Avoid Broken Hair Strands At The Wrong Time

@ella_purnell

Background: I got my right sock on. Now, it’s time for the left one. I quickly pull it up and slip both of my feet into my sneakers (go lace-less, you’ll thank me). I grab my keys and power walk to my car. I feel a loose thread moving around near my left big toe. Ugh - this will bother me all day. I have to turn my sock inside out. Low and behold, when I take my sock off, it’s a freaking hair strand. Like, is there no corner of this Earth where I won’t be haunted by these stage 5 clingers?

I know we’ve all been there – maybe as recently as a few minutes ago: running your fingers through your hair just to end up with loose strands twisted between your rings and hurriedly getting rid of them before anyone notices. Let’s not forget pulling a notebook out of your bag and the sudden rush of panic when you find random hairs dangling. The good and the bad news is that hair breakage is common for every type of hair.

When hair breaks, it’s a signal that hair strands have become dry and brittle – think of uncooked spaghetti: it’s so dry that it easily snaps in pieces. This dryness is caused by something out of my control, such as cold weather, and something in my control, such as coloring and heat styling. Forcing myself to grow new hair has been no easy feat so I’m sharing some tips for maintaining healthier and stronger strands:

1.     All The Way Up

Start at the top (literally) of the issue: your scalp. I’ve put so much focus on the bottom half of my hair by obsessively picking apart my split ends and tolerantly awaiting my next trim that I forget to give TLC to my scalp. Identifying your scalp type – dry, oily, normal or combination – is the first step. Use a shampoo that states optimal pH levels: I love KeraCare's Dry & Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Moisturizing Shampoo which has a pH of 6 – perfect for natural hair. I only use conditioner on the bottom 3/4th of my hair, which tends to be dryer than kale, avoiding my scalp to prevent any oil buildup in the coming days.

2.     Switch Up Your Diet

Believe it or not – diet affects your hair as much as it does your skin. An unhealthy diet, a diet low in calories, or a crash diet can cause adverse reactions in your body that lead to hair loss and breakage. I’ve learned that my hair is the strongest when I’m getting nutrients from fulfilling foods that are rich in iron and protein, such as lean meat, fish, egg whites, fruits, and vegetables. As long as I don’t have to give up my coffee, I’m willing to make other sacrifices. HUM makes nutrient-based vegan gummies for stronger hair growth (warning: may be accompanied by new leg hair). Most importantly, adequate hydration is a must for avoiding weak hair so drink plenty of water (sometimes, I prefer green tea with some honey for a little excitement) – if your hair is thirsty, it will look thirsty.

3.     Go Sulfate Free

Sulfate is the ingredient that makes shampoos and soap foam and lather. It’s usually listed on the ingredient panel as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and is generally safe for use. While sulfates are effective at washing away dirt and grime, they also tend to wash away too much natural oil, leaving hair parched and scalp flaky. I love Brigeo’s Be Gentle Be Kind Avocado + Quinoa Co-Wash because it’s sulfate-free and packed with vitamins and antioxidants. It’s a delicate balance (a nice way of saying it’s a crap ton of work): trying to get the most oil-free days after each wash while ensuring my hair is not stripped of its natural oils.

4.     Beat The Heat

Unlike in high school, I now avoid subjecting my hair to excessive heat from blowdryers and flat irons. This is a massive accomplishment for me. I would use my hair straightener more than my phone at one point in time - shocking. And devastating. While the immediate gratification of smooth and tamed hair is an unmatched form of self fulfillment, the drying and damaging effects on my already-bleached hair are cause for limiting heat exposure. I’m trying to embrace my natural texture and work with less chemical-y products that eliminate frizz like the Rahua Smoothing Hair Balm. I’m also learning new heatless hairstyles, such as the art of braiding. I’m not good at it but I persist nonetheless. Save your heat styling for occasions or the weekends when it matters the most and get more bang out of your blow.

By Asna E.Shah