Stop Hair Breakage

If you are plagued with hair breakage, either at the crown or down the middle, it is a sign of hair distress. Read on and find out the possible causes for hair breakage. With simple hair care tips, you can tackle the hair breakage and sport healthy bouncy hair.

Say No to hair breakage

After a wash, blot dry your hair first with a towel. Do not rub vigorously. Untangle the hair gently with your fingers. The wet hair is at its most vulnerable. It will stretch when combed wet as it adds tension to the hair which will not spring back into place. Hair is nearly 3 times weaker and vulnerable when it is wet.

Do not overuse the hair dryer. If you should need to, ensure that the dryer is not very hot. Use a nozzle and direct the hot air in a downward motion. Allowing the hair to dry naturally and then blowing it into a style is preferable. If you need to comb it, go in for a wide-toothed comb.

Boar bristle brushes are best for hair care as they are gentler than plastic bristles. They are better at smoothing the hair. First brush the ends of the hair to remove tangles. Then go in for longer strokes from the roots to the hair ends.

Keep your hair trimmed at regular intervals. Split ends can travel and cause hair breakage. Fresh ends keep the hair looking healthier.

Tight ponytails are a no-no. They cause fragile hair strands to break. The pressure of the rubber bands causes the cuticles of hair to break and can even lead to balding the hairline.

Don't create knots while shampooing. Wash the hair with a gentle massage of the scalp. Keep dandruff at bay. Avoid washing the hair with very hot water as it strips the hair of protective oils and makes it frizzy.

Limit the use of chemical services and treatments. They tend to cause stress on the hair shaft making it weaker and more prone to breakage. Very dry hair caused due to excessive heat styling or lack of moisture is most prone to breakage. In fact you can hear it snap and crackle as you run the comb through it.

Go in for a restorative and nourishing hair mask every week. Don't miss out the crown while conditioning your hair. Merely coating the edges and slathering conditioner over the ends won't help. Section the hair and ensure that the layers at the crown are coated with the conditioner or hair pack.

• A mixture of warm water and apple cider vinegar can be applied on the hair and rinsed after 5 – 10 minutes. This will add bounce and luster. Alternatively you can use beer or lemon water.
  
  
• For a rich protein treatment, use eggs, yogurt or mayonnaise on the hair. Wash off after about 10 minutes.
  
  
• Treating your hair to frequent warm oil massage can go a long way in promoting hair growth and nourishing the scalp. Dry and damaged hair will benefit tremendously from rich olive or almond oil. It can help restore good circulation to the crown and sides of the head thereby stimulating hair growth.

Other home care options:

Eggs + Olive Oil + Honey

Eggs + Yogurt + Almond Oil

Eggs + Vinegar + Olive Oil

Avocado + Banana + Olive Oil

Protective measures

Take protective measures while you go swimming. Use a swimming cap over your hair. Apply a bit of conditioner all over your hair to protect it from the harsh chemicals in the pool water. Protect your hair from harsh sunlight. Wear a cap or scarf when moving in extremely strong sunlight. Using a good hair serum helps in lending a shinny and smooth look to the hair. It is good to apply it on a slightly damp hair, before a blow dry or flat iron treatment.

Healthy hair

Keep down sugar and sodium consumption. Keep yourself well hydrated and opt for fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat a diet rich in lean proteins, beta carotene, zinc and omega 3 fatty acids. Fortify your diet with vitamin supplements, iron and CoQ10. If all the self care does not help and you are faced with breakage or excessive hair loss, consult a doctor as it can be a sign of a medical condition too.