Our kinky curly hair texture can be a task to care for, however, sometimes we do not realize the damage we are creating. As black woman, we need to know the affects of our daily styling habits. Black hair damage is something that can happen to the best of us, but do you know how often you are causing it?
Are You Causing Your Black Hair Damage?
Over-processing
One of the damaging things we do is over-processing while applying a chemical relaxer or texturizer. Make sure that when your touch-ups are applied, you only apply it to the new growth.
Tight Ponytails and Buns
If you are like most of us, we love the go-to style of a high bun or ponytail. However, if you wear this style all the time, you can experience thinning edges. So make sure you take breaks from this style, also do not pull you hair too tight.
Tight Braids
The worst thing you can do is wear tight braids. Due to the weight of braids with extensions and the pulling, traction alopecia can occur along your hair line. Be sure to avoid this when styling. If not corrected, you may cause the hair follicle to be permanently damaged.
Excessive Heat
I’m sure by now you know that you can cause heat damage to your hair while using heating tools. Blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons can destroy the elasticity in the hair and cause thinning fragile hair that breaks easily. Before styling with heating tools, make sure you know the safe temperatures for your hair.
Dyes
Dying your hair is a chemical treatment and you should make sure it’s done right. DIY hair dyes can be tricky. If you are not certain of the process, consult a hair colorist professional. Hair dyes can be drying to the hair shaft and this can cause hair breakage, thinning, and dull hair color.
Over Use of Wigs and Weave
Although wigs and weave styles can be great protective hairstyles, keeping them in too long can cause tangles, knots, and other issues. You do not want to risk possibly having to cut most of the hair off that you have been trying to protect and preserve.
Harsh Shampoos
Our hair thrives with moisture. Shampoos that contain harsh ingredients can strip your hair of its natural oils. A good conditioning shampoo like Shea Moisture Tahitian Noni & Monoi Smooth & Repair Conditioning Shampoo, will strip the hair less. Try to keep wash days to no more than once a week.
Also, if you use wigs or weave for protective styling, it is important to shampoo the added hair as well. AiryHair.com has a good curated list of shampoos and conditioners for hair extensions that works to properly take care of your protective style. In order to maintain the health of your hair underneath, you should keep the extensions clean.
