing the hair’s structure, making your strands stronger and more resilient. Apply it on towel-dried hair, focusing on the ends and other damaged areas. Do not rinse it out; just style your hair as usual after applying this hair product.
Imagine a hydrating drink for your hair, and you’ve got the KMS Moist Repair Anti-Breakage Spray. This spray is all about giving your hair the moisture it craves, which, in turn, helps to prevent hair breakage.
- Evolution Keratin Moisturizing Shampoo
If you love a good lather, the Evolution Keratin Moisturizing Shampoo should be your go-to. It’s sulphate-free, which means it cleanses your hair without removing its natural oils. This shampoo is enriched with argan oil and proteins, which help create a shield over each strand while repairing any damage.
If your hair is screaming for extra care, these strengthening hair conditioners for coloured, damaged and stressed hair are here to answer the call. Whether your hair breakage is due to excessive styling, heat, or chemical processes, these hair conditioning products deliver deep repair and nourishment.
Lastly, we have treatments specifically designed to combat split ends. From a hair masque with argan oil to the most professional hair masque treatment, these products work their magic by sealing and smoothing the hair cuticle. It’s like putting a protective barrier around each strand, preventing further splitting and breakage.
Best Practices for Hair Care & Preventing Hair Breakage
After learning about the products you can use for hair breakage treatment, it’s time to dig deeper into how to prevent your hair from breaking in the future. Here are some best practices to incorporate into your hair care routine:
- Don’t skip your salon appointments; get rid of those split ends with regular trims. This will prevent further breakage and keep your hair looking healthy.
- You may be in a rush, but remember to be gentle when brushing and styling your hair. Also, avoid going for tight hairstyles that pull on your hair and scalp.
- Elevate your hair care routine with deep conditioning treatments. Plus, don’t forget the tried-and-true advice: hydrate!
- Go the extra mile and switch to a silk or satin pillowcase. You can also wrap your hair in a silk scarf at night. Both methods reduce friction and help prevent hair breakage.
Your Hair is Your Crown
Your hair is your crown, so it deserves to be treated with care. By understanding the causes of hair breakage and following these solutions and best practices, you’ll be well on your way to healthier, stronger locks. Check out our blogs for more hair care advice & browse through our shop to find premium hair products that suit you best.