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Banish Breakage For Thicker Natural Hair

banish breakage

Say Goodbye to Fragile Hair!

Breakage Basics

Banish Breakage From Your Natural Hair Regimen! 

Do you often find yourself looking at broken hairs that have fallen out of your head? Well, don’t worry – you are not alone! Hair breakage is a common problem amongst many women with natural hair. But, there is hope! With the right techniques and products, you too can banish breakage once and for all. 

Whether it’s caused by chemical treatments or heat-styling tools, breakage can be frustrating to deal with. The key to avoiding breakage is to treat your hair gently and use products specifically designed for natural hair. 

  • Start off by using a sulfate-free shampoo, as this will help keep your scalp hydrated without stripping away its natural oils. 
  • Additionally, use moisturizing products such as look for leave-in conditioners to reduce the chances of breakage due to dryness.
  • Look for hair masks that are rich in proteins and vitamins to strengthen each strand of hair from roots to ends.

3 Causes of Natural Hair Breakage You Hadn’t Thought About

Banish Breakage

Causes of Breakage

As someone with natural hair, breakage can be a common and frustrating occurrence. We all want healthy, strong hair that won’t snap off like twigs. In order to achieve this goal, we must understand the causes of our breakage.  

There are several causes of breakage in natural hair, including lack of moisture, damage from chemicals, poor nutrition, and heat styling:

Lack of moisture can cause the hair to become dry and brittle, making it more prone to breakage. Damage from chemicals, such as relaxers or hair dyes, can also lead to breakage. Poor nutrition can also contribute to weak, brittle hair that is more prone to breaking. Heat stylings, such as flat ironing or blow drying, can also cause damage and breakage to natural hair if not done properly or with the use of a heat protectant..

To “banish breakage” and prevent hair from breaking off or breaking at the crown, it’s important to maintain a healthy hair care routine that includes regular moisture treatments, protective styles, and avoiding harsh chemicals. It’s also important to eat a healthy diet that provides the necessary vitamins and minerals for hair growth, as well as minimizing heat styling.

Identifying Weak Spots

No one loves seeing their beautiful curls snap off with every stroke of the brush. Hair breakage can be a nightmare to deal with, but there are steps you can take to banish it from your life! Identifying weak spots in your hair is the first step in avoiding excessive breakage. 

If you’re wondering how to identify these weak spots, start by looking for areas on your scalp or strands that feel thinner or more fragile than usual. These could be places where split ends have already begun—or they may just need some extra nourishment and moisture. Areas around the edges of your natural hair are particularly vulnerable and should be watched closely for signs of damage.

Avoid Dryness

Dryness is a common problem for many people with natural hair. It causes the hair to become brittle and weak, leading to breakage and split ends. If you’re tired of dealing with dryness-induced breakage, try out these simple tips to help you banish it for good! 

  • First things first, let’s talk about moisture. Moisture is essential for healthy hair, and if your hair is lacking moisture, it will become dry and brittle. To prevent dryness, make sure you’re properly moisturizing your hair. This can be done by using a cream or liquid leave-in conditioner, sealing in the moisture with an oil or butter, and avoiding harsh shampoos and heat styling.
  • Another way to avoid dryness is by avoiding products that strip your hair of its natural oils. Ingredients like sulfates and alcohol can dry out your hair, so it’s important to read the labels of the products you’re using and avoid anything that contains these ingredients.
  • Another thing to consider is the water you use to wash your hair. If the water is too hot, it can strip your hair of its natural oils and leave it dry. Try using lukewarm water instead, which will be gentler on your hair.
  • Another tip is to avoid over-manipulation of your hair, this can dry out your hair, leading to breakage. Try to avoid excessive styling and manipulation of your hair. This means less combing, brushing, and styling.
  • Finally, make sure you’re getting enough nutrients in your diet. Eating a well-balanced diet that includes foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as healthy fats, can help your hair stay hydrated and healthy.

5 Reasons Why Your Natural Hair is Still Dry

Banish Breakage

Protecting Hair from Damage

Protecting hair from damage is essential to maintain its health and beauty. Whether you have natural hair or extensions, split ends and breakage can be tough to manage. But there are a few simple steps you can take to banish breakage and keep your hair looking fabulous. 

First things first, let’s talk about heat styling. Heat styling can be a major cause of hair damage, especially if you’re using high heat on a regular basis. To protect your natural hair from heat damage, try to avoid heat styling as much as possible, or use a heat protectant when you do use heat.

