How to Prevent Hair Damage

Damaged hair causes hair follicles to break and split. The cuticle within the hair shaft is often damaged first. As the cuticle separates and pulls away from the outer layers, the shaft easily breaks. Pretty much everything we do to our hair can harm it. Here's how to minimize the risk.

Instructions

1. Trim your hair regularly. Cutting off split ends prevents them from continuing to split up the hair shaft.

2. Purchase high-quality brushes and combs for use on your hair. Wide-tooth combs detangle your hair without breaking it. Brushes with a cushion base and ball-tip bristles cause the least amount of hair damage.

3. Deep-condition your hair at least once a week to prevent damage caused by styling and environmental stress. Hot and cold weather also causes dry, brittle and damaged hair. A weekly deep-conditioning regimen offsets the damage.

4. Spray your hair with a UV protectant designed for use on hair whenever you are in the sun for an extended period. Reapply after swimming. See Resources below.

5. Shampoo your hair only once when washing. Some people think they need to apply shampoo two or three times to get their hair clean. It is best to apply shampoo once, lather it up well and scrub the scalp with the tips of your fingers rather than your nails. Shampoo strips your hair of natural oils, and overshampooing leads to damage.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid using heat on your hair, such as blow dryers, curling irons and electric rollers, whenever possible. If you must use heat for styling, use it on the lowest possible setting.

• Do not use products containing alcohol on your hair. Alcohol dries the hair and causes it to frizz. Purchase alcohol-free gels, mousse and hair sprays.

• Never wear tight hairstyles. If you are tying your hair back, it is best to tie it loosely. Traction alopecia is a serious condition where hair breaks and permanently falls out from being pulled too tight in styling.

Resources

• Frederick Fekkai summer hair collection