Noticing that you need trims more frequently? These 10 habits are posing a risk to the overall health of your curly hair. Stop this, today if you want overall healthier, longer curly hair.
1. You didn’t really detangle.
- tip: Get into the habit of sectioning and twisting hair up at night to prevent excessive hair shed on your next detangling session.
Detangling can be a daunting task, especially for curly and natural hair, but it is so necessary. When you finally decide to get down to the nitty gritty of detangling, you might pull and tug hair and break it. Hearing hair rip while detangling is a bad sign. If your hair is more than a few inches long, get into the habit of sleeping in sections. Create either bantu knots, two-strand twists, or chunky braids before wrapping your hair up and laying down. This will help prolong your next detangling session and not have to worry about experiencing more hair fall than normal during your next one.
2. You use a harsh shampoo, frequently.
- tip: Dilute your current sulfate shampoo with water and use just a little bit any time you shampoo. Pre-poo beforehand.
Certain sulfates and detergents in cleansing shampoos will dry your scalp, stripping its natural oils. Over time this will weaken your curls and make them lackluster. If you still have a shampoo that you’d like to finish before shopping for a new one, dilute it with water and pre-poo beforehand with a carrier oil to retain as much moisture as possible. As I Am Cleansing Pudding is sulfate-free but still creamy, and includes moisturizing tangerine extract and aloe leaf juice for great slip, doubling as a great detangler that won’t dry you out.
3. You brush your hair dry.
- tip: If you want a smoother canopy, try the Praying Hands Method instead.
If hair is breaking excessively, it is likely in need of extra moisture and nourishment. Using a brush on dry hair is a big no-no because curly hair tends to be weaker when it is dry. If you must brush, do so gently only after hair has been sprayed with a water bottle and a water-based refresher like Obia Natural Curl Hydration Spray has been applied thoroughly. If your issue is frizz, try the Praying Hands Method to smooth the canopy of curls instead of using a brush.
4. You dry your hair with a terry cloth towel.
- tip: Use a cotton t-shirt or a microfiber towel instead.
Microfiber towels are much friendlier to your curly hair. Not only do they lessen the chance for unhealthy hair breakage, but they also reduce that pesky frizz halo you might get after co-washing. Use a DevaCurl DevaTowel for quick absorption on those rushed mornings. If you don’t want to spring for yet another hair tool, use an old cotton t-shirt for fast absorption of any excess water after co-washing.
5. You are still sleeping on a cotton pillowcase.
- tip: Wrap your hair in a satin bonnet and sleep on a silk pillowcase.
Cotton creates additional friction that hair can totally live without. Sleeping on it for hours on end isn’t healthy, so double up on your satin or silk intake–pillowcase and bonnet. Miss Jessie’s Night Cap was made for this. If you are a wild sleeper, double up on the protection by sleeping on a pillowcase made of the same material. You can find these usually in the hair aisle of your local drug or beauty store.
6. You neglect your real hair under protective styles.
- tip: Deep condition before and after wearing a long term protective style.
Are you a new natural who isn’t quite ready to debut your natural texture? No matter how you style your curls, keep them protected. A good way to cover both of those things off the checklist is with a wig, headwrap, or updo using added hair. Be mindful of using a lot of bobby pins constantly–they are metal and with constant updos, can lead your hair into more breakage toward the ends of your hair. Once you take out your protective style, bring your the length of your hair back to life with a strengthening deep conditioning treatment like Eden BodyWorks All Natural Hair Masque. Do this beforehand, too.
7. You use a fine tooth comb to style or detangle.
- tip: Use your fingers or a wide-tooth shower comb on saturated hair.
The days of your mom tugging at a knot with your comb and you feeling absolutely helpless (while in excruciating pain”> are over. See a matted up knot during your detangling session? No worries, grab your coconut oil, and marshmallow root leave-in. Drop the comb altogether–your fingers are less painful and attribute to less breakage or hair loss. Try Kinky Curly Knot Today–the marshmallow root extract in it provides a ton of slip, making detangling easier. If you must use a comb, opt for a wide-toothed one that can be taken into the shower and used on wet, conditioned hair.
8. You don’t wait long enough for root color touch-ups.
- tip: Next time, ask your colorist for a added layer of protection like Olaplex.
Most hair dyes contain bleach, ammonia, and other harmful chemicals that dry out the hair over time. If you do root touch-ups too closely together (less than every 6 weeks”>, you are putting yourself at greater risk for hair breakage. Practice the LCO or LOC Method to seal moisture into your hair every time you wash. SheaMoisture Raw Shea Reconstructive Elixir is color safe and contains shea butter, argan, carrot seed, and macadamia nut oils for intense moisture that helps counter breakage. If you get your hair colored professionally, ask for Olaplex for additional protection.
9. You are crisping your hair with heat styling tools.
- tip: Never skip a heat protective serum, and always
The beauty of natural hair is that its style possibilities are endless; sometimes this means straightening it with a flat iron. Always apply a heat protectant like Nubian Heritage Honey & Black Seed Serum beforehand to shield your hair from any additional damage. Also, do not let the flat iron sit on one part of your hair for too long. When flat ironing, never allow it to sit on a section of hair for longer than 2 seconds. When blow drying, use the cool setting and pass each section quickly.
10. You don’t protect your hair in the elements.
- tip: In the summer, wear extra UV protection or a hat. In the winter, line your beanie with a satin cap.
A cold, dry climate can encourage to dryness, then leading to breakage. Line your beanie with a satin cap so the material doesn’t cause wear and tear on your ends. During warmer months with the sun constantly out, it is important to treat your hair as delicately as you do your skin. Use a conditioner like Bee Mine Bee Lovely Daily Conditioner, which contains UV protection for hair. If you are going to be out in the sun for a long period of time, wear a hat that will prevent your hair from crisping up and breaking when you get home to wash it.
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