Shedding and breakage are common. It can happen if you are not styling or protecting your hair properly, a change in diet, or stress. It is a common response that tells us that something is just not right. Our curl friend, Doyan, asks us the following in Curly Q&A:
Question
How do you reduce breakage/shedding other than trimming?
Answer
Let’s start by discussing the difference between shedding and breakage. How can you tell if you are experiencing shedding or breakage? NaturallyCurly contributor Shannon aka UK Curly Girl recommends looking closely “at the length of the hair, feeling the root of it. If you feel the bulb at the end, then it is a shed hair. If the hair has no bulb, feels a little rough and is a short piece of hair that is breakage.”
If you are experiencing shedding, it is best to monitor the amount of hair that comes out. Keep in mind since curly girls do not wash their hair as often as girls with straight hair, shedding may seem excessive when really it has been shedding at a normal rate and accumulating until wash day.
Deep condition
You mentioned that you wanted other ways to reduce shedding before resorting to trimming. Try deep conditioning your hair each wash day. This will help maintain your hair’s strength to keep it healthy. Sitting under a hooded dryer or steamer for better results.
Try a rinse
If you want to try a natural approach, hair rinses are great options to stop shedding. These Five Natural Hair Rinses to Stop That Shedding (and More”> can help reduce hair shedding.
Examine your habits
You can experience breakage from a variety of practices like not protecting your hair at night with a satin cap or pillowcase or not handling your hair with care while detangling. When you are experiencing breakage, you have to look at the way you are manipulating your hair. If you are still not sure why your hair is experiencing breakage, check out these 10 habits that can cause it.
Keep your hair moisturized
There are so many products on the market now that you have your pick of the litter when it comes to moisturizers. Whether you prefer co-washing, moisturizers, refreshers, DIYs or deep treatments, there is a moisturizer for every regimen and lifestyle. You just have to choose the one that works for you. Here is a great place to start: 12 Best Curly Moisturizers.
Wear low manipulation styles
If you are pulling your hair into a tight hairstyle every day, then there is a good chance you will experience breakage as a result. Opt for low manipulation styles instead. Here are 4 low manipulation styles that we like and use regularly.
Deep treatments and healthy practices are the way to go, but if you continue to experience breakage it will be best to schedule an appointment at least for a consultation to see if a trim is absolutely necessary. Once you remove the damaged hair, you can have a fresh start and treat your healthy hair with much care and prevent future damage.
What are ways that you prevent and treat shedding and breakage? Share with the curly community.
