Black & Curly Hair Damage Causes and Prevention

Most women, if not all, strive to provide extra care of their hair. They are often conscious of what hair products to use, making sure that it is gentle to the hair and scalp, and compatible with their hair type. Despite the many ways to make sure that they have healthy and shiny hair, it sometimes still ends up frizzy, limp, dry, and unmanageable.

Three Types of Hair Damage

● Dull and unruly hair – hair that is frizzy, easily tangled, not shiny, and unmanageable

● Fragile hair – hair that easily breaks

● Thinning hair – patchy and slow-growing hair with excessive falling out

Causes of Hair Damage

1. Bleaching

Bleaching your hair allows chemicals to penetrate through the cuticle and removes the natural pigment of the hair. It alters the hair structure making it prone to damage and eventually weakening the hair.

2. Too much heat styling

Heat styling makes hair weaker and more prone to breakage over time. Limit the use of the flatiron to once a week and remember not to exceed the length of time allowed, which is only around five seconds. If it cannot be avoided, it is best to use a hair iron with a ceramic plate.

3. Elastic hair ties

Elastic hair ties are helpful to keep off hair from your faces when working out or doing some household chores. However, hair ties pull on your hair cuticle and scalp, and sometimes you may even see hair falling out when you remove them. Make your updo hairstyle a bit looser or wear your hair down every now and then, so your hair doesn’t get pulled too much. Avoid using rubber bands that can easily cause hair damage.

4. Incorrect brushing and combing

Growing up, your mom may have led you to believe that brushing your hair with 100 strokes at night will make it shiny and healthy. However, that is just a myth, because too much brushing may lead to weaker hair follicles. It is recommended to use a wide-toothed comb or a hairbrush with natural bristles to avoid hair breakage. Brushes are to be used on dry hair, and never on dripping wet hair.

5. Perms

Perming is a process of chemical curling or chemical straightening of the hair. Perming breaks the inner bonds of the hair and forms them back together in a different way. It has the same effects as bleaching as it weakens the hair and makes it appear dull.

6. Sleeping with a cotton pillowcase

Cotton pillowcase is a causative agent for hair damage because it creates friction with the hair, causing breakage as a result. It is advisable to use silk or satin pillowcases instead.

7. Unbalanced diet

Your diet also plays a role in maintaining and taking care of your hair. Your hair needs protein to repair weak spots in the hair shaft. However, keep in mind that too much protein can also cause the hair to be brittle. Because of this, it is vital to find the right balance to avoid hair damage.

Damage to your hair is indeed frustrating. Being open to some lifestyle changes and habits may correct the underlying causes. If you still have hair breakages and damage after changing the habits mentioned above and adopting a new lifestyle, it is best to consult a doctor to rule out any underlying medical issues.

If you are looking for solutions to your hair damage, get in touch with us to see how we can help.