We all dream of having luscious, healthy hair. However, in the pursuit of our hair goals, we often subject our locks to various forms of damage, unknowingly of course. While you’re busy with blow-dry, heat treatments like styling, perming, and colouring, your hair is probably crying for help. That’s because your hair can break down due to daily wear and tear.
But fret not! In today’s topic, we’ll spill the tea on how to prevent hair damage and keep your mane looking fab without all the fuss.
What are split ends?
Broken hair fibres or splits, also known as ‘Trichoptilosis’ or ‘Schizotrichia’ in medical terms, occur when the hair shaft breaks. This results in split ends and not to mention, frayed short hair strands.
What causes split ends?
Split ends are a common complaint. It can give your hair a rough texture and prevent hair growth. It looks ungainly and gives an impression that your crowning glory is not cared for. Here are some common causes of split ends.
- Heat styling: Regular use of hairdryers, straighteners, and curling irons can damage the hair shaft, making it prone to breakage.
- Chemical treatments: Dyeing, perming, and relaxing hair involve harsh chemicals that weaken hair structure.
- Poor haircare habits: Rough brushing, tight hairstyles, and using the wrong hair products can all contribute to damage.
- Environmental factors: Sun exposure, pollution, and harsh weather conditions can strip hair of moisture and nutrients.
But you cannot treat or repair split ends. So once the ends of your hair become frayed and split, the only way to get rid of them is to cut them off. So, it is best to prevent split ends than trying to, unsuccessfully, repair them.
Thankfully, there are various ways to prevent this ‘tearing’ problem and here are some hacks.
Use a mild shampoo
Hair needs a ton of care. Be gentle when you shampoo it and of course, you a gentle shampoo. Choose sulphate-free shampoos. They clean without stripping away your hair’s natural oils.
BB Picks: Hairmac Sulphate Free Shampoo
Always condition
Condition your hair, no matter what. Go for a good-quality conditioner and use it regularly. It’s like a drink of water for your thirsty hair.
Pro tip: Apply conditioner to the tips of the hair and work your way up.
Hydrate your hair
Treat yourself and your hair to a deep conditioning mask once a week. It’s like a spa day for your strands. A hair mask conditions infuse hair with moisture and reduce frizziness. This can result in softer, shinier hair. Make it a weekly routine and see the difference.
BB Picks: Pilgrim Argan Oil Hair Mask With White Lotus & Camellia
Decrease the heat
Heat styling can be your hair’s worst nightmare. Using styling and heating hair equipment regularly can change the structure of your hair and dry it out. Invest in a heat protectant spray. It’s like an invisible shield that protects your hair. If you must style your hair, lower the temperature of the heat when using any styling props. And lastly, take the distance of at least 8-10 weeks between two hair treatments.
Sun protection
Who knew hair needs sunscreen too? Rock a stylish hat to shield your hair from harmful UV rays. Some hair products have UV protection built-in to keep your hair safe in the sun.
Use a wide-toothed comb
The wide tooth allows the comb to glide through your hair without damaging the ends thus protecting your hair, reducing breakage and giving you the great hair you deserve.
BB Picks: Vega 1268 Shampoo Comb
Moisturize your hair
Yes, you read right! Moisturizing is not just for your skin but for your hair too. It does not just tame your mane but also gives you bouncy hair. Moreover, it can also prevent splits and protect your hair from hot or cold weather. The truth is that dryness diminishes hair strength, especially at the ends, and this can lead to damage and split ends.
BB Picks: L’Oréal Paris Hyaluron Moisture 72H Hydra Filling Night Cream
Bonus tips:
- Regular trims are your BFFs. A trim every 6-8 weeks will keep those splits in check and make your hair feel healthy and fabulous.
- Eat your way to healthy hair. Believe it or not, your diet plays a role in hair health. Munch on Omega-3-rich foods like Salmon, Walnuts, and Flaxseeds. They’re like superfoods for your hair.
- Hydrate well. Drink your H2O. Water is the secret elixir for gorgeous locks.
- Many of us run our comb through wet hair or vigorously dry it with a towel. Both will lead to stress on the hair follicle which results in hair breakages. Air drying is the best way to dry your hair.
- Stop over-brushing. Do away with 100 strokes a day. Just a few to look neat is enough.
- Choosing the wrong brush to detangle your hair will break it.
- Tight hair clips or bands or even styles like high ponytails can damage your hair.
- Use a satin pillowcase while sleeping. This will reduce friction, tangles and frizz and prevent your hair from split ends and breakage.
So there you have it. Your trusted guide to preventing hair damage. Remember, it’s all about balance and a lot of TLC. You don’t need magic potions. All you need are just a few simple steps, and you’ll have hair that’s as awesome as you are. Happy hair days!
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