Concerned That Your Hair is "Coming Out"?

Ladies!

I felt the need to write this entry because a lot of my ladies are panicking about their hair when they shouldn't be. The problem is many don't know the diffrence between breakage and shedding. These are two things I have found to be the biggest topics of concern for many ladies I speak to but don't worry! I may have the answers you need.

Let's start with shedding:

Shedding is a normal process the hair must go through daily. It is scientifically proven that the hair must shed at least 100 strands per day. This is part of the cycle hair goes through to make room as new hair pushes through, much like our skin does. This very normal and must happen daily to maintain a healthy head of hair. Shedding hair can be recognized as strands the length of your hair in the comb,etc.
Remember this when taking down braids or weaves that have been up a while. I have a lot of people that call me in total panic mode after taking down these styles because they think their hair is coming out. The truth is (as stated earlier), the hair must go through the shedding process daily, even when it cannot be combed or maneuvered it still goes through this, so by the time you comb through it, all of the hair that has shed combs out together. So calm down! You are not going bald!

Next, The dreaded breakage!

Breakage is definitely a real problem among my ladies with chemically processed hair. Breakage comes as a result of over-processing, coloring, excessive heat, not getting regular trims,etc. Broken hair looks like small pieces of hair that fall all over your clothes and surroundings as you maneuver your hair by combing, brushing ,etc. While this is a problem, it can be stopped if caught in time. The first thing you need to do is to stop and take a look at your normal regimen.
Some tips include:
- Replace your regular relaxer with a good mild one such as Silk Elements Mild Relaxer found in Sally's Beauty Stores

-Make sure when you relax your hair (or when you are having your hair relaxed), you are only touching up your new growth and not the entire hair shaft. Continuously applying relaxer to relaxed hair breaks down the strength the hair and eventually causes it to break.

-Beware of using permanent color on your relaxed or chemically treated hair! This is a guaranteed way to cause breakage. Use cellophanes (rinses) instead. They have no ammonia or peroxide ingredients so they cannot harm your hair!

- Finally, use as less heat as possible! If you must use heat, find and use a thermal protectant product (usually comes as a spray or light creme) first. Sally's and Wal-Mart are chock full of great products like these.


I didnt mention this above but make sure to get your regular trims ladies! This is a must for healthy and no breaking hair. The important thing about this is to make sure your stylist knows the diference between clipping your ends and giving you a full hair cut! This may sound crazy but you would be surprised how many stylists mess this up!

Okay, You have the tips now here is the main event! What do you put on your hair that actually stop breakage? I am glad you asked! There are two products I swear by:

- Aphogee (found in Sally's Beauty)
and
- Recovery by Nexxus ( a little harder to find but it works!)

I am probably going to get in trouble for sharing that but Oh Well! I am here to help ya'll! Just make sure to read the directions and follow them. You should always consult a pro first but in these times, your own hands are just as good as any!

Until next time!