In the past month, I've received dozens of emails in regards to how to minimize breakage in order to retain length. Here are a few quick tips that have helped me during my transitioning and current natural hair journey:
1. DO NOT comb your hair when it is DRY!
This goes for my transitioners and those who are fully natural. Because our hair is of a thicker texture, full of curls & for some tight coils, combing while dry will definitely encourage breakage. I advise you to comb your hair only when wet and is full of conditioner that has good SLIP (What is SLIP?: Slip refers to having a smooth consistency when distributed throughout your hair. A condish with good slip will decrease the friction between the comb and your strands when detangling. [Some of my favorites: Trader Joe's Nourish and Spa Conditioner, Kinky Curly Knot Today, Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner]
2. Wear either a satin bonnet or sleep on a satin pillowcase at night
This again decreases friction between your hair and the fabric, minimizing breakage.
3. When wearing hats, try to find satin-lined hats, or try lining it yourself with satin
I realize this may be cumbersome to do. However, if you do wear a lot of hats, especially knit wool hats during these cooler months...that becomes another source of friction, and does have the potential to cause breakage (especially if the hat is not fitted and is free to move on your head).
4. If you have split ends, please get a TRIM
I know this may seem like a hindrance to the goal of retaining length, but it’s actually quite the opposite! If your hair is growing with split ends, those ends are very prone to becoming dry and brittle, which can cause further breakage up the hair shaft. So get those split ends taken care of ASAP if you see them.
5. Avoid excess heat
Excess heat can lead to permanent hair straightening via heat damage, but can also dry out and remove moisture from your hair. No retained moisture=dry brittle hair prone to breakage. So if you are a constant user of those flat-irons and blow dryers and are experiencing these problems...your hair just might want a break. I personally try not to use direct heat on my hair any more than once a month. Even when I do, I try to use the lower heat settings on my devices.
6. Avoid over-manipulation of your hair
This is a very broad guideline, since your hair can be over-manipulated by constant washing, constant combing, etc. During my journey so far, I've noticed the most growth when I would style my hair for the week and then not touch it, with the exception of spritzing and sealing in moisture throughout the week. There have been many others who have also agreed that they saw better retention of growth when they carried out routines that involved low manipulation to their hair. Personally, some styles that have helped me in this area are two-strand twists and twist-outs. However, there are plenty of other styling options like braid-outs, bantu-knots, braids, kinky twists...basically any style that minimizes the work you have to do on your hair on a day-to-day basis.
7. Keep your hair MOISTURIZED
This is a big one since dry hair is very prone to breakage. The key is understanding that moisture itself comes from water and not all these oils and butters. HOWEVER, the oils and butters are important in that they help to RETAIN the moisture that the water provides to your hair by creating a barrier on your hair strands. Personally, I like to use shea butter-based mixtures in my hair right after washing to help seal in the moisture. These mixtures usually contain other oils like sweet almond oil, EVOO, avocado oil, etc. Just remember that the key is WATER though. Drinking those 8 glasses of water per day and having a healthy, balanced diet actually helps with your hair’s health as well!
8. Join the HIMH support group!
Lol, some of you know me and KNOW that this is a serious problem for me. HIMH=Hand In My Hair syndrome and I have it BAD! Constant playing in your hair is definitely not a promoter of growth retention as it can fall under the category of over-manipulation as well. When you feel your hand being magnetically drawn to playing in those coils...JUST SAY NO! : )
These are just a few tips I had to share at the moment and I'll be sure to update if I think of more. I really hope these are helpful since these are what have personally helped me *Mae*
