Summary of key points
Hair, beauty and health often go hand in hand in many ways, making it essential to pay close attention to these areas. Hair maintenance is a multi-faceted journey that goes beyond shampooing and styling, with research revealing that people often go to extremes to make their hair look good. Reports, however, indicate that high temperatures from heat styling tools are one of the main reasons for hair damage.
That is why hair styling experts are advocating that a temperature of 185℃ or lower is best. This article she ds light on some common habits that wreak havoc on your hair and how to stop their impact.
Chemical overload
The hair and beauty industry is highly competitive, as brands are in a constant tussle to be one step ahead. That has led to many brands and hair product manufacturers relying on new-age chemicals to improve hair. Unfortunately, many of these products compromise the structural integrity of your strands, and before you know it, your hair will be at the mercy of these chemicals. Chemical treatments weaken the hair shafts and make them susceptible to split ends and uncontrollable breakage.
Admittedly, it is almost impossible to completely avoid some chemical treatments, especially if you have permed hair. Therefore, the best thing is to minimize the negative impact on your hair. Allow sufficient time between chemical processes to allow your strands to recover and reduce the risks of damaging your hair. Consider using sulfate-free conditioners and shampoos, too. These options help maintain your hair’s health and its exposure to harmful chemicals.
Excessive heat styling
Frequent heat exposure to your hair does more than a temporary transformation. It strips your hair of its natural moisture and protective oils, leaving your hair at the mercy of flat irons, curling wands, blow dryers, and other heat-styling stools. Hair strands become weak from the cuticles and make your locks more prone to long-term breakage. The brittle nature of weak hair can only be solved through regular deep conditioning and, in some cases, cutting some inches off your original hair length.
Fortunately, you can avoid frequent heat-styling by adopting air-drying techniques for your hair. That means allowing your hair to dry naturally after washing it without the help of a heat-emitting tool. Another option is to use a heat styling tool set to a lower temperature setting, as indicated in the introduction. It is also advisable to invest in a good heat-protectant spray to create a barrier between your hair and styling tools.
Tight hairstyles and accessories
Tight hairstyles put undue stress on your strands and can lead to breakage and hair loss. Metal clasps on your hair ties can also negatively impact your hair and contribute to breakage. It is better to rely on scrunchies or snag-free hair ties with no metal or plastic clasps. Another option is to consider looser hairstyles to avoid tension and pressure on your hair. Hair styling is extensive, and people rely on different tools to achieve desired looks. Some styles rely on heating tools to make the hair look curly, wavy, or bone straight.
Fortunately, you can achieve the same styles with heatless curl techniques without compromising your hair’s health. Techniques like braiding, twisting, and using fabric or foam rollers will save you from the heartache of losing your once-healthy hair. Hair loss is already stressful, and it’s even more worrying when you discover that you could have avoided it in the first place. Embrace the versatility of healthier styles that offer respite from heat-related damage. You can experiment with various healthy methods to discover which ones suit your hair type and lifestyle most.
Overwashing and under-conditioning
Your hair, like your skin, needs to be cleansed often to get rid of pollutants and microorganisms. However, the problem with frequent hair cleansing is the risk of overwashing. Excessive hair washing strips your strands of their natural protective oils, leaving them exposed to the elements. Another problem is under-conditioning the hair after shampooing. The latter removes natural oils, but conditioning replaces these lubricants and nourishes your hair further. Therefore, failing to properly condition your hair means it will be starved of beneficial oils and relevant proteins to keep it healthy.
Dryness and frizz can be hard to deal with when your hair has been under-conditioned for too long. As indicated earlier, rely on sulfate-free shampoo and hair conditioners to protect your hair at all times. It will be best to deep condition your hair weekly to address specific concerns with frizz and split ends. You may find alternative deep conditioning methods helpful but read about them first. Some people use olive oil, honey, egg yolks, and coconut oil to deep condition their hair.
Environmental factors
Pollution, harsh sun rays, and changing seasons can pose continuous threats to your hair’s vitality. The sun’s UV rays damage the cuticles and cause dryness and frizz. Continuous sun exposure can also lead to breakage and hair loss when you fail to take the needed action. You can mitigate this by using hair products with built-in UV protection. It would be best to consider protective hairstyles to safeguard your hair from potential damage.
Hats are excellent for your hair, especially when you will be outdoors for extended periods. It is also advisable to cleanse your hair often and deep condition it to eliminate pollutants from your scalp. Hair pollutants cause your strands to lose their natural shine, but regular cleansing and moisturizing can save you from losing your hair’s health and beauty. There is, however, another problem with frequent washing which will be discussed in the next point.
Poor nutrition
Believe it or not, your hair’s health depends largely on your diet and nutrition. A diet low in iron can have an impact on your hair. Anemia is a common condition characterized by low hemoglobin levels after taking a full blood count lab test. However, your blood is not the only affected element in your body. Your hair takes a hit, too, because anemia can make it brittle and prone to damage. Lacking other essential nutrients such as biotin, Vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids can damage your hair as well.
You can avoid this by prioritizing a well-rounded diet that boosts your hair’s health. Eat more leafy greens, nuts, eggs, and fish if you have no allergies to them. Otherwise, opt for a supplement with these essential nutrients to protect your hair and body.
