6 tips to prevent hair breakage, according to experts
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The signs of hair damage aren’t always obvious, but whether you're blowing out your hair occasionally or bleaching it constantly, you've racked up split ends and breakage from everyday habits. Going too long without a haircut, washing every day, not using a leave-in conditioner, and using a curling iron that's too hot are just a few of the things that can cause long-term damage — especially if your hair is colour-treated or lengthy.
Even something as simple as wearing super tight ponytails can cause strain on fragile ends. The health of your hair can also be impacted by lifestyle changes, age, diet, environment and stress.
Thankfully, there are easy ways to prevent the damage from getting worse. Below, we've rounded up some expert tips on how to keep your hair healthy, along with a few restorative and protective product suggestions.
Never skip thermal protection
We know how hard it is to avoid heat styling altogether — and so the most important thing to do is prepare your strands before you flat iron or curl.
‘[The] key to healthy hair is to prevent damage before it happens," says Joshua Balint, National Education & Events Director of Matrix & Biolage. "I suggest using a thermal protector that protects up to 450 °C."
Matrix Total Results Length Goals Perfector Leave-In Heat Protectant And Styling Spray
SHOP IT: Ulta, $19
Use the right brush
Just like how different makeup brushes have their specific purpose, there are different hairbrushes for different use cases. Finding the right hairbrush may sound like an unnecessary task, but because this is one beauty tool you’re expected to use every single day, making the switch might be one of the biggest favours you’ll ever do for your hair.
For example, a vented hair brush can help dry hair quickly, while boar bristle brushes can help with dry hair as they won’t snag or pull on the roots. Use of the wrong brush can disrupt the pattern of your hair, which can cause split ends. Those with curly hair should always use a wide-tooth comb, and using a detangling brush works best on wet hair.
Consider switching to silk
Silk pillowcases and hair accessories, like bonnets and wraps, have been an essential part of Black beauty culture for decades. Proving itself to be a gentle, moisture-retaining fabric for all skin types and hair types, it's no wonder why more beauty enthusiasts are making the switch to silk goods. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase will prevent frizz, tangles and split ends while accessories like scrunchies stop tugging and pulling.
Butter. Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
SHOP IT: The Bay, $98
Cut your hair more frequently
“Trimming your hair regularly every 6-8 weeks is the recommended amount of time before your ends start to split, get weaker and more brittle and break,” says Toronto hairstylist and Costello Beauty founder Ceilidh Costello.
Haircuts are the quickest way to reverse the look and feel of damage. And while it may not always seem like the most rational tip for hair growth, cutting off the dead ends reduces the hairs from splitting.
And wash your hair less
How often should you wash your hair? While there isn’t an exact science, a good rule of thumb is to wash your hair three to four times a week — this varies on what type of hair type, condition of your scalp and the type of shampoo you opt for. The wrong shampoo can not only alter the look of colour treated hair, but it can strip your scalp of its natural oils that help reduce damage.
Invest in a quality hair mask
If you're thinking about splurging on a hair mask, take this as a sign from the universe that you need one ASAP. A nourishing mask is crucial to give your brittle ends the TLC it needs. We love Kérastase' Resistance Mask for Severely Damaged Hair, a fibre-renewing, revitalizing mask to help hair regain its strength and elasticity.
Kérastase Resistance Mask for Severely Damaged Hair
SHOP IT: Sephora, $72
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