I'm a silent thief, stealing strands of your crown,
Often caused by mistreatment, I make your hair frown.
Split ends and snaps, I leave in my wake,
To defeat me, care and gentleness you must take.
What am I?
Deep sigh 😮💨. You guessed it, it’s breakage!
Whether you're a natural girly or a relaxed Barbie, breakage is inevitable. But don’t you fret because your resident hair doctor has tips to help you manage and minimise breakage and products to strengthen and replenish your hair.
1. Gentle Handling
First things first, let's talk about handling your hair with care. Type 4 hair, whether natural or chemically treated, is prone to breakage when subjected to a lot of manipulation. Opting for gentle detangling techniques using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers, is a good starting point. But this is only half of the job, you must use effective combing techniques that help alleviate pressure on your roots. A tried and true method is starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots.
Avoid vigorous brushing or combing, especially when your hair is wet and most vulnerable to breakage. Take things slow, and remember, TLC goes a long way in retaining and restoring your hair.
2. Moisture, Moisture, Moisture
Moisture is key to maintaining healthy, resilient hair that's less prone to breakage. Make sure to keep your locks hydrated by regularly moisturising with a nourishing leave-in conditioner, moisturising cream or oil. Pay special attention to the ends of your hair, which tend to be the driest and most prone to breakage.
Now that winter is at the door, incorporate deep conditioning treatments into your routine to provide your hair with an extra dose of hydration and strength from within.
Product recommendation:
MPL 5 Oils is a nourishing and protective hair treatment oil. It contains five natural oils, namely argan, coconut, castor, olive, and jojoba oil, which all work together to provide nutrients to your hair, moisturise your scalp, and give your hair an overall shine and softness to the touch.
MPL 5 Oils is available here or at Dischem, Pick’n Pay or Takealot.
3. Protective Styling
Protective styles are an excellent way to protect your hair from the elements while reducing breakage caused by friction and manipulation. Protective styles like braids, twists, or buns, which help to tuck away your ends and reduce exposure to environmental stressors also keep breakage at bay. Just remember to avoid styles that are too tight or put excessive tension on your hairline, as this can lead to breakage and damage over time.
4. Regular Trims
Last but not least, don't underestimate the power of regular trims in preventing breakage and maintaining the overall health of your hair. Trimming your ends every 8-12 weeks helps to get rid of split ends and prevents them from travelling up the hair shaft, leading to breakage and damage. Plus, regular trims can help to keep your hair looking fresh and vibrant, allowing for better styling and less breakage in the long run.
And there you have it – four essential tips to help you combat hair breakage and keep your locks looking their best. Simple but effective. Until next time, stay beautiful, stay confident.
Love MPL, your Hair Doctor.