Sometimes, we buy many products to determine what works for our hair. What about what does not work and what we do that causes damage? Some things are obvious and some are not. When life gets busy hair may not be a top priority. Therefore, you cut corners very quickly working against the health of your tresses.
In the 1950s and 60’s, the beehive style was extremely popular. The key was loads of holding spray to achieve that stiff, rock-solid hold. Some will argue, that holding spray does not damage hair; it does not come in contact with the scalp nor follicles to cause hair loss. I beg to differ, there are slick and short styles that are “prime real estate” for spray-to-scalp and follicle contact. Follicles are structures within the scalp that grow hair. Once they are damaged loss of hair occurs. Holding sprays include ingredients such as alcohol, plasticizers, and propellants. Propellants (hydrocarbons) are the butane, isobutane, and propane ingredients listed on cans and bottles. There are brands that claim to use less harsh and more flexible ingredients. Disclaimer: I do not profess to know the exact ingredients brands are currently using to add flexibility and hold. Some women have moved away from holding spray, as they have transitioned to natural hair. Read on to learn what you could be doing to damage your hair and solutions that can help with prevention.
Possible holding spray choices that can be less harmful
Shop holding sprays that are alcohol-free. The caveat to an alcohol-free holding spray is not knowing what ingredient is doing the holding.
Take time to read all listed ingredients.
What are the feature/s, benefits, and ingredients they claim are healthy? If a holding spray lists an oil ie: argon oil as an ingredient, look to see the placement of the oil as listed. It may be diluted providing zero benefit.
Shop according to your hair type. Additionally, consider if your hair is already damaged in any way.
Spray at least 8 inches away.
Avoid playing in and rubbing your hair
It may not seem important, but, playing in and rubbing your hair is a form of manipulation. Over time, it will thin, break, or both. Many, (as I used to be one of those people) have a habit of running their fingers through, twirling, or rubbing their hair. Generally, it happens out of boredom or stress. When I was in college, it was a stress factor. I constantly ran my fingers through my hair. It was my thing to do when I studied. My nails acted as scissors and began snipping my ends bit by bit. The cost is a major trim. I broke the habit and just learned to sit and study. Do you know playing in your hair transfers oils and any dirt from your hands onto the strands? The moisture and PH balance is also disturbed leading to an unhealthy environment for hair growth. Here are ways to stop this habit. It is not an uncommon habit. It is one to which you need to pay attention and discover what works to stop.
Take note of what you are doing or thinking when you play in your hair. This can help determine the reason.
When you determine the reason, find ways to do something constructive to address boredom or another way to deal with stressful events. For example: if you are bored or stressed - exercise, read, watch an interesting show, meditate, or write to occupy your time and mind.
As you begin to stop this behavior, keep your hands moisturized to help mitigate damage.
Try wearing styles that will keep your hands out of your hair.
Protect your hair while sleep
Cotton is comfy to wear and sleep on, but, cotton pillowcases will coil and tangle your strands while you sleep. As you change positions your head moves from one side to another, this movement can cause the strands not to pass each other smoothly; instead, they tangle and coil. It can also frizz. A silk or satin pillowcase provides a smooth surface for strands to move easily. The same applies to wearing a silk/satin bonnet or scarf. Here is a bonus, when your hair is covered, these fabrics do not pull moisture out of your hair. Silk and satin fabrics help in moisture retention.
Keep your combs and brushes clean
On unclean combs and brushes, you can see oil and product build-up, loose strands, dead skin cells, and gunk, which goes right onto the hair when used. Take time to keep these tools clean.
After each use, from the base of the teeth or bristles to the tips remove as many strands from the brush or comb as possible.
When cleansing, soak the comb or brush in warm water with a quarter size of shampoo, baking soda, or vinegar to scrub away dirt and product buildup.
It’s the little choices you make that mean so much to the health of your hair and scalp. Having good practices that may seem small and insignificant are game changers.
Be good to yourself and others.
Connect with Oreadea:
Email - winswork2@gmail.com
Website - www.whenitsnatural.org
Facebook - When It's Natural Company
Instagram - @whenitsnatural
Comentários