How to Treat Over-Processed Black Hair Between Periods

African American textured hair may often be exposed to hair relaxers and heating tools that may dry and damage hair. Relaxers contain harmful chemicals that can lead to hair breakage. This may be one of the reasons your hair does not appear to be growing. The breakage makes it seem that your hair growth is stunted when it truly isn't. Although it is impossible to mend the breakage that has already happened to your hair, you can take certain steps to prevent your hair from breaking further and begin to grow and maintain healthy hair.

Things You'll Need

• Wide-tooth comb
• Silk or satin pillowcases
• Protein hair treatment
• Moisturizing shampoo
• Moisturizing conditioner
• Olive oil
• Avocado
• Egg

Instructions

1. Have your split and damaged ends trimmed regularly. The breakage and split ends can travel up your hair shaft if you don't have regular trims.

2. Avoid styling your hair with heating products unnecessarily, as this may cause more damage. Also avoid pulling your hair into too-tight hairstyles, as this can lead to breakage as well. Don't comb or brush your hair too often. Be gentle with any knots or tangles in your hair.

3. Wash your hair minimally. Aim for three times a week. Condition your hair with moisturizing shampoo and use a leave-in conditioner to help fight the dry ends. Comb your wet hair with a wide-tooth comb only.

4. Apply a protein treatment to your hair. This will protect your hair from harsh products that may strip it of much-needed moisture.

5. Apply a hair masque consisting of one avocado, one egg yolk and 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil. Apply the mixture to your hair, especially to the ends, and leave it on for 30 minutes. Wash and condition your hair as usual.

6. Use silk or satin pillow cases. The softness of the material will not pull on your hair.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to avoid using chemical relaxers in your hair. If you must relax or process your hair, try to do it in two-month intervals to avoid excessive damage.

References

• Hair Formula 37: Black Hair Breaks, Breakage
• Black Women Beauty Central: How Do You Stop Black Hair Breakage?
• Hair Breakage: All About Hair Breakage