EXTERNAL FACTORS
1. MANUAL HANDLING- Yes, this I find is the commonest way of experiencing breakage and it comes in many forms. Afro-textured hair in particular is very prone to breakage as each kink or turn provides a point of weakness.
- COMBING- For natural hair, it is imperative that one uses a WIDE-TOOTHED comb when managing the hair. Those small tail combs are NOT your friend, no matter what the hair stylist tells you. If you are going to attempt to comb your hair, my advice FIRST is to detangle your hair with your fingers and then to comb it when WET AND COVERED IN CONDITIONER, or at the very least after misting the hair with water. If your hair is relaxed you can use a comb with smaller teeth but always try to tease out any knots with your fingers before putting the comb to your hair.
- WASHING- You know the way 'they' SCRATCH your scalp with the fingernails in the salons and wash the hair in a zig-zag manner.....that is totally UNACCEPTABLE for two reasons. Firstly, by scratching the scalp you are damaging the cells in the top layer of the scalp and putting strain on the body to replace those cells. Secondly, washing in a haphazard manner simply creates uneccessary KNOTS and TANGLES. I personally choose to wash my hair in sections ONLY, as it makes it so much easier to manipulate; Yes, it may take more time, and require some patience, but it's totally worth it.
- DRYING- When drying the hair, it is important to PAT the hair dry with a towel or microfibre cloth. Once again, that haphazard towel drying they do in most salons is simply unacceptable for the reasons mentioned above. Air drying is generally recommended being a heat-free method; But if you must blowdry, use a cool setting and blowdry in sections to avoid tangles.
Sorry I kinnda went on a rant on this topic, but I see it happen EVERY time I go to the salon, and it really gets to me. I always create an unwanted scene because I'm very particular and tell the hair dressers not to comit certain sins against my hair. Afterall, it's my hair at the end of the day.
2. SHAMPOO- Many commercial shampoos contain sulfates, together with other ingredients which help with the lathering / cleansing process process of the hair; however, these sulfates have a drying effect on afro-textured hair. Now some sulfates are more drying than others, and this can easily be detected by reading the labels on shampoo bottles. Ammonium lauryl and laureth sulfates tend to be the most drying followed by Sodium lauryl/ laureth sulphates. On the gentler end are the TEA and MEA lauryl sulphates. A lot of naturals use sulfate free shampoos but unfortunately I havn't found one that gives me a good enough lather and is cheap as well. So ya, if you guys know of any please drop me a comment :).
3.CONDITIONING- Deep conditioning is very important for restoring the health of the hair after exposure to the elements. It is good to do this weekly or fortnightly, hair in a plastic cap, with or without heat. Conditioner-washing is also a good way of adding moisture to the hair and can be done a couple times a week.
4. MOISTURIZING AND SEALING- As our hair is prone to dryness it's important to use a moisturizer as frequently as needed. Sealing the moisturized hair with oil helps to trap in the moisture. It is also good to oil the scalp periodically with essential oils, some of which promote hair growth.
4.PROTECTIVE STYLING- As the ends of your hair are the oldest part of the hair they need to be kept away from the elements or fabrics which may cause friction and breakage as frequently as possible. Such styles include buns, twists, braids to mention a few.
So that's all for now folks. Hope you enjoyed the read and learnt a bit. If you have any questions, please drop a comment. :)
XOXO,
Miss J
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