Another thing to consider is tight hairstyles. Hairstyles like tight ponytails and braids can put a lot of tension on your hair and can cause breakage, especially at the crown. To protect your natural hair from this type of damage, try to avoid tight hairstyles and opt for looser styles that don’t put as much tension on your hair. Also, you can try protecting your hair by using silk or satin head wraps, scarfs, or bonnets at night

Another way to protect your natural hair is by avoiding harsh chemicals. Chemicals like relaxers and dyes can damage your hair and make it more prone to breakage. To protect your natural hair from chemical damage, try to avoid these chemicals as much as possible or seek out natural alternatives. You can try using natural oils and butters to moisturize your hair, instead of chemical-based products.

Another tip is to avoid over-manipulation of your hair, this can dry out your hair, leading to breakage. Try to avoid excessive styling and manipulation of your hair. This means less combing, brushing, and styling.

Finally, it’s important to protect your natural hair from the sun and wind. These elements can dry out your hair and cause damage. To protect your natural hair, try to wear a scarf or hat when you’re going to be outside for an extended period of time.

Use Low Manipulation Styles

Firstly,  an easy go-to hairstyle is the wash-and-go. This is a simple and easy style that requires minimal manipulation. Simply wash your hair, apply your favorite leave-in conditioner, and let your hair air dry. This style is perfect for those days when you’re short on time and want to avoid using heat.

Next, the low manipulation hairstyle is the twist-out. This style is perfect for those with curly hair. Simply twist your hair while it’s wet, let it dry, and then unravel the twists for a defined and bouncy look. This style is perfect for those who want a little more definition than a wash-and-go provides.

Another great low manipulation style is the braid-out. This style is similar to the twist-out, but with braids instead of twists. Braid your hair while it’s wet, let it dry, and then unravel the braids for a defined and bouncy look.

A hairstyle you can also try is the bun. This style is perfect for those with longer hair. Simply gather your hair into a bun, and use a scarf or hair tie to secure it in place. This style is perfect for those who want to avoid heat and protect their hair from the elements.

Let’s not forget about the afro puff. This style is perfect for those with curly hair. Simply gather your hair into a puff and secure it with a hair tie. This style is perfect for those who want to avoid heat and manipulation.

These styles require minimal manipulation and are perfect for those who want to avoid heat and protect their hair from the elements. So next time you’re looking for a new style, try one of these low-manipulation options and see how your hair responds. 

Low Manipulation and Protective Styling

Myth: Trims are the Answer

When it comes to caring for natural hair, trims are often seen as the answer to all of your problems. This is a common misconception; trims don’t always do what you’d expect them to. Sure, they can help banish breakage and make your hair look healthy, but in reality, it’s not always that simple. 

First, let’s talk about why some people believe trims are crucial for natural hair growth. When hair is damaged, it can start to break off at the ends. This is called split ends. If left untreated, split ends can travel up the hair shaft, causing breakage and preventing your hair from growing. Trimming off these damaged ends can help prevent further breakage and promote healthy hair growth.

However, not everyone needs regular trims to prevent breakage. If your hair is healthy and you’re not experiencing a lot of breakages, you can go longer between trims. It’s important to remember that everyone’s hair is different, and what works for one person may not work for another.

Frequency of Hair Trims: 

The frequency at which you should trim your hair depends on the current condition of your hair and your personal hair care goals.

  • If your hair is damaged, it may be beneficial to trim it more frequently (e.g. every 6-8 weeks) to remove split ends and prevent further damage.
  • If your hair is healthy, you may be able to go longer between trims (e.g. every 8-12 weeks) to maintain length.

It’s always recommended to consult a hair professional for a personalized hair care plan that fits your hair condition and hair care goals.

How much hair should be removed when getting a trim

When trying to banish breakage in natural hair, it’s best to remove only the damaged or split ends. This can be done by “dust trimming” which means removing the very tips of the hair, usually around 1/8-1/4 inch. Dust trimming is a gentle way of removing only the damaged hair and it’s a great way to maintain length while keeping the hair healthy. The hair professional should be extra careful when cutting and should avoid removing more than necessary.

Also, it’s important to remember that a regular trimming schedule is key to maintaining healthy hair. It can be every 8-12 weeks for healthy hair, and 6-8 weeks for hair that is breaking or damaged.

Moisture & Protein Balance

For natural hair to stay healthy, it needs the right balance of moisture and protein. If you want to banish breakage and keep your hair looking its best, this balance is essential. 

What exactly does a balanced level of moisture and protein mean though? In simplest terms, it means having enough water in your hair to keep it hydrated and nourished while also having enough protein to give strength to your strands so they don’t break off. Too much or too little of either one can lead to serious damage.

