Typical shampoos we use contain harsh sulphates which strip the hair of its natural oils which may lead to dryness and breakage.
2. Protein treatments should be used to rebuild hair structure.
The hair is made up of at least 88 % protein, one of its characteristics is that of a hard fiborous kind of protein, known as Keratin. Protein treatments strengthen the hair and also treat weak, brittle hair. The treatments leave hair soft, smooth, full and healthy. Whenever chemicals are applied to the hair, whether chemical relaxers or bleach, it breaks down protein in the hair making it susceptible to split ends and breakage. In essence, protein rebuilds hair structure thus making the hair strong which is more resistant to breakage, split ends and overall damage to hair. If you are chemically relaxed you will have a greater need for protein, and should be used twice at least twice a month, an egg treatment has been proven to be an effective protein treatment and usually stops breakage immediately.
3. Use Moisture treatments
Moisture treatments help build hair's resilience and prevent breakage. Notably, although protein treatments are necessary for healthy hair, it has the tendency to make the hair dry when over used or if it is not balanced with moisture, which may lead to breakage. Deep conditioners usually contain both moisture and protein and in this sense it may not be necessary to use both treatments (protein and moisture) separately. Deep Conditioners which contain protein usually portrays a name which depicts building of the hair structure. For example, reconstructor.
4. Use water and oil based moisturizers correctly.
Too often we use hair oil with petroleum and mineral oil, not knowing that these ingredients do not, in any way moisturize the hair. However, if used appropriately, it may be used during moisturizing and sealing of the hair. Water based moisturizers penetrate the hair shaft, while oils seal or lock the moisture in the hair when used in conjunction with the water based moisturizer. Both done together is called moisturizing and sealing, which effectively moisturizes the hair. Some oils on their own may also penetrate the hair shaft such as jojoba oil, olive oil and coconut oil.
5. Use vitamins to increase growth
Vitamins used in the right proportion will contribute to hair growth. One major hair growth vitamin is Biotin, which is a water soluble vitamin necessary for hair growth. Research has shown that 5000 mcg may be necessary to experience growth. Other vitamins such as vitamin E, which increases blood flow to the scalp and vitamin b5 (panthenol) which increases thickness and growth may be combined to achieve maximum growth.
6. Use a wide tooth comb
Always use a wide tooth comb to prevent tangling of the hair.
7. Limit the use of heat and use thermal protectants before applying heat.
The use of heat temporarily weakens the protein bonds in the hair making it more susceptible to breakage. Too much heat overtime and regularly may lead to permanent damage. Thermal protectants, as the name suggests, protects the hair from straight heat by creating a barrier between the hair and the flat iron to guard the hair cuticle from straight heat.
8. Use satin/silk scarf or pillow case to sleep
Cotton material tends to absorb moisture from the hair which is needed. Satin or silk, on the other hand, does not have this characteristic, as it allows the hair to retain the moisture while protecting it friction and damage.
9. Wear Protective Styles
Protective styles are styles which do not expose the ends of the hair and eventually protects it from external damages which may lead to dry hair. The ends are the oldest part of the hair, as hair grows from the root, and great attention must be paid to prevent damage. Examples of protective styles are buns, sewed in weaves and french twists, all of the above hide away the ends.
10. Limit the use of chemical relaxers
Limiting the use of chemical relaxers will overtime result in thicker and healthier hair. Chemical relaxers break down protein bonds in the hair to make it straight, such a harsh process should not be done so often in order to attain healthy hair. Therefore, opt to stretch. Stretching is limiting the number of times the hair is relaxed by stretching out the time between relaxers. The typical 6 weeks to relax will make the hair weak and limp. Eight weeks is sufficient time to wait between relaxers. However, stretching is anything after 10 weeks post relaxer. One may say it is unmanageable after a certain number of weeks, however there are many ways to control our new growth .
