If you want your hair to grow strong and stay shiny, you’ll need to take steps to decrease breakage. Broken strands can cause fly-aways and increase the risk of dry and split ends. Your hair breaks easily when it’s wet, so you need to be extra-cautious about combing and styling your hair after a shower, or after a swim session. Using the right hair products will also help protect those precious strands. Here are some simple ways to decrease breakage in your hair:
1. Let your hair dry naturally whenever possible. Heat from the blow dryer, curling irons and hair straighteners can severely damage your hair and cause excess breakage. Towel-dry your hair gently when wet, and allow it to dry naturally whenever you can to protect your strands.
2. Use a soft-bristled hair brush. Look for soft-bristled combs and padded hair brushes that will detangle your hair without causing too much stress. Brush your hair gently and use a leave-in conditioning treatment to protect your hair as you go.
3. Apply a hot oil treatment or hair masque on a regular basis. Nourish your strands with oils and natural compounds that will strengthen your hair. Hot oil treatments or hair masques can restore your hair from root to tip, and can condition your hair thoroughly.
4. Use the right conditioner. There are dozens of different types of conditioners on the market, but only some are suitable for your hair type. If you have colored hair, your hair is already damaged and prone to breakage. Make sure you’re using a conditioner that will protect damaged hair and make it stronger. This will decrease breakage and ensure that your hair and scalp retain the right level of moisture.
5. Give yourself a scalp massage. A scalp massage using warm olive oil can increase circulation to your scalp and nourish your strands so that they become stronger. A scalp massage will stimulate blood flow to the follicles and can make your hair more resilient over time. Try giving yourself a scalp massage at least once per week to help decrease breakage in your hair.
6. Avoid alcohol-based hair products. Many hairsprays, leave-in treatments and some hair mousses contain a high concentration of alcohol. Alcohol can be very drying to the scalp and hair follicle, and will increase your risk of breakage. Refrain from using alcohol-based products to protect your hair for the long-term.
Taking steps to decrease breakage in your hair can help you maintain that sleek, shiny and glossy look you crave. Use these tips to reduce the risk of broken strands so that you can show off your favorite hair style day-in, day-out!
