The health and beauty of your hair depend on how well you manage and protect it from damage and breakage. Unfortunately, many of us do more harm than good when trying to style and manage our hair. Over-washing, excessive use of hot tools and chemical treatments can lead to dryness, breakage and hair loss, leading to a lack of confidence and discomfort. Knowing how to take the best care of your hair can help avoid damage and breakage, and result in healthier, more beautiful hair.
Inspect Your Hair Regularly
Assessing your hair for signs of damage and breakage is an important part of healthy hair management. As you grow out your hair, you will have to cut off the damaged bits so that your hair can grow out healthy. Do this by separating your hair into sections and gently holding up to a light. Look for splits, breakage or tangles, and then take measures to address those issues.
Use Low Heat Styling Tools
High heat damages the hair shaft, and overuse of heat styling tools can weaken hair or can even lead to breakage. To avoid this, use low-heat setting tools, and try to limit the frequency of styling with them. If you can, let your hair air-dry, or use a round brush to blow dry your hair at the lowest possible temperature.
Seal Your Split Ends
Split ends are an indication of damage and can lead to more hair breakage if not addressed. Regular trims and the occasional deep conditioning can help prevent them. Another option is to use a serum or leave-in conditioner to seal split ends. Look for products with ingredients like keratin and vitamin E which can help strengthen and protect your hair from further damage.
Protect Your Hair from UV Rays
Too much exposure to UV rays can damage the lipids in your hair, leading to breakage and loss of shine. Protect your hair from the sun by wearing a hat or scarf, or use products that are formulated with UV filters to shield your hair.
Gently Detangle Your Hair
Gently combing or brushing your hair can help prevent hair breakage. Start with damp, freshly washed hair, and apply a leave-in conditioner, detangling spray, or oil to make it easier to brush, then run your fingers through it. Detangle your hair from the bottom up, working up to the scalp in small sections. Use a detangling brush if needed.
Tips for Healthy Hair Care
Wash your hair with lukewarm water and use a deep conditioning mask at least once a week.
Wear hats, scarfs or umbrellas to protect your hair from the sun.
Never brush your hair when wet as this leads to breakage and damage.
Avoid over-styling and limit your use of heat styling tools.
Limit chemical treatments such as hair dyes, bleaching and perms.
Eat a balanced diet to maintain healthy hair growth and avoid nutritional deficiencies.
Regularly trim your ends to keep damaged and split ends at bay.
Sleep on a satin pillowcase to avoid friction and breakage.
Following these basic tips can help protect your hair from damage and breakage and keep your hair looking healthy and beautiful. Start with a good hair care regime, avoid overexposure to heat and chemicals, and use a good hair conditioner to keep your hair as healthy as possible. Taking a few extra steps to care for your hair can pay off and save you from dealing with split ends and hair breakage.
