We all love having healthy, shiny hair. It feels great to be able to style and experiment with different styles like dye bangs only, colors and products for our locks. But there’s something not-so-great about the industry that we don’t tell anyone about.
It’s called “hair damage.” And it’s as bad as it sounds — from chemical damage from overuse of harsh products, to physical damage from too much heat styling, or even lack of hydration and too much sun exposure, or sweating daily due to fitness routine etc., you can really do a number on your hair without realizing it if you’re not careful. And the sad thing is, you don’t have anything to blame but yourself.
1. Most hair damage is self-inflicted
According to the Hair Loss Prevention And Treatment Survey, there are millions of people who report damage, breakage and loss of hair in all age groups. The number one reason for this? Overuse of styling products.
It’s true that these products make our hair shinier and smoother, but the chemicals in these products can cause a lot of damage over time — such as over-drying or weighing down the hair. There are also common myths that heat from blow dryers or flat irons will be damaging to your locks — and it’s true because prolonged exposure to high heat can lead to split ends and eventually, breakage.
2. The cheapest treatments for hair damage
Unfortunately, most of the products that promise to fight hair loss or prevent damage are not really effective. To get the best results from using these products, you’d have to use them regularly for a long time — and your hair will still end up looking the same way as it did before.
If you don’t have $100 to spend on your hair every month, stop right there. Because there are two things that actually do work: proper diagnoses and proper treatments.
3. Diagnosing hair damage and loss
If you’re experiencing hair loss, you need to know that it’s not just because of aging. Hair loss is actually normal and typical in a lot of people — it’s estimated that at least half of men will experience some type of hair loss by age 70.
But there are other things that can cause hair loss too, like the following: stress hormone levels, immune system problems, poor diet, medications, or illness. If your family has a history of baldness or you’ve been dealing with thinning or receding locks for years, chances are it’s genetic.
4. Treating hair damage and loss by appointment with a specialist
If your hair loss is related to an illness or medication (or if you think it might be), if you want to prevent further damage, or if you see that your hair has started to thin, you should consider going to a doctor. A doctor can examine your scalp. He or she can check for diseases that cause hair loss. They can also give you several types of treatments, depending on the type of damage and how severe it is.
The most common treatment for hair loss is the use of minoxidil, which you apply to your scalp. Another option is to grow out your hair and then cut your locks short. Propecia, which is often prescribed by doctors, isn’t a cure for baldness but it can be effective if you have been dealing with hair loss recently. Selective estrogen receptor modulators — also known as SERMs — are also used to treat female pattern baldness and alopecia.
5. Too much heat can be damaging as well
Just like blow dryers and flat irons can damage hair, so can hot tools. When your hair gets too-often heated up, it can cause breakage. This is one of the most common complaints among African American women. Heat styling products that contain ammonia, paraffin or chlorinated hydrocarbons (such as pomades and waxes), usually have harsh ingredients that may lead to further damage.
If you keep doing the same thing — and don’t change things up — it may not help matters in the long run. You might end up only maintaining a bald head without an amazing hairstyle to show for it!
6. Finally, the best way to keep your hair damage free
So what’s the best way to keep your locks in tip-top shape? Go natural. Trust me, there are so many benefits that you won’t miss a thing when you make the switch. Here’s why:
1. Shorter hair lengths are more prone to damage and breakage, which means you’ll be less likely to lose your locks in the first place
2. When transitioning from natural to relaxed or bowl cuts, it’s easier to seek out solutions for damaged hair than it is when you have longer locks
3. You can DIY almost anything with natural hair — and if you’re looking for something specific, it will be cheaper too!
4. You’ll have to wash your hair less often, which is cheaper and more environmentally friendly.
5. Some chemical treatments for damaged hair or baldness can actually be quite harmful, especially if you’re planning to get your hair restyled after transitioning from relaxed or straightened styles.
6. You can even do fun things with natural hair that you couldn’t do with relaxed or straight hair — like grow out a new style! You can choose from a long list of different natural hairstyles here at Dax & Dax Hair Studio, and feel confident about the most important thing: you’ll look great!
7. AND, you can do all the things you wanted to do with your hair when you had it relaxed or straightened. You can wear beautiful updos (yes, your natural hair can be beautiful too!), twists and braids like Celes King here . Remember, your natural hair might be more difficult to work with in the beginning, but it will get better!
So are you ready?
Are you ready for a big change? The biggest change that will make a big difference in your life is taking the plunge to go natural. It’s not as scary as it seems — but only if you take the time to properly take care of your locks now.
