How to Prevent Hair Damage

Tips on… preventing damage to your hair Improper use of chemicals in treating hair seems to be the major cause of hair damage. It is best to seek advice from health professionals before treating your hair with any chemical products. Here are some many factors that can cause damage to your hair: Relaxers Relaxers may break chemical curly hair, and often contain LYE, which causes hair breakage and skin irritation. Exposing your hair too long with relaxers or mixing incorrect amount of strengtheners are just some of the wrongful ways of relaxing the hair. Combing, scratching or brushing your hair with chemical treatment may increase damage to your scalp and hair. When relaxers are applied, show special care when using a curling or straightening iron, blow dryers or coloring your hair. Permanent coloring stays in your hair until it grows out, and can cause hair loss, irritation, redness and burning. Try semi-permanent hair coloring treatments like henna, they are easy to use and are safer than permanent ones. Test a small amount on your wrist to check whether the chemical irritates your skin. Bleach, is a substance that removes color and stains from hair. This chemical may produce breakage, and once applied, hair looks dry and damaged. It is advisable to use a hair treatment product to avoid further changes, and better to avoid bleach altogether. Use hair dryers with caution; on very wet hair they may lead to damage. If you cannot avoid using hair dryers, set it at the lowest heat temperature. Brushing hair while still wet may cause damage; hair will be forced to stretch and will be prone to breakage. Instead, brush gently while your hair is dry. Finally, use natural products to protect your hair. Prevention is the easiest fix.