In other words, moisture helps to keep the hair shafts hydrated and elastic, preventing breakage. Protein, on the other hand, helps to strengthen the hair and repair damaged strands.

A good hair care routine should involve both moisturizing and protein-rich products. You can use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, and follow up with a leave-in conditioner or moisturizer. Also, you can use a protein treatment or a deep conditioning treatment that contains protein to strengthen the hair. It’s also important to avoid over-manipulating or over-styling the hair, as well as using heat tools too frequently, which can lead to breakage.

When to use moisture or protein on your natural hair.

  • Moisture: If your hair feels dry, brittle, or straw-like, it may be lacking moisture. You may also notice that your curls are not defined, or that your hair is frizzy and difficult to manage. When you experience these signs, you should use a moisturizing product to hydrate your hair.
  • Protein: On the other hand, if your hair feels soft and mushy, it may be over-moisturized and in need of protein. You may also notice that your hair is breaking off easily or that your curls have become limp and lifeless. When you experience these signs, you should use a protein-rich product to strengthen your hair.

If your natural hair is breaking off at an alarming rate, it’s likely that one or both balances are out of whack.

MOISTURE & PROTEIN BALANCE: A GUIDE FOR HEALTHY NATURAL HAIR

Nutrition & Hair Care

Did you know that nutrition has a lot to do with how healthy and strong your hair is? Eating the right kinds of foods can make a huge difference in keeping breakage at bay.

It’s important to get plenty of vitamins and minerals for healthy hair growth, including Vitamin A, B Vitamins, Vitamin C, and E, iron, zinc, and protein. Make sure you’re eating a balanced diet full of fruits, veggies, and lean proteins like fish or chicken for optimal results. If your diet isn’t quite up-to-par with all these nutrients yet, consider taking some vitamin supplements or trying an organic plant-based protein powder as an added boost!

Limit Chemical Exposure

Many people are unaware of the damage that harsh chemicals can do, even when used sparingly. But relaxers, hard water, and dyes can have a devastating effect on fragile hair.

Limiting chemical exposure to natural hair is crucial for preventing breakage.

Hair Dye:

One way to do this is by avoiding or limiting the use of hair dyes. Although hair dyes can be used to change the color of your hair, they can also be harsh and can lead to damage, particularly if used frequently. Instead of using hair dyes, you can try using natural hair color options like henna or hair oils that can also give you the desired color.

Hard Water:

Another way to limit chemical exposure is by protecting your hair from hard water. Hard water can cause damage to your hair, leaving it dry and brittle. To protect your hair from hard water, you can use a shower filter that removes the excess minerals and chlorine from the water. Also, you can use chelating shampoos which can remove mineral buildup in your hair.

Relaxers:

Another chemical exposure that affects natural hair is relaxers. Relaxers can be harsh on natural hair, causing breakage and damage. If you’re not happy with your natural hair texture, you can try other options like texturizers, which can give you a softer, more manageable texture without causing as much damage. The better solution is to embrace your natural hair texture. 

A Guide to Healthier Hair Care Options for Black Women

Natural Solutions

When it comes to keeping our hair looking its best, finding natural solutions is key! Banish breakage and keep your natural hair healthy with these tried-and-true tips.

  • Using a protein treatment: Protein treatments can help strengthen the hair and make it more resistant to breakage.
  • Deep conditioning: Regular deep conditioning can help moisturize and nourish the hair, making it less prone to breaking.
  • Protective styling: Protective styles such as braids, twists, and buns can help protect the ends of the hair from damage and breakage.
  • Trimming: Regular trimming can help remove damaged or split ends, which can prevent further breakage.
  • Avoiding heat styling: Heat styling can cause damage and breakage to the hair, so try to avoid or limit the use of heat styling tools.
  • Detangling gently: When detangling, be sure to use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers and work from the bottom up to avoid pulling and breaking the hair.
  • Using natural oils and butters: Oils such as coconut oil and butters such as shea butter can help moisturize and protect the hair, making it less prone to breakage.

Thicker Hair is Possible

Having thick, voluminous hair is something many of us strive for. Whether you have natural or chemically treated hair, breakage can be a real problem—but it doesn’t have to be. With the right care and attention, you can restore your locks to their former glory and start feeling confident again. 

The key to banishing breakage is all about prevention. Regularly using deep conditioning treatments will ensure your hair stays hydrated and healthy which will help prevent split ends and breakage. For those with natural hair, protective styles are great for keeping your tresses strong and minimizing damage from brushing or styling tools. Additionally, make sure you’re eating a balanced diet to nourish your scalp and give yourself that extra dose of vitamins for stronger strands!

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As Always, Be Posh And Classy,

Ellisha

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