THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW!!

Being on a hair journey may not be easy in the beginning as it requires a lot of research, product trials, change in certain habits and practices, getting your stylist or hairdresser on board (which can be challenging) if you don’t want to take care of your hair yourself, and lots of time, consistency and patience.

Everyone’s hair grows!! However, hair growth differs from one person to the other but on average; hair grows at ½ inch per month. That’s 6 inches a year! Damage and breakage may give the perception that your hair isn’t growing when it is actually growing at the roots but is breaking off at the ends.

There are so many things we do to our hair that may cause it to become weak, unhealthy, damaged and eventually break off. Below are some of the most common improper hair care practices that when stopped can lead one to grow out their hair healthy and long.

       

  -   Frequent and incorrect application of chemical relaxers:  It is important to stretch relaxers beyond 8 weeks and to apply the relaxer to the new growth only.

·         Lack of moisture: Keep your scalp and hair clean by washing hair at least once a week, for normal hair and twice a week for dry hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner. It is best to use a sulphate-free shampoo or one that lathers less. You can wash with a conditioner in-between weekly washes as it is less stripping on your hair. Be sure to moisturise and seal your hair at least twice a day!! Protein and moisture treatments are also needed to strengthen and restore the hair. This is popularly referred to as steaming or deep conditioning. Protein treatments help to strengthen the hair and must be done on relaxed hair at least twice a month to put back protein lost during the relaxing process. 

·         Rough handling: Frequent manipulation; excessive combing and brushing without care. It is best to comb your hair less during the week and detangle hair gently with your hands. Always use a wide tooth comb if you must comb your hair and handle your hair gently. One way to prevent excessive manipulation of hair is to wear protective styles.

·         Excessive use of heat: We use heat to straighten our curly or coily hair with flatirons, curlers and blow dryers. If you must use heat for a straighter style, use a heat protectant on your hair to avoid overheating or even burning your hair. Otherwise opt for a hooded dryer with low or cool setting after roller setting.

·         Reluctance to trim damaged and split ends:  Both natural and relaxed hair may develop split ends when handled badly, combed or brushed excessively or when too much heat is used on it. Split ends if not trimmed quickly move up your hair strands and cause more damage. To prevent these split ends from moving up your strands, trim your ends regularly to keep them clean and free from knots and tangles. How often you trim and how you cut would totally be based on the condition of your hair.

·         Poor health and nutrition: Taking care of our hair may be important but our top priority should be to take care of our body. Health in our body will definitely result in health in our hair!! Eat well-balanced diets which should include high quality protein foods and vegetables, and drink a lot of water. A lot of water!! Exercising at least twice a week is also very beneficial.