Monday, July 5, 2010

Breakage: Causes, Effects and Solutions

Breakage was the top selection in last month's poll, so why not talk about it first? I will discuss all the causes of breakage, the effects of it, and how to possibly curb it. Enjoy!

What Causes It?
Breakage is caused by a weakened hair structure. Basically, when your hair strands are weak, they break. What weakens your hair structure is a different story. Weakened hair structure is caused by:


Excessive heat usage
Excessive combing/brushing
Excessive use of chemicals
The Elements (UV rays, wind, sea water, etc.)
Lack of moisture
Lack of protein
Worn/aged hair

What Are The Effects?
Now that you know what the causes are, let's dig a little bit into the effects. A weakened hair structure can cause a multitude of problems. Here are some common effects of a weakened hair structure:


Split Ends
Split Hair
Dry/brittle hair
Scab hair

Any Possible Treatments, Belle?
We've discussed the causes and effects, now on to the treatments. A weakened hair structure can be treated by any of the following:


Light reconstructor (can be used every three to four weeks)
Heavy protein treatment (use every 2-3 months or as needed and follow with a moisturizing conditioner!)
Moisturizing treatment (use once a week)
Seamless combs
Keeping brushing to a minimum
Keeping heat usage to a minimum
Protecting the hair at night with a satin/silk scarf
Moisturizing at least three times a week
Applying a layer of oil before shampooing or relaxing

That's pretty much it! I do hope this helps someone. The best piece of advice I can give is to keep your regimen simple. Washing once or twice a week should be enough. And one last thing, a little breakage is normal. Remember that the hair becomes old and breaks off in time.

Courtesy of The Coarse Hair Diary

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