15 Remedies To Prevent And Stop Hair Breakage
Prevent and repair breakage, and say goodbye to dry and unmanageable locks. With these simple remedies, you can have shiny hair and stop breakage for good.
Jul 25, 2018
OMG! Your hair is breaking!
If you long for soft, healthy tresses, keep reading for the scoop on keeping your hair healthy, shiny and growing. There are thousands of products on the market today that will have your hair breaking off at the ends and drying out. These products can cause it to be frizzy and unmanageable. Even worse, is the embarrassment that comes with leaving a trail of hair everywhere you go due to excessive shedding. Products used for bleaching and on relaxed hair are big contributors to the problem. But there are some less apparent culprits to blame when it comes to hair breakage and shedding issues. If you can relate to these problems, don't worry, here are some simple and practical solutions to help you stop excessive shedding, end hair breakage, and repair relaxed or bleached hair fast and for good. Yes, you can have the soft and healthy locks you've always wanted. But first, take a look at some of the reasons why your hair may be in the condition it's in.
Some of the reasons your hair keeps breaking.
Many contributing factors cause your hair to dry out, break, frizz, split, and be plain unhealthy and unmanageable. As mentioned, getting your hair relaxed or bleached can be two of the most drastic offenses to your tresses, but some more subtle evils lurk in the dark. Here are a few.
Chemical Exposure
The most obvious of reasons for unhealthy and dry hair is chemical exposure. The more you color, bleach your hair, and use less-than-professional grade products, the dryer your hair will be. Dry hair breaks, splits, and frizzes, causing it to look bad and be very difficult to manage. And if your hair has been relaxed, it is even more necessary to use natural repairing and moisturizing products.
Moisture
Not all products are the created equal and depending on the type of hair you have; you may be in need of a super moisturizing product. Whatever your hair type, not using a quality product to maintain moisturized locks will contribute to dry hair. Also, if you have a hard water system in your house, this will compound the lack of moisture in your hair. Hard water systems contain chlorine and heavy metals which actively remove moisture from hair. Since these chemicals remove moisture, it becomes even more essential to use quality products and establish a positively moisturizing regimen for your locks.
Heat Styling
Daily use of hair dryers, curling irons and flat irons without the proper protective and nourishing products will totally dry out your hair and cause breakage and excessive shedding. Using a blow dryer on dripping wet hair is a big no-no, and using a typical cotton towel can lead to major tangling and breakage. A hair dryer and cotton towel will each reek havoc on relaxed tresses, but don't worry - help is on the way.
Your Pillowcase
Yes, something as simple and overlooked as your pillowcase could be causing hair breakage and shedding. Common household cotton pillowcases cause friction between the hair and the fabric as you sleep, causing unnecessary damage. A simple and practical solution is available below.
Shampoo and Conditioner
No one likes having a bad hair day. However, these become more frequent when you don't allow the natural oils produced by your scalp to nourish your hair. Overwashing reduces the natural oils on your scalp that support healthy hair. As if that weren't enough, most people also forget the importance of a regular deep conditioning regimen that helps to support the full length of the hair. Too much hair cleansing and not enough deep conditioning is a recipe for disaster that will inevitably result in hair breakage and excessive shedding. The ends of your hair need a bit of a boost when it comes to maintaining moisture. Your locks get this boost through regular deep conditioning treatments. Deep conditioning is even more important to combat products used on bleached and relaxed hair. Keep reading to get hair that is healthy and easy to manage. The solutions may surprise you.
Haircuts
Skipping your regularly scheduled haircut allows your hair to split at the ends and eventually break off. This breakage causes your strands to look unhealthy and can contribute to frizz and unmanageability.
Diet
What you eat is what you get. What goes in, comes out in one way or another - either in health and vitality, glowing skin and amazing hair, or in problems in one or more of these areas. Overeating protein can make your hair brittle and by not consuming enough essential nutrients, like good fat found in avocado and coconut oil, can rob your hair of shine, and luster.
Prevent and stop hair breakage naturally.
