This archive report was first published on 30 October 2019.
Reduce Hair Breakage on Wash Day with These Simple Steps ¶
Published on October 30, 2019
Wash day doesn't have to be a chore. By following a simple routine, you can reduce hair breakage and keep your locks healthy and strong. This routine applies to both relaxed and natural hair.
Start by pre-pooing your hair. This involves applying a treatment to your hair before shampooing. You can use a pre-poo oil treatment or a homemade concoction made with ingredients like honey, olive oil, avocado, and coconut oil. Some oils that you can use on their own include olive oil, grapeseed oil, and coconut oil. You can mix these oils and add essential oils for additional healing benefits.
The purpose of pre-pooing is to create a protective layer between your hair strands and the shampoo, so your hair doesn't feel dry and stripped of all moisture. Apply your pre-poo treatment to your dirty hair, cover it with a plastic cap, and sit for 30 minutes before shampooing.
Next, shampoo your hair gently. Use a good shampoo that breaks down oil and dirt when done correctly. Massage the shampoo onto your scalp using your fingertips, and lather the suds onto your hair strands. Rinse, then repeat once more. Avoid combing your hair during the shampooing process, as hair strands break more easily when they're wet. If you have natural hair, you can part your hair into sections prior to shampooing and wash each section separately.
After shampooing, condition your hair. A good conditioner adds moisture back into your hair. If you have natural hair, this is the time to detangle your hair using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Keep being gentle with your hair to avoid unwanted breakage. Follow the instructions on your conditioner bottle for the correct steps before rinsing it off.
Finally, deep condition your hair. This step is optional, but it's best to deep condition your hair at least twice a month. Different deep conditioning brands have different instructions, but most recommend applying heat over the cap to help the product penetrate your hair strands. You can sit under a hair dryer or cover the plastic cap with a scarf to warm up your scalp.
Protein treatments are also vital because the protein in them further strengthens your hair strands. You can opt for a store-bought treatment or a homemade one made with egg yolks, avocado, and olive oil. Note that when you put egg yolks on your hair, keep away from heat because some egg whites remain on the yolk and cook when they come into contact with heat!
When it's time to dry your hair, avoid using a towel. Instead, use an old t-shirt to dry your hair. The fibres on a towel can tangle and break your hair, especially when it's wet. Simply wring out the excess water from your hair after rinsing out your deep conditioner, then wrap your hair with the t-shirt and sit with it until it's dry enough to blow-dry or style.
