It can be very frustrating to comb hair and see a chunk of it remain in the comb. But did you know that all your hair wants is proper care and the right products for it to grow and glow? Some people are locked up in the myth that their hair doesn’t grow because it’s at the same length for a long time, which is false, because hair grows but it may be breaking at the same pace it grows or even worse. Experts say that one of the reasons your hair is breaking is wearing it down, a thing that exposes it to elements in the air, material on clothes and other things that can cause roughness that results in breakage. Styling the hair in a bun or any style off your shoulders is known to hinder the friction which causes breakage. According to Cleveland Clinic, hair loss in women is when they experience unexpected, heavy loss of hair. Generally, humans shed between 50 and 100 single hairs per day. Hair shedding is part of a natural balance — some hairs fall out while others grow in. When the balance is interrupted, when hair falls out and less hair grows in — hair loss happens. Hair loss is different from hair shedding. The medical term for hair loss is “alopecia” Avoid blow-drying and ironing your hair every day to prevent breakage. Photos/Net Annick Umutibagirana, a skin and hair care expert at Kaso Organic Store in Kiyovu, says that although shampoos assist to remove dirt, some of them remove the hair’s natural moisture. She urges using a gentle sulphate-free shampoo, which can help eliminate the dirt and oils without shredding your hair of moisture. She says that ponytails, tight buns and braids, and constant baby hair styling causes stress on the hair strands that eventually damages them, thus causing breakage. She also says that chemically treating your hair can also lead to a surge in hair breakage. For her, perms, relaxers, and hair colouring or dyeing can leave the hair at risk of breakage. She adds that heat treatments such as blow-dryers, straighteners, curling tongs and humid climates can dry the hair and increase the risk of breakage. Umutibagirana also says that hard bristle brushes and fine-toothed combs can turn the hair unhealthy and brushing the hair too much can also cause breakage. The American Academy of Dermatology advises only brushing hair as much as people need to style it. In particular, the idea that people should brush their hair with 100 brushstrokes is a myth. Umutibagirana adds that repeatedly using heat on the hair can damage the hair shafts and remove the moisture from it, which can cause fragile hair and breakage. Medical News Today states that eating disorders can cause breakage to the hair and can lead to hair loss. The malnutrition and health issues that come from eating disorders can disrupt the natural cycle of hair growth. This disruption can cause hair to break off during the growth phase of the hair cycle, which is called the ‘anagen’. Umutibagirana says that to avert hair breakage, coconut oil is essential to keep your hair hydrated. It contains lauric acid that is an antifungal, which can reduce symptoms linked with dandruff and other scalp infections. She advises applying egg masks in your hair because they are a rich source of protein that conveys strength to the hair. Eggs can reduce breakage if applied regularly since they contain antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, which help in reducing damage. The American Academy of Dermatology Association notes that for swimmers, pool chemicals can be hard on the hair and urges promptly drying your hair and using shampoo and conditioner after swimming to protect hair from damage. Also, wear a swim cap, rinse hair immediately after swimming and after rinsing your hair, wash it with a specially formulated swimmers’ shampoo and follow with a deep conditioner. “Wrap your hair in a towel to absorb the water, let your hair air dry. Let your hair dry a bit before you gently comb it with a wide-tooth comb. Always comb your hair while it is damp, using a wide-tooth comb.” Umutibagirana adds that using the right hair products is extremely important in preventing hair breakage and getting the regular trim.
