Hair breakage is a common issue that many people struggle with, whether it’s from daily styling, environmental factors, or hair care habits. But don't worry—there are plenty of ways to protect your hair from breakage both during the day and at night. Here’s how to keep your strands strong, healthy, and free from unnecessary breakage:
1. Protect Your Hair During the Day
Avoid Excessive Heat Styling
Using flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers regularly can weaken your hair, leading to breakage. If you can't go without heat styling, always use a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from damage.
Tip: Try to minimize heat styling as much as possible. Opt for heatless styling methods, such as braids for waves or using a microfiber towel to reduce drying time.
Be Gentle When Brushing or Combing
Brushing or combing your hair roughly, especially when it’s wet, can lead to unnecessary breakage. Use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush to gently work through knots, starting from the ends and working your way up to avoid pulling on the hair.
Tip: Always detangle your hair when it’s damp, not soaking wet, as wet hair is more fragile and prone to breakage.
Avoid Tight Hairstyles
Tight ponytails, braids, and buns put a lot of stress on the hair, especially at the roots. Over time, this tension can cause breakage, particularly around the hairline. Opt for looser hairstyles that don’t tug on the hair.
Tip: Use scrunchies or silk-covered hair ties to minimize friction and prevent breakage.
Limit Chemical Treatments
Frequent use of hair dyes, perms, and chemical straighteners can weaken hair and make it more prone to breaking. If you color your hair, try to extend the time between dye jobs to give your hair a break.
Tip: After color treatments, always follow up with a protein-packed deep conditioner to rebuild strength and restore moisture.
Protect Your Hair from UV Damage
Just like your skin, your hair can also suffer from sun damage. UV rays can dry out your hair, making it brittle and more likely to break. Wear a hat or use a UV-protectant hair spray to shield your hair from the sun.
Tip: Look for UV-protecting hair care products or wear a scarf/hat to protect your hair on sunny days.
Use the Right Products
Using the right hair care products tailored to your hair type and needs can significantly reduce breakage. Opt for moisturizing shampoos, protein treatments, and leave-in conditioners to keep your hair hydrated and strong.
Tip: For hair that’s prone to breakage, use strengthening treatments like Olaplex or Protein Bond Reconstructor Treatment to rebuild hair bonds and add strength.
2. Protect Your Hair at Night
Use a Silk or Satin Pillowcase
Cotton pillowcases can cause friction, leading to tangling and breakage while you sleep. Switching to a silk or satin pillowcase helps reduce friction and keeps your hair smooth, minimizing breakage.
Tip: If you don’t have a silk pillowcase, try wearing a silk scarf or satin bonnet at night to protect your hair.
Loose Braids or Ponytails
While tight hairstyles during the day can lead to breakage, loose braids or a low ponytail at night can help prevent tangling and split ends while you sleep.
Tip: Avoid tight hairstyles before bed and opt for a loose braid or soft ponytail to keep your hair in place without causing stress.
Avoid Sleeping with Wet Hair
Sleeping with wet hair is one of the biggest contributors to breakage. Wet hair is more fragile and prone to damage, especially from friction with your pillowcase. If you must wash your hair at night, allow it to air dry partially before going to bed.
Tip: If you need to wash your hair before bed, try towel-drying it gently, and then let it air dry or use a microfiber towel to absorb excess moisture.
Overnight Hair Masks
An overnight hair mask or deep conditioning treatment can help strengthen and hydrate your hair while you sleep. This is an especially great option if you have dry or damaged hair.
Tip: Apply a protein or moisture-replenishing hair mask before bed, and wrap your hair in a silk scarf to lock in the treatment overnight.
3. Additional Tips to Prevent Breakage
Regular Trims
Split ends and damaged hair can contribute to breakage. Regular trims every 6-8 weeks help prevent further damage from traveling up the strand.
Tip: Get rid of split ends by maintaining a regular trimming schedule with your stylist.
Hydrate from the Inside Out
A healthy diet plays a major role in hair health. Make sure you’re eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals that support hair growth and strength, such as vitamin E, biotin, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Tip: Stay hydrated and eat nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens, fish, and nuts to promote strong, healthy hair.
Use Protein Treatments When Needed
Hair that’s lacking protein can become weak and more prone to breakage. Using a protein treatment or a strengthening product like Olaplex can help restore strength and reduce breakage.
Tip: Be mindful of not overusing protein treatments, as too much protein can cause hair to become stiff and brittle. Balance it with moisturizing treatments.
Conclusion
Preventing hair breakage is all about adopting healthy hair care habits during both the day and night. From using the right products and protective hairstyles to making small changes to your daily routine, these steps can help keep your hair strong, healthy, and less prone to breakage.
For personalized hair care treatments that help reduce breakage, visit Hello Texture Beauty Bar in Lekki, Lagos. Call us at 09030290156 or follow us on Instagram at @hellotexture_salon for more tips and to book your appointment today!