3 Ways You May Unconsciously Be Ruining Your Hair

Do you have Afro textured hair that is giving you trouble? Perhaps you’re experiencing breakage, shedding, or just overall lackluster hair? You could be doing things that are actually harming your hair. In this article, we will discuss three ways you may be ruining your hair, and suggest ways to fix the issue.

1. Overcombing

Do you comb your hair often? If so, you may be causing unnecessary damage to your strands. Afro textured hair is naturally fragile and can be easily damaged when combed too much.

Solution: Instead of over combing, try to comb your hair only when necessary, and opt for a wide-toothed comb or better yet, your fingers to detangle your hair gently. Start from the tips and work your way down.

Use a detangling spray or conditioner to aid the process, especially if your hair is dry or tangled. Remember, patience is key when detangling afro textured hair, as it needs that little extra TLC.

2. Blanketing your hair with oils and pomades

While hair oils and pomades can be nourishing for your hair, using too much can actually be counterproductive. Overusing oils and pomades can clog your hair follicles, generally preventing your scalp from breathing.

Solution: Prioritize having moisturized hair before you can apply any oils or pomades. Make use of moisturizing treatments like leave-in conditioner or even just spray some water to your strands.

Opt for natural oils to seal in the moisture, such as avocado oil and castor oil. Most importantly, apply them sparingly, so your hair won’t be weighed down. Focus on the ends of your hair, which tend to be drier in comparison to the scalp.

3. Overworking your hair

Lastly, it’s important to give your hair a break. Many of us tend to put our hair through the wringer with constant heat styling, harsh chemical treatments like bleaching, having it in protective styles without taking any breaks. These activities can lead to breakage and other issues that damage our hair over time.

Solution: To combat this, try to give your hair at least one week between protective styles, to help it restore its vitality.

When using heat styling tools, it’s essential to use heat protectants to prevent heat damage, and don’t use very high heat on your hair while at it. Explore heatless styling options such as braids, twists, or bantu knots to minimize heat damage.

Lastly, it’s best to limit chemical hair treatments to as few times as possible. Opt for gentler hair color techniques like highlights or semi-permanent dyes instead of bleaching.

Takeaway

By avoiding over combing, balancing the application of oils and pomades, and giving your hair regular breaks, you can cultivate healthy and thriving locks. Remember, you are a GEM.