Stop hair breakage naturally with the at-home products described here. These products will repair hair that has been damaged by bleaching, and products used on relaxed hair, both of which can cause excessive shedding and breakage to your locks fast. Follow any one of these remedies and receive surprising results in the form of stronger, more luxurious hair that shines and rewards your efforts with easy manageability.
1. Vitamins stop hair breakage.
Your hair needs vitamins to stop hair breakage and to repair damaged hair. Remember, relaxed and bleached hair will have more damage and could take longer to repair. Eat foods that are high in vitamins C, D3 and Biotin to stop excessive shedding fast and naturally. Adding citrus, eggs, cheese and leafy greens to your diet will give you these benefits: Vitamin C, which will increase the production of collagen in your body. Vitamin D3, which will help in the production of keratin-the foundation for your hair's strength. Biotin, which will stimulate hair growth and reduce shedding.
2. Use coconut oil to stop hair breakage.
Coconut oil seems to have unlimited benefits for your body, including to your hair and skin. This oil adds natural hydration, contains lauric acid which helps to prevent and treat dandruff with antifungal properties, and it protects your hair against protein loss. You can eat it as a spread, use it as cooking oil, mix it in smoothies or add it to your tea. And, its versatility doesn't stop there. Coconut oil is also as a body moisturizer and repairs damaged hair and prevents future breakage naturally. This natural superfood is perfect for helping to repair hair that has been relaxed. This treatment is simple and will offer results fast, naturally, and cheaper than using most other products. 1 Tablespoon coconut oil 1 shower cap Massage oil into your scalp and down the length of your hair. Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave on for two to three hours or overnight. If your hair seems to develop an oily appearance, simply shampoo, and condition after treatment. Depending on how coarse your hair will determine how frequently you perform this treatment. Fine hair: 1x a week for one to two hours, followed by a shampoo and conditioner if needed. Thick, coarse hair: 2x a week, either treatment length and can shampoo and condition after if desired. Really coarse hair: Nightly, do not shampoo and condition after.
3. Castor oil
Some hair product used to relax natural curls contain dangerous chemicals such as formaldehyde, that cause damage to your hair and scalp and can even increase the scalps natural tendency to shed. One remedy to repair the damage done by using harsh products and improve blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles is castor oil. Massage equal parts of castor oil and coconut oil into your scalp and leave on for one to two hours. Follow with a mild cleanser. Repeat this oil treatment one to two times a week for fast results.
4. Essential oils
Almond essential oil contains vitamin E, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids which work together to help you regain luster and thickness to your locks. Almond essential oil will also protect your hair from further damage incurred by harsh daily use product and products used on relaxed hair and for bleaching. Place 2-3 drops of essential almond oil into one tablespoon of carrier oil, such as grapeseed oil. Massage this mix into your scalp and down the length of your hair. Leave on for 1-2 hours and cleanse using a mild shampoo. Repeat this treatment once a week. Chamomile essential oil is packed with antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties to help treat and protect against scalp conditions such as dandruff. Apply 3-4 drops to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil. Leave on for one hour and wash out using a mild shampoo. Repeat one to two times a week.
5. Argan oil
Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, argan oil has all the benefits of antioxidants and omega fatty acids to protect and moisturize your hair naturally and without the risk of using harmful products. If you have used any products for bleaching or lightening or coloring your hair, argan oil will do wonders to help you repair your locks. Directly, apply 4-5 drops to your scalp and down the length of your hair. Leave the oil on for 1-2 hours or overnight and then wash out with a gentle shampoo. Do this once or twice a week for best results.
6. Green tea
Green tea is such a versatile product. It can be drunk as a hot or cold tea, used as a powder for smoothies, mixed with other products and used in facials, masks, and hair treatments. This power plant contains polyphenols called catechins, which, when drank, can benefit nearly every organ in the body. In this case, the product is absorbed through the scalp and hair follicles and can help to stimulate hair growth, prevent excessive shedding and protect against fungus and inflammation. Green tea will strengthen your hair naturally and help to prevent future breakage. 1/2 Tablespoon of powdered green tea 1 Tablespoon of coconut oil Mix and apply this paste to your scalp and hair for 10 minutes. Wash the past out with cool water. Do this treatment once a week to repair the damage done to your hair from hair coloring, relaxed hair, and bleaching damage.
