The journey to achieving healthy, long, and beautiful black hair is an exciting one filled with different experiences where we unlearn, learn, and re-learn. However, it does come with its own set of challenges, notably dryness and breakage. For many 4c ladies, these issues can cause a lot of difficulty and stress in managing hair. Understanding the common causes behind dryness and breakage and implementing effective solutions is crucial for nurturing and preserving the natural beauty of black hair.
How Dryness and Breakage affects Hair Growth
When you hear people say that their hair is ‘not growing’, has ‘stopped growing’, or has ‘stunted growth’, more often than not, the real issue with their hair is that of dryness and breakage. Dryness and breakage are very common, especially for folks with type 4 hair.
When the hair is dry, it becomes difficult to manage, loses its elasticity, and becomes prone to breakage. Now, when breakage happens, the already grown hair is reduced, and hair length is affected, such that even if your hair is growing just fine, you may not notice any extra length because of the corresponding breakage.
This makes a lot of people feel that their hair has stopped growing. If you want to grow your hair long and retain your already attained length, dryness and breakage are real issues you must deal with.
Causes of Dryness and Breakage
Both human and environmental factors can cause dryness/breakage. Some of them are:
Harsh Chemicals
One major cause of dryness and breakage in black hair is harsh chemicals such as relaxers, perms, products and shampoos containing sulfates, and so on. These harsh products can strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and susceptible to breakage. To avoid breakage, try to avoid any products containing harmful or harsh ingredients as much as possible. Rather, opt for shampoos and products with mild and effective ingredients.
Lack of Moisture
Dryness is a condition whereby the hair lacks the adequate moisture and hydration it needs to thrive. For black hair, one of the primary challenges with it is retaining moisture. The natural oils produced by the scalp have a harder time traveling down the curly strands, resulting in dryness and brittleness. And so, it is important to intentionally find ways to add moisture to curly hair.
Over-Manipulation
Black hair is delicate and prone to damage from excessive manipulation, including tight hairstyles, frequent brushing, and overuse of heat styling tools. These practices weaken the hair shaft, leading to breakage and dryness.
Environmental Factors
Environmental elements like sun exposure, humidity, and harsh weather conditions can also contribute to dryness and breakage by depleting the hair’s moisture content. If you live in a harsh environment, you should implement ways to keep your hair safe from adverse weather conditions.
Solutions for Combating Dryness and Breakage
Proper Moisturizing
The first solution to combating hair dryness and breakage is moisturizing. Moisture is necessary for the well-being of hair – especially black hair. More so because it is very prone to dryness and frizz. To moisturize your hair, use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners formulated specifically for dry, curly hair. Leave-in conditioners and oils should also be used, and whenever you want to purchase hair products, look out for ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and glycerin, which help hydrate and nourish the hair. A spray bottle and applicator bottle also come in handy in your moisturizing activity.
Deep Conditioning
One thing you must not fail to do, especially for curly hair, is deep conditioning. It is essential as it helps to replenish moisture, nourish, and strengthen the hair shaft. To fight dryness, incorporate regular deep conditioning treatments into your hair care regimen.
There are many effective deep conditioners that you can try. If you’re confused, look for one that is rich in emollients and humectants, such as SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Masque, Cantu Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque, and Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner. Also, consider incorporating steam or heat to help the product penetrate deeply into the hair cuticle.
Oil Treatments
Natural oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, and argan oil are excellent for sealing moisture into the hair and protecting it from environmental damage. Apply a small amount of oil to damp or dry hair, focusing on the ends, to lock in moisture and add shine.
In addition, using a hot oil treatment before shampooing helps provide extra moisture and hydration for your locks.
Protective Styling
Opt for protective hairstyles like braids, twists, or buns to minimize manipulation and reduce the risk of breakage. Be mindful of the tension used when styling, as tight styles can cause stress on the hair follicles and lead to breakage along the hairline.
Avoiding Heat Damage
Excessive use of heat on your hair can cause serious dryness and breakage. Limit heat-styling tools such as flat irons and blow dryers, as excessive heat can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause heat damage. When using heat styling tools, always use a heat protectant spray and opt for low or medium heat settings.
Regular Trims
When split ends are left unattended to, they can result to further damage and breakage. Schedule regular trims every 3-4 months (or when necessary) to remove split ends and prevent them from traveling up the hair shaft, causing breakage.
Protective Nighttime Routine
Invest in a silk or satin pillowcase or use a satin scarf or bonnet to protect your hair while sleeping. These materials help retain moisture and reduce friction, minimizing dryness, breakage and frizz.
Balanced Diet and Hydration
A healthy diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein is essential for maintaining strong, resilient hair. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, as dehydration can affect the moisture levels in your hair and scalp.
Combatting dryness and breakage in black hair requires a holistic approach that addresses both external factors and internal care. By understanding the common causes behind these issues and implementing a hair care regimen focusing on moisture and nourishment, you can finally overcome hair dryness and breakage. Remember to be consistent in your approach and very patient as well.
