Breakage occurs when the integrity of the hair's structure is undermined by illness, abuse or nutritional deficit. The best remedy for hair breakage is to avoid it by living a healthy lifestyle and caring for your hair properly. Avoid harsh practices that damage your hair, and keep constant watch over the condition of your hair. Once damage occurs, take action immediately, as hair damage worsens over time.
Nutrition
Nutritional deficiencies caused by eating disorders, illness and poor diet rob hair of the vital nutrients necessary for the development of strong hair. Although a good diet will do nothing for the hair that has already sprouted, it will stimulate new, stronger hair growth. A healthy diet should include plenty of protein, omega-3, iron, vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, zinc, copper and water, according to Lifescript, a healthy-living website for women.
Haircut
Breakage can occur throughout the hair shaft or at the ends of individual strands, resulting in hair loss or split ends, respectively. Both of these scenarios cry out for a new haircut. Not only does a good haircut remove the damaged ends of the hair, it also minimizes the appearance of breakage and hair loss. The amount of hair that you should cut off depends primarily on the extent of the damage. A trim will work for minimal damage. If damage is extensive, however, you may need to remove several inches of hair. The location of the damage may also play a role in determining your new style.
Conditioning Treatment
Salon conditioning treatments help to strengthen hair that is on the verge of breaking. Intensive conditioning treatments combine a variety of products rich in protein and other reparative ingredients. It is not uncommon for such treatments to include silk fibers. The silk fibers wrap around the outside of the hair strand, lending strength to the weak structures located inside.
Conditioning treatments should be performed once or twice a week. If you cannot afford to go to the salon for weekly treatments, you may be able to purchase the products necessary to create your own cocktail at home.
Products
Protein-based, anti-snap shampoos and conditioners are ideal for brittle hair. Silk products are also a must. Silk serums coat hair with a daily dose of silk fibers and intense shine. Not only do silk products lend strength to hair, they also cover up hair damage, making hair appear healthy and shiny. If you style your hair thermally, you must use a thermal style protectant before styling to prevent further damage and breakage.
References
- Lifescript: Is Your Hair Hungry?
- TeensHealth: Dealing with Hair Problems
- "Milady's Standard Textbook of Cosmetology"; Milady, Diane Carol Bailey and Margrit Attenburg; 2008
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