7. Stop hair breakage with this egg hair mask
This hair mask will add some protein strength to your tresses. 2 egg whites 2 tablespoons of olive oil 1 cup of milk a few drops of lemon juice Mix ingredients and apply to your scalp and hair for 30 minutes. Wash egg mask using a mild cleanser and repeat 2-3 times a month.
8. Aloe Vera
Mix and leave on for 20-30 minutes. Wash out. 1/2 tablespoon aloe vera gel 1/2 tabelspoon almond oil Enjoy this treatment twice a week to repair and stop further breakage, and restore your hair's pH balance, which can become disrupted with frequent bleaching.
9. Garlic
Take six garlic cloves and mince them. Add them to 100 mL of coconut or olive oil. Store this garlic infused oil in a cool, dry place for one week, after which you apply to your hair for 1 hour and wash thoroughly. Perform this once a week for best results.
10. Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (ACV) 2 cups of water Mix to create a solution and use it to rinse your hair after shampooing. You can also use it to spray the roots of your hair using a spray bottle, leave on for 10 to 20 minutes and rinse out with cool water. Do either of these once a week for best results. ACV is antimicrobial and can help to prevent scalp infections and fungal conditions such as dandruff. As it restores your hair's pH balance, it softens coarse hair, further preventing breakage naturally.
11. Avocado
1/2 peeled avocado 1 egg yolk 1 tablespoon of butter (organic, farm-raised cow butter is best) Mix the pulp of the avocado with the egg yolk and butter to form a smooth paste. Apply the paste mixture to your damp hair from roots to tips. Massage your scalp for five minutes. Leave on for at least 20 minutes. Rinse and shampoo hair. Repeat twice a month. This paste contains good fats, vitamins, minerals, and protein, all of which will help to stop hair breakage naturally and repair damage from bleaching and relaxing your hair.
12. Carrot oil
Option 1: Massage 6-7 drops of carrot oil into the scalp. Leave on for up to two hours. Wash out. Option 2: Place 6-7 drops of carrot oil into about 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (such as coconut or grapeseed oil). Massage in the scalp and down length of hair. Leave on for up to two hours. Wash out. Either treatment can be done once a week and contains vitamins A, E, and beta-carotene.
13. Grapeseed oil
This lightweight oil is excellent for fast treatments and won't weigh down your hair. Grapeseed oil is packed with vitamin E and antioxidants to help repair damage naturally, stop further breakage and reduce excessive shedding. Simply massage 2-3 teaspoons into your scalp and down your hair. Cover your head with a shower cap for 1-2 hours or overnight. If needed, wash hair with a mild shampoo and conditioner. Repeat once a week.
14. Onion juice stops hair breakage by adding strength.
This one seems a bit strange; however, if you want long and strong tresses, onion juice is where it's at. No evil kidnapping mother will keep your prince from you in your tower. Just drop your Rapunzel-like locks and let your prince up for a visit. Just be sure to do a few treatments first. 1/2 tablespoon of onion juice 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil Apply mainly to scalp for 20-30 minutes before washing. Repeat once a week. Onion juice contains high amounts of sulfur and is the building block of keratin. Keratin will make your hair super strong.
15. Shea butter stops hair breakage by adding moisture.
Use pure shea butter to tame fly-aways fast and maintain your hair's moisture without weighing it down or making it look greasy. Because shea butter is moisture-rich, using it on a regular basis will keep your hair from further breakage, naturally and helps stop excess shedding. Simply apply up to 1 teaspoon to your hair, beginning at the ends and working your way up to three inches from the scalp. It's possible you will want to decrease the amount you use or keep product further away from your head. You don't accidentally want a greasy look; you want the benefits of this amazing, moisture-rich product.
Hair breakage prevention and other tips.
