Think of this as your secret arsenal for fighting rough, dry and brittle strands.
There is certainly no shortage of different types of hair problems there, but dealing with brittle hair can create a unique kind of hair strand stress. Fragile hair can actually encompass a variety of problems, as it can also be dry, coarse, damaged and shapeless. A few telltale signs of brittle hair: “Messy tangles, seeing loose hair fall out, especially after brushing, lack of shine, and an overall dull, lifeless look,” says stylist and colorist Rick Wellman, in a New York City salon program.
But what causes brittleness in the first place? The texture of your hair can play a role. For example, naturally curly and textured hair usually doesn’t have a smooth cuticle (the outermost layer of hair), which can cause it to feel rough and brittle, Wellman explains. The natural oils on the scalp also have a harder time flowing down this shape of these strands than straight hair, which means it may be inherently drier. Having said that, most of the factors that contribute to brittleness are external and within our control. Therefore, you can take the following steps to avoid these problems and prevent strands from breaking, leaving them soft and silky.
Be careful with protein treatments
When it comes to protein-rich intensive treatments, it’s definitely a case of “less is more. Stylist Sassy Medchill, Covet & Mane educator and owner of Goldie Co Salon in Dallas, says overconsumption of protein is one of the main causes of brittleness. Protein (especially keratin, commonly found in shampoos, conditioners and styling agents) can easily build up on hair. This can both block moisture absorption and weigh hair down, both of which can lead to overall brittleness, she says. Instead of opting for protein-based formulas, look for moisturizing formulas. To this point ……
Moisturize, moisturize, and moisturize again
Trying to use moisturizers across the board isn’t a bad idea, but at least once a week incorporate a moisturizing deep conditioner or treatment into your routine, Wellman suggests. Some key ingredients to look for: shea butter, avocado, glycerin and aloe vera, all of which have deep moisturizing properties. “Shea butter is rich in fatty acids and vitamins, avocados are a great source of biotin and contain natural oils, glycerin moisturizes and helps prevent breakage, especially on chemically treated hair, and aloe vera is rich in vitamins A, C and E to keep hair healthy and shiny,” he explains.
Beware of heat tools
Not surprisingly, heat damage only exacerbates brittle hair. Since it may not be realistic to give up your hot tools altogether, the best thing you can do is pay attention to what type of products you’re using beforehand. Preparing your hair with a heat protectant is key, but you also need to be careful about using anything with drying ingredients before heat styling. For example, many people use dry shampoo followed by a curling or straightening iron; Medchill notes that heat will eventually bake this product (which by definition is drying because it absorbs oils) into the hair and can lead to more brittleness and damage. Likewise, Wellman warns that it’s important to avoid dry, alcohol-based products (such as hairspray); doing so is even more essential before using popular tools. Also important: Turn down your temperature setting, especially if your hair is dry and brittle to begin with, he adds.
Get a trim.
This may sound simple, but it can really help. While a trim won’t make all your hair feel softer and smoother, if it’s just your ends that are brittle and you notice breakage, simply cutting them off can make all the difference in the world. Not to mention that getting rid of split ends is great for overall hair health.
Consider your diet
Both stylists we spoke with emphasized the fact that the food you eat can affect the look and feel of your hair. “Everything that goes into your body affects the health of your hair,” Medchill notes. Wellman notes that a long-term all-protein, no-carb diet can also lead to brittle hair; those who consume a low-carb or low-calorie diet may experience brittle hair and thinning hair, according to the Mayo Clinic. In addition to a balanced diet, be aware of consuming foods rich in healthy fats (salmon, nuts, chia seeds), which help keep hair soft and moisturized.