by meadow
Shedding vs Breakage
Shedding is hair that reaches the end cycle of its growing stages. We lose 50-100hairs per day.
Breakage is when hair doesn’t break at the root. This could be due to improper diet, styling technique, or mishandling of the hair.
Some Ways to Avoid Breakage
Neglecting hair
Extensions, weaving and wigs are protective styles if done right. But please do not forget to show the hair underneath TLC. Be sure to instruct your stylist not to braid too tightly. When removing braids have patients and detangle slowly. Wigs-remove wig any chance you get so your hair can breathe
Clean Hair
Shampooing/clarifying the hair and scalp thoroughly when you feel product build up
Deep conditioning
Every time you shampoo deep condition with heat for at least 30min.
Detangle
Always make time to fully detangle. Separate in sections and start with the most difficult area first. Begin at the ends and work your way up to the roots
Cover Nightly
Satin pillow cases, satin bonnets and satin scarf. Avoid absorbent fabrics such as cotton or wool.
Scrunches and clips
Do not us e rubber bands. Use band without metal fasteners.
Relaxers
Relaxers are damaging to our hair. The chemical weakens our curls by breaking down the bonds.
Dyes
Leave the lighter colors to the pros. Henna and cellophane will give you tint and shine
Direct Heat
Heat removes moisture from your hair. Try using heat in low dosages, low setting and and low temperatures. Use a heat protect spray or serum before applying heat
Product/ingredients
There are lots of ingredients to avoid or to be weary of. Use quality products. Lean towards natural products. Research ingredients and products that work for your hair. Do not use too many products at once. Using so many will make it difficult to determine what is causing the breakage.
Trim
Trim damage ends. If you’re scared trim little by little.
Poor handling, technique and tooling
Our hair is like fine silk. Be gently and don’t rip or pull at the hair. Use quality tools.
Drink water
Drink at least 8 ounces per day.The hair shaft is partly made of one water.
Nutrition and exercise
Multi vitamins, proper diet and blood flow helps to stimulate the circulation in the scalp.
Resources: http://www.kidzworld.com/article/24437-curly-hair-dos-and-donts
http://blackgirllonghair.com/2012/09/5-lazy-natural-hair-habits-that-cause-breakage/
http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/wavy-hair-type-2/5-bad-curly-hair-habits-you-should-break
http://www.ouidad.com/blog/2012/01/19/bad-curly-hair-habits-2012/
http://www.naturalnews.com/028251_hair_loss_balding.html