It’s not easy to find the right haircare routine. Too often you end up with dry and brittle hair rather than the ideal look you were aiming for. With the summer season approaching and the temperatures going up, maintaining healthy and well-moisturised hair becomes even more challenging. Increased exposure to the sun can have a major impact on your hair.
Getting the type of hair that you can easily style without being afraid of breaking is hard but not impossible. The experts know this. In this article, we have researched their advice on tackling the mystery of brittle hair and the steps needed to regulate your hair health. We’re going to examine issues like exposure to heat and the use of styling tools. Read on to learn more!
Excessive Use of Heat
Most of us habitually grab our straighteners or blow dryers after showering in an attempt to dry our hair quickly and style it the way we want to. This haste can lead to dry and brittle hair, however. Does this mean you should stop using heated styling tools altogether? The answer to that is no, but experts advise that you use them moderately.
“For people using styling tools on their hair, I would recommend only using them three to four times a week,” says celebrity hairstylist Linh Phan. He suggests you keep the temperature lower than 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, trichologist and scientist Dominic Burg suggests that you avoid applying too much heat to damp hair as it tends to dry the shaft faster and weaken the hair structure.
Heavy Bleaching of Your Hair
If you over-bleach your hair, it can cause major damage, but you can reverse this and prevent further damage with the proper care of your scalp. Burg suggests: “Invest in a good scalp and follicle care routine to make sure you are growing the best hair you can so you can approach colour and treatments with less fear of brittleness and dryness.”
Pausing the bleaching can help make the hair less brittle and dry. If the circumstances don’t allow you to do this, use a deep-conditioning treatment mask during the night. This will nourish your hair as you sleep and strengthen its strands. Simply wrap it in a turban or towel so that it doesn’t leak or get stuck on your pillow.
Excessive Washing
Burg explains that “When water enters the hair fibre, it weakens the internal structure, leading to brittleness and allowing dryness over time.” Even though washing removes build-up and dirt from your hair, frequent washing can open the hair cuticles, allowing water to seep in and weaken the internal structure.
Frequent washing also allows shampoos to rinse away the wax and natural oils that form a protective layer in your hair. The recommended washing frequency varies between individuals. Consulting with a hair specialist can help you determine this.
Haircare Products That Damage Your Texture
Andrew Fitzsimons, another expert hairstylist, suggests that you should pick haircare products that match your hair texture to avoid damaging it. “Curly or oily hair tends to be on the dry side, and therefore more prone to breakage. Due to its tight curl pattern, the natural oils can’t easily make their way down the hair shaft.”
If your hair shows signs of excessive dryness, consider cutting down on some of the products you use and deep conditioning it at least once a week. Linh Phan advises covering your hair with a bonnet or silk pillowcase to protect it while sleeping. This may not yield immediate results, but you’ll see improvements in time.
Excessive Use of Sulphates
Dominic Burg maintains that many of the haircare products on the market (especially cheap ones) include harmful synthetic ingredients that can strip the hair of its natural oils. Sulphates are particularly damaging. Commonly found in shampoos, sulphates will make your hair drier and irritate your scalp.
Hunt for haircare products that use alternatives to sulphates, such as natural ingredients like castrol, coconut or argan oils. These clean your hair without removing the essential natural oils it contains and which are essential for healthy growth.
Fully Air Drying Your Hair
While over-heating your hair is a problem, letting it air dry is not the solution. Burg says that “the longer hair stays wet, the more damage occurs to the internal structure. Drying hair with a blow-dryer on a cool setting is an important way to minimize any damage.”
Studies reveal that air-drying can damage your hair in the same way that using too much heat can. Too much heat can cause damage to the outer surface of the strands but leaving your hair to air-dry causes damage to the inner part.
Regular Trimming
Trimming sessions at the hair salon can be time-consuming, but regular trimming of your hair can truly improve the hair texture. Andrew Fitzsimons states that “trimming your hair at least once every eight weeks keeps it healthy and free of split ends.”
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your hair is time well spent. Healthy, well-moisturised hair is less likely to fall out and will give you that confidence boost we all need.
Small changes to your haircare routine, such as reducing your use of heat and washing it less often, can make a difference. If you don’t see any improvement, it might be time to speak with an expert. Vinci Hair Clinic offers a free consultation to all our new clients. Get in touch and book your appointment today!
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