Gone are the days when damaged hair was trending. Today, most people are willing to make the required investment to have a full head of healthy hair.
That investment looks different for everyone. Some pay thousands to be about that wig life to preserve their edges and regrow their hair. While others take the big chop, to restart their hair journey.
So what if you want healthy hair but don’t see yourself rocking a wig or natural hair? There are still options darling. Read on.
Hair damage
I remember the first time I got a relaxer. I was 12 and that time I knew everything of course. Natural hair was not the wave of the future, I concluded. So one weekend, when my mother was away. My sisters and I convinced my father to get our hair relaxed. We were so happy as we knew our mother would never allow it. When my mother returned from the north, she was so disappointed in us. Looking back, she probably knew the hair damage that lay ahead of us.
Relaxers are an old technology, almost 120 years old to be precise. They straighten hair by breaking down the bonds that give hair its shape and texture. Due to the chemical composition of relaxers, the hair can be weakened and thus result in breakage. Other conditions of relaxers can be burns and scalp irritation, if left on the scalp for too long.
In recent years, relaxers are seeing a decline in sales. Tonya Roberts, an analyst from a US based research company says. “A look at sales figures from 2008 to 2013 shows growth trends in black hair care products for all categories, except relaxers and perms.”
So what if you still relax your hair, but don’t want the damage that comes with it? We look at three practical steps to rescue your hair and become the object of envy.
Invest in damage shielding treatments
The first place to start is by investing in damage shielding treatments. Treatments such as Olaplex or Niophlex are some of the best on the market.
These treatment are a must when any chemical treatment is applied to your hair. These treatments limit damage to hair during or after chemical treatments. A lot of people with damaged hair have managed to get amazing results.
If your hair dresser is not using any one these products as part of the relaxer or chemical process, RUN! To be fair, most hair dressers might not know about this technology but now you do, so insist on it.
Additionally, keep relaxer touch ups to new growth only. Use Olaplex or Niophlex to rejuvenate the rest of the hair. Ladies, you know that “bubble gum” hair texture you get when you relax your hair? If you keep re-applying relaxer to already relaxed hair, your hair will only get worse.
Use sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners
Sulphate-free has been a buzz word for a few years, but most don’t know the harmful effects of sulphates. Besides stripping hair follicles of essential oils, shampoos with sulphates also cause frizz.
Relaxed hair is more fragile and commercial shampoos tend to strip the hair of its natural oils and dry it out. Which increases the risk of breakage and hair loss. Use sulphate-free and or repair shampoos and conditioners designed for weaker hair. We love Paul Mitchell Super Strong or Moroccanoil Repair ranges.
Stick to a routine
It’s important to get into a routine and stick to it. Weekly treatments performed at home are a great start. When you see that your ends are dry, trim off the split-ends every few months. This prevents the rest of the hair shaft from splitting, resulting in hair being uneven in length. Invest in damage shielding treatments (olaplex or niophlex) at least once a month. This treatment will rejuvenate your hair and keep it soft and strong. Lastly, avoid heat when possible and alternate between protective styles.
Sources:
*Main image: Taraji P. Henson (American actress)
Follow me on Instagram for regular tips.
To pose beauty questions email twincarenamibia@gmail.com
