How To Fix Brittle Hair That Keeps Breaking Off

For one reason or another, you may notice that your hair is generally brittle and always seems to snap off easily. This is common, especially with people who have afro-textured hair. Read on as we explore the unique challenges of brittle, afro-textured hair and provide practical tips on how to restore its strength and overall vitality.

Understanding Afro-Textured Hair

Afro-textured hair is characterized by its unique curl pattern and structure, which can make it more susceptible to dryness and breakage. While afro-textured hair is fully capable of thriving regardless, the chances of it breaking can increase when you don’t moisturize it often, regularly subject it to heat when styling, or hold it in tight hairstyles.

1. Moisture is key. While you know it causes shrinkage, afro-textured hair actually thrives on moisture. If you’re worried about shrinkage, you can always opt for techniques like protective styling or the use of flexi rods to get your hair to stretch back. So when it’s lacking, it becomes brittle and much more prone to breakage. To fix this, consider the following:
   • Use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner: Use a sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for afro-textured hair. Your strands will love our shea butter-infused Sapphire Hair Shampoo and Tsavorite Booster Hair Conditioner.
   • Deep conditioning treatments: Deep conditioning is the ultimate secret to combating breakage for good. By deep conditioning your hair every 1-2 weeks with a quality product like our shea butter and olive oil-infused 2in1 Sapphire Deep Conditioner and Leave-In Treatment, you’re effectively giving your hair the moisture and nutrients it needs to stay strong and elastic.
   • Leave-in conditioner: Apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair to boost moisture and long-lasting hydration throughout the day. A leave-in conditioner also softens your hair, making it easier to detangle it without any breakage.
2. Gentle detangling: You’ve probably already noticed that your Afro-textured hair is more prone to tangling. In an attempt to remove these tangles, don’t resort to aggressive combing and brushing, as this only leads to further breakage. Instead, consider these:
   • Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb: Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle your hair gently. Finger detangling has become a favorite in the natural hair community because your hair doesn’t nearly break as much as it does with other techniques. Regardless of which one you choose, ensure to start from the tips and work your way down to the roots.
   • Detangling Products: Spritz a detangling spray or even just a combination of water and a natural oil in a spray bottle to dampen your hair and smooth your strands. This makes the process much smoother and significantly reduces breakage.
3. Protective styling: Afro-textured hair benefits from protective styles that minimize manipulation and protect the ends from friction:
   • Braids, Twists, or Bantu Knots: Embrace protective styles that suit your preferences and lifestyle. Ensure they are not too tight to avoid stress on the hair.
   • Silk or Satin Scarves and Pillowcases: Invest in silk or satin accessories to reduce friction and retain moisture while sleeping.
4. Regular trimming: Trimming split ends is very crucial for preventing further breakage to your hair. Split ends typically form due to heat styling, aggressive combing, or even friction of the hair with materials like cotton bedding. When you notice them and don’t trim them off, they propagate further up the hair shaft, making it thinner and more prone to breakage.
   • Schedule Regular Trims: Visit your local salon to effectively remove split ends when you notice them, or schedule an appointment every 6 months as a precautionary measure to remove them in case they form at any point without you noticing them.
5. Avoid excessive heat: While Afro-textured hair can handle heat, excessive heat styling can lead to increased brittleness.
   • Low Heat Settings: When using heat styling tools, opt for the lowest effective temperature to minimize damage. Ensure to use a heat protectant prior to heat styling.
   • Heat-Free Styles: Embrace heat-free styling options like braids, twists, or bantu knots to achieve a variety of looks without compromising your hair’s health.
6. Balanced diet and hydration: Hair health starts from within, so ensure you’re nourishing your body.
   • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your body and hair hydrated.
   • Nutrient-Rich Diet: Consume a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals essential for hair health, including biotin, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids.

You can bring back the afro-textured hair’s power by adopting a caring regimen designed just for it. As you start your journey to healthier, more colorful hair, keep in mind that consistency is key.