The easiest and fastest solution to damaged hair is prevention. Prevention is cheap and effective. So, if you don't experience excessive shedding or hair breakage now, follow these simple tips to maintain your healthy locks. 1. Have your hair trimmed on a regular basis as recommended by your stylist. 2. Avoid daily blow drying and hot ironing your hair. 3. Do not comb wet hair. 4. Do not color your hair. 5. Continue to use conditioner. 6. Do not wash hair daily. 7. Eat healthy with a lot of fruits, veggies, fish, lean meat, and drink lots of water.
Chemical Exposure Treatment
For over-exposed hair, sometimes the best and fastest solution is simply to chop off the overly damaged portion of your strands. It can be sad to see your strands go, but it is even more sad to watch the damaged follicles die a slow and agonizing death as they hang over your shoulders. If chopping it off simply isn't an option for you, one at-home salon-grade treatment is Olaplex 3. Olaplex 3 is the last step in a three-step system that you can apply at home. The first two steps are completed in a salon. This product works to repair locks from the inside, out and is reasonably priced.
Moisturize
Using a quality shampoo and conditioning system will bring positive results to your locks fast. The added moisture will allow for more flexibility, bounce, and shine. If you suffer from dryness due to a hard water system in your house, simply add a shower head filter that can filter out chlorine and heavy metals.
Heat Styling
When blow-drying your locks, remember these important tips: 1. Let your hair dry for a bit before blow drying. You don't want to start blow drying when your hair is dripping wet. This adds too much stress to the hair. 2. Any time you add heat to your hair for styling, be sure to use a heat protectant product. 3. Before blow drying, blot hair with a microfiber towel instead of the damaging cotton towel. If you don't have a microfiber towel and can't afford one, use an old t-shirt. 4. No towel turbans. They can cause hair breakage. 5. Use an ionic dryer with 2,000 watts or more and never touch the nozzle to your hair - keep it about two inches away from your hair. When using a curling iron or flat iron, always use a heat protectant product to protect your hair from heat damage.
Pillowcase Treatment
Remember that overlooked culprit for damaged hair? That's right, the common household cotton pillowcase. As easy as it is to miss, the solution is to use any satin or silk pillowcase simply. Swap it out. That's it. A couple of ways to know if this is a step you need to take include, first, if you use a cotton pillowcase, and second if you wake up with bed head. If you wake up to your hair smashed to your head at odd angles and everything looking wild, it's time to pay attention to your pillowcase. You need moisture in your hair and a silk or satin case on your pillow. Here is one specifically designed to help with your hair, but really, any satin or silk case will do.
Shampoo and Conditioner
Overwashing can cause damage. For a fast fix, simply decrease your washes to only three times a week. This will be helpful, especially if you have damage due to bleaching and relaxing product use. Add a weekly deep conditioner routine to help repair locks. Here are some tips if you have oily hair: Thoroughly drench your hair before applying shampoo. Focus shampoo on the hair that is within two inches of your scalp as this contains the most oil residue. Rinse the shampoo out thoroughly using the coldest water you can stand. Stock your shower with labels that include the magic words, "anti-breakage," "strengthening," or "renewal."
Having perfect Rapunzel-like locks can be simple and easy, but it does require consistency and willing to try something new and perhaps a little unconventional-such as onion juice. But if stronger hair is what you are going for, it's worth a shot. As you continue to explore ways to live a healthier life, remember the importance of a balanced, whole foods diet. A diet rich in fruits, veggies, fish, lean meats, and lots of water will not only help you to feel good, but it will also help you look good. These foods are rich in all the essential nutrients you need to obtain and maintain healthy skin, healthy and nourished hair, have more energy and vitality for living life to the fullest. There can be other environmental factors that can contribute to dryer hair, including dry or humid weather. Remember to add a shower head filter to ensure the cleanest water during your shower. And depending on the needs of your hair and your desired look, be sure to condition your hair at least once a week deeply. Engaging in a variety of the treatments listed here will help keep your locks manageable, beautiful, shiny and strong.