If you’re like me, a black woman with relaxed hair, you might be all too familiar with the frustrations of split ends and hair breakage. Just a month after getting a trim, I noticed about a centimeter of split ends—again! It seems like a never-ending cycle, right?

Through my experiences, I’ve gathered some insight into the likely culprits and most importantly, effective remedies to prevent and treat hair breakage. Let’s get into it.

Understanding the Problem: Dryness Leads to Breakage

One of the major factors contributing to hair breakage and split ends is dryness. Many shampoos, like the Aussie brand I used to use, can strip our hair of its natural oils, leading to dry, brittle strands. Even my boyfriend, who is White, found that this shampoo left his hair dry for days, relying only on conditioner to restore moisture. This was a clear sign that the product was too harsh for both of our hair types.

Do you have split ends, dry hair, or hair breakage? If you’re in Houston, TX, get your hair feeling silky again at Perfecktion salon.

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Deep Conditioning: Your Best Friend

Deep conditioning is a must, and not just something we should do occasionally. To effectively combat dryness, you can use a high-quality deep conditioner. Cover your hair with a shower cap and let it sit for a couple of hours while you go about your day. Alternatively, for a quicker treatment, sit under a dryer with the cap on for about 20 to 30 minutes.

For those seeking the latest technology, hair steamers are fantastic for penetrating deeper into the hair shaft, but they can be expensive. If it’s not feasible to invest in one, consider regular salon visits or simply stick with the traditional methods at home.

Learn from My Mistakes

I once lost 80% of the hair at the back of my head due to breakage. At night, I tried to protect my hair with a silk bandana, but it would slip off by morning, leaving my hair exposed to the harshness of cotton pillowcases. After months of this, my hair was severely damaged. It wasn’t until a stylist suggested a drastic cut that I began to see improvement. For a summer, I sported a much shorter style, which, thankfully, turned out quite cute!

Additional Tips to Prevent Breakage

  • Switch to Satin or Silk Pillowcases: Unlike cotton, satin or silk causes less friction and helps retain hair moisture throughout the night.
  • Minimize Heat Styling: Frequent use of heat can weaken your hair. Embrace natural styles or use heat protectant products when heat styling is necessary.
  • Trim Regularly: Regular trims are crucial to prevent split ends from worsening. Don’t wait until the damage is too noticeable.
  • Use the Right Products: Invest in shampoos and conditioners formulated specifically for dry or relaxed hair. These products should be gentle and moisturizing.

Video on The Best Relaxed Hair Products to Stop Hair Breakage and Split Ends

Shampoo: Car Care Sulfate-Free Hydrating Detangling Shampoo

Our top shampoo recommendation, endorsed by Meka, is the Car Care Sulfate-Free Hydrating Detangling Shampoo. She has found it extremely moisturizing and effective for detangling, even with wet hair. It also cleanses the scalp thoroughly without causing dryness. At Perfektion, we suggest starting your wash day with this gentle yet effective product to set the stage for a successful hair care routine.

Protein Treatment: Aerg Protein Treatment

For strengthening hair, the Aerg Protein Treatment comes highly recommended. It is a keratin 2-minute reconstructor that Meka reports has significantly reduced her hair breakage. Although it contains a small amount of formaldehyde for preservation, she advises applying it only to the hair shaft, avoiding the scalp. Following this advice can help fortify your hair while minimizing exposure.

Heat Protection and Styling

Meka has recently updated her heat styling routine to include the Afra G Styling Mousse, which offers protection and adds volume without leaving a sticky residue. Despite its minimal formaldehyde content, she praises its effectiveness for both protecting and styling hair. We concur that a quality heat protectant is crucial and recommend using one that suits your styling needs.

Relax Day Routine

On relax days, she opts for the Design Essential Regular Strength Relaxer, applying Blue Magic Coconut Oil as a scalp protector. For neutralizing, the Motion Neutralizing Shampoo is her choice because it changes color to indicate the presence of relaxer residue. At Perfektion, we emphasize the importance of such precautions to ensure a safe and effective relaxing process.

Conclusion

Dealing with hair breakage and split ends can be challenging, but with the right care and maintenance, you can significantly reduce these issues and maintain healthy, beautiful hair. Remember, the key is moisture, protection, and gentle handling. Let’s keep our crowns healthy and thriving!

Now, let’s turn this into a practice. Embrace these tips, share your progress, and let’s support each other in maintaining our best hair health!

 
 
 
 

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