Pin Pointing Hair Breakage...

Experiencing hair breakage is frustrating and can leave us feeling quite vulnerable.  If you've ever experienced hair breakage you know the results can put you in a desperate state, we will try just about anything to stop it! 



We will frequent hair salons and beauty supply stores all over town looking for a miracle hair treatment to stop hair breakage instead of trying to pin point the source. This is important because if we don't figure out what's causing the breakage, the cycle will continue.  But, narrowing down the culprit of hair breakage does not have to be a difficult task.  Below I've listed 4 of the most common reasons that lead to hair breakage:

Chemicals

If your hair is frequently treated with chemicals, such as hair relaxers and permanent hair dyes, your hair is extremely prone to breakage. Some believe that because their hair does not immediately show signs of damage that their hair is strong enough to handle the abuse. This is not true. Chemicals breakdown the outer layer of our hair shaft making it weaker and weaker,  over time will cause it to break.  It is also the source of a lot of unexplained breakage.



 Heating Appliances

The frequent use of flat Irons, blow dryers, curling irons, hot rollers etc, these  can all lead to hair breakage. Heat dries the hair out, lead to split ends, dulls the hair, it becomes limp and weak and then eventually show shines of breakage.  Finding hairstyles that does not involve using heat as much, will drastically improve the health of your hair and limit breakage. If you are relaxed limit heat to once a week, or less if you can. If you wear your hair natural most of the time, try to limit your heat styling no more than once a year.   

Styling

The frequent use of hair accessories with metal clips, tight rubber bands, tight buns, tight braids, weaves, combs and brushes can all cause breakage.  also constant handling and mamanipulation of the hair can lead to breakage. Be sure to give the hair a break from styling, through safe protective styling and be gentle when handling your hair.

Stress 

This is a really big issue for ladies, and is often overlooked when hair breakage is experienced. When we are stressed it takes a toll on our skin, nails, and our hair! It's not worth it ladies.We must relax, increase exercise, and eat healthier diets to help  manage the stress in our lives. (Breakage from stress usually manifest in the temples and nape areas of the hair.)


**Pay attention to what you do to your hair, what you add to your regimen, and what you take away. And in most cases you will be able to trace back the cause of your hair breakage.   If you would like more information to help you pin point the cause of your hair breakage please don't hesitate to contact me! 

A Heat Damage Story....

Meet Keisha,

  

Keisha  prides her self in growing beautiful healthy hair. And her results speak for itself!  She's made some tremendous strides with her natural hair journey, but due to a few missteps, she's had to go back to the drawing board.  Keisha would like to share her story, and how the use of heat can be very deceiving leading to irreversible damage of our beautiful tresses......

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In October 2007 I began to transition after being relaxed for 11yrs.  At first I only wanted to be natural because of the versatility, but the longer I transitioned the more I felt this is how God made me & I’m not doing the chemicals any more. I transitioned for 8 months with cornrows & buns then I big chopped in June 2008. For someone, who has never had short hair before, the shock was overwhelming.  I didn’t like it at first but it grew on me.

 Although there weren’t many naturals here in WA people loved my hair. I always got compliments on, and people would ask if it was a weave. My fiancé’ just didn’t like the whole short hair thing but overall I had support. 

During this natural stage I didn’t always wear my hair out, I was a fan of kinky twists so I wore those a lot. Keep in mind, every time I would get kinky twists put in, I would use heat to blow out my hair. In November 2009 I had been natural over a year & my fiancé’ was leaving on deployment. He loved my straight hair so I got it straightened. It was nice, and once I washed, my curls popped back in place so there was no problem.

In March of 2010 had my hair straightened for spring break. My curls came back, although I didn’t notice it, my patterned had become looser.



(Notice bangs loosening)



 And In August 2010 aka dooms day, lol. I had my hair straightened again. I never complained about how much heat they stylist was using on my hair, she always said that my hair could take it, and more.  Well right after I straightening I decided to do a 1 year protective style challenge with braids, so I didn’t rewash hair. I wore my hair straight for a couple days & then just threw in my braids thinking my hair was fine.

In October I took my hair down for a wash & that’s when I saw it the HEAT DAMAGE! It was all over, the front was so bad it would not  curl anymore. Then I had straight pieces everywhere else?? I was so upset with

myself.

Loss of Curls



 So, because  I didn't want to look at the damage I'd caused, on October 27^th 2010 I relaxed my hair again, and started transitioning all over again. I’ve been asked, if I needed to relax my hair in order to transition again, and my answer is no, I didn’t. But, I couldn't look at it. 



 So this time around there will be no BC for at least 2yrs. Although my TWA was cute I just can’t go back to short hair. Also, I will not be using heat to blow-dry or straightening for 2yrs.  If I ever decide to straighten again after that horrible experience, I will do it myself. That way I will know how much heat I’m putting on my hair. 

The point to my story ladies is everyone is different. Some people can straighten weekly & they won’t experience heat damage & some can’t. (Unfortunately you may not find out which one you are until it’s too late)

 Also be cautious of your stylists as well. I’m not saying their all alike but be careful of who you allow to do your hair.

My Braids: Winter 2010!





So, as I mentioned in a previous post, that I am a big believer in protective styles, and braids are my favorite.  I've tried tons of protective styles throughout my healthy hair journey. Weaves, lace fronts, 1/2 wigs, faux ponies, and none of them last longer than 2 weeks.  When I want to max protect, I need a style that will keep all of my hair completely covered, or it won't work. If I can get to my hair in anyway,  I'm going to mess with it!  Braids are really a healthy median for me, because my scalp can still breath, I can treat my scalp wash, condition, and moisturize my hair while wearing braids. Also, the styling options with braids very versatile, and the hair moves freely and unhindered.      

Braid extensions for some have gotten a bad rep. Braid extensions,  although known for helping retain length, has also been the blame for balding and thinning edges.  But, it is not the braids that cause thinning and balding edges, it's the application and neglect of them This same thing holds true for weaves.   There are several precautions that you must take when installing braid extensions, as well as, maintenance regimens that you must follow prior to going into braid extensions.  Your hair must be in the best condition possible prior to getting braids to ensure the strength, and preservation of your hair. There are 4 things that I attribute to my success with growing my hair out with braids. 

1. I have a strict regimen that I follow with my hair before going into braids.

2. I'm very vocal with my braider on how I "don't" want my hair braided  

3. I take care of my hair while they are in the braids. 

4. After 2 months I take my time and "carefully" remove the braids 

All of these things for me equals positive results after the take down. 

(The hair used in this winter's braid style is Freetress CozyDeep-No. 2)

**Healthy Happy Hair Growing.....