On to the fun part! What can you do to solve the issue? Firstly, the answer isn't always to reach for a protein treatment. It will depend on the type of breakage you suffer from.
Moisture deficiency breakage 1. Stay away from the heat tools till your hair regains its strength and breakage stops. If you continue with heat afterwards, make sure to use a heat protector.
2. Avoid heavy/synthetic oils (those including minerals oils and petrolatum) and alcohol based gels. Go for lighter natural oils like coconut, babassu or sweet almond oil and alcohol free gels like Eco styler.
3. Introduce moisturising deep conditioners (with heat caps) and leave in conditioners. Water/Aqua must always be the first ingredient in moisturising products. Some other common ingredients you would find in moisturising products (should be in the first 5-6 ingredients) include: Cetearyl alcohol, Cetyl alcohol, Glycerin, Aloe, Honey, Polyquaternium or Behentrimonium Methosulfate (I know this is a MOUTHFUL but i had to add it in as this helps soften the hair and give the slip that's great for detangling so it is one to always look out for!). The inclusion of natural butters (eg shea and mango butter) and oils (eg avocado, coconut, babassu etc) are great for helping with manageability and retaining moisture.
Protein deficiency breakage 1. Stretch relaxer treatments anywhere between 8-16 weeks to reduce overprocessing and overlapping. These are the main causes of breakage.
2. For my double processed girls (coloured and relaxed), always apply your colour at least 2 weeks after your relaxer treatment.
3. Incorporate protein deep conditioners or treatments every 4-6 weeks. These would usually include ingredients like hydrolyzed proteins (stronger proteins), cholesterol, amino acids, keratin or panthenol.
Product build up 1. Check if you live in a hard water area. A quick google search would show this. If you do, a water filter you can attach to your shower would be great to prevent the minerals from hard water depositing on your hair.
2. Use a clarifying or chelating shampoo every 4-6 weeks and not regularly as they are stripping. Both shampoos are great for a deep cleanse to 'reset' your hair and remove build up. Chelating shampoos however will go deeper to remove mineral deposit from hard water and no-lye relaxers. These shampoos will contain ingredients like Citric acid, Apple Cider Vinegar, EDTA or Sulfates in high quantities (closer to the top of the ingredient list).
Manipulation 1. Go for low manipulation styles which are not tight e.g. twists or braids and avoid touching your hair everyday.
2. Always detangle with care. Start off with finger detangling and finish with a wide tooth comb. |