A Comprehensive Guide to Healthy and Resilient Hair
Hair breakage is a common issue that many people face, leading to weak, brittle, and dull hair. Understanding the causes and implementing effective strategies can help you achieve healthy and resilient hair. This blog provides a comprehensive approach to stop and prevent hair breakage once and for all.
Understanding Hair Breakage
Hair breakage occurs when the hair shaft weakens and snaps, leading to shorter strands and uneven length. Common causes include:
- Heat Styling: Frequent use of heat styling tools like flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers weakens hair.
- Chemical Treatments: Colouring, perming, and relaxing hair can strip it of natural oils, making it more prone to breakage.
- Physical Damage: Brushing wet hair, tight hairstyles, and poor-quality hair accessories cause breakage.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to UV rays, pollution, and harsh weather weaken hair.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Diet causing inadequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals can affect hair health and strength.
Effective Strategies to Stop Hair Breakage
To stop hair breakage, it is essential to adopt a comprehensive approach that includes professional hair care, nutrition, and lifestyle changes.
1. Gentle Hair Care Routine
Adopt a gentle hair care routine to minimise stress and damage to your hair.
- Use a wide-tooth comb to safely detangle and reduce breakage. I love using mine in the shower with a repair treatment or conditioner for extra slip. A detangling spray can also help smooth knots and minimise damage.
- Avoid tight hairstyles such as ponytails, opt for loose hairstyles to prevent tension on the hair shaft. I like to pull my hair back loosely with my claw clip.
- At bedtime, a silk pillowcase will be your hairs new best friend. If your hair is longer place into a loose plate & fall asleep on your Bye Bye Bedhead Silk Pillowcase preventing frizz & knots.
2. Hydration and Conditioning
Keeping your hair hydrated and well-conditioned is crucial for preventing breakage. Therefore, using professional hair care products is a no brainer.
- Shampoo and Conditioner: Avoid daily washing, as it strips natural oils. When you do, use a repair or hydration shampoo and conditioner. Choose a repair-focused duo for brittle hair or a moisture-rich formula for added hydration.
Here are our three top suggestions:
- Treatments and Masks: To assist your shampoo and conditioner, we recommended using a deep conditioning treatment/mask at least once a week to add nourishment and strengthen your hair.
Our top three hair mask treatments are:
- Leave-In Conditioners: A must-have for all hair types! Use daily for added moisture and protection. Fine hair benefits from a lightweight spray, while thicker or curly hair thrives with a cream formula to tame frizz.
My favourite top three:
3. Minimise Heat Styling
Reducing the use of heat styling tools will help prevent drying your hair out causing damage and your colour will benefit by looking fresher for longer.
- Dry Naturally When Possible: Instead of using a hair dryer, apply a small amount of your leave-in conditioner through your mid lengths to ends and allow to air dry naturally.
- Always Use Heat Protection: Apply a heat protectant before styling to shield your hair from damage. Choose a spray or cream based on your styling needs. Lowering the heat setting (especially around the hairline) helps prevent breakage in fragile areas.
4. Balanced Diet and Nutrition
A healthy diet is essential for strong and resilient hair.
- Protein-Rich Foods: Include protein-rich foods like eggs, nuts, and fish to support hair strength.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Ensure adequate intake of vitamins and minerals such as biotin, vitamin E, and iron. Getting these vitamins by the foods we eat is best. Always seek medical advice though before taking vitamins in tablet form.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your hair hydrated from within.
5. Protect from Environmental Damage
Shield your hair from environmental factors that can cause breakage and apply a hair sunscreen that infuses UV filters. My favourite is Nak Care 4 Ends as its suitable for all hair types, cost friendly and is Australian.
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We also recommend to:
- Wear Hats or Scarves: Protect your hair from UV rays and harsh weather by wearing hats or scarves.
- Rinse After Swimming: Rinse your hair with fresh water after swimming in chlorinated or salty water.
- Avoid Pollution Exposure: Minimise exposure to pollution by covering your hair when necessary.
Preventing Future Hair Breakage
Implementing preventative measures can help maintain healthy hair overall.
1. Regular Trims
Regular trims from your professional stylist will help remove split ends and prevent further breakage. Aim to trim your hair every 6-8 weeks to keep it healthy and free from damaged ends.
2. Protective Hairstyles
Rock a braid, twist, or loose bun to reduce stress on your hair follicle and hair strands. Avoid styles that pull tightly on the hair, as this can cause breakage and look at a suitable hair tie that won’t pull, knot or crease your hair. I just discovered the Crush Range and love their spiralling coil hair ties and satin scrunchies to pull my hair back for the gym.
3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Minimise lightening, colouring, perms, and relaxers to reduce damage. Always visit a professional for these services when possible. Using a plex is a wonderful way to shield your hair from chemical harm when colouring or lightening. When I had my salon, I loved to add Hi Lift Cureplex to my client’s colours to prevent damage. Cureplex repairs hair bonds from the inside out, making hair stronger and healthier. Its take-home range boosts strength with every use.
4. Use Quality Professional Hair Products
Invest in high-quality hair products that are suitable for your hair type. Avoid products with harsh ingredients like sulphates, parabens, and alcohol, which only dry out and weaken your hair more. Choose well know brands like: Nak Hair, Ori Lab, Juuce, Pure, DeLorenzo, Davroe and Arvo. They are brands that use natural ingredients and no harsh chemicals.
5. Scalp Care
A healthy scalp is the foundation for strong hair. Since hair grows from the scalp, maintaining its health supports a healthy growth cycle. The ROH Range is a universal hair and scalp system designed to nurture, protect, and repair your scalp's microbiome, rooted in science for your healthiest hair.
Conclusion for Damage Free Hair
Preventing hair breakage requires a mix of gentle care, proper nutrition, and protection. By understanding the causes and following the strategies in this blog, you can achieve healthier, stronger hair. Consistency is key! Improvements take time, but with patience, you will enjoy beautiful, breakage-free hair.
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