researches for africaresearches for africa
African author Joanna M.
Joanna M.
Hair
09 / 2020

How to Stop Breakage in Natural Hair | 4C Afro & Black Hair

straight black hair

What Causes of Breakage & How to Stop Breakage in Natural Hair | 4B & 4C Hair / Black Hair / African Hair / Afro Hair / Curly Hair

A very warm welcome to the Jostylin blog. So today’s topic is all about breakage. No doubt this is a homemade deep conditioner for natural hair growth on afro hair growthcondition that affects many of us naturals and I am no stranger to it. If after detangling your hair, you notice a lot more broken strands of hair than you would expect, you may be asking yourself How do I stop breakage in natural hair?

More often than not, it is very likely your hair is weakened and fragile, which is why it breaks and falls easily.In most cases, the breakage of the hair fibers is due to an inefficient routine of care or other causes that are related to food and hydration. If your hair main problem is hydration, you can easily rectify the issue with a good leave in conditioner for afro hair, but if your breakage is caused by nutrition, then it calls for more work.

Other more serious causes of weakened or broken hair strands could be related to medical conditions. An average person will fall between 50 and 100 hairs every day, and, when you suffer from hair breakage, that number can increase significantly. This can be prevented with a diet, limiting the use of hair care products and avoiding exaggerated hair care procedures. Whilst reading this article, please remember that breakage and hair loss are not the same. To find out what causes hair loss please read my article on afro hair loss treatment.

To get rid of doubts and know why your hair is breaking, I will help you identify and discover what is damaging the good health and appearance of your mane. For more information on growing natural hair, you can also read the article called: How To Grow Natural Hair. Also, visit the article called Ayurvedic Powders for Natural Hair Growth, for more information on using herbs for natural hair.

Don’t forget to visit the online natural hair shop by clicking the image below. You can find a range of luscious hair products to maintain and grow healthy hair.

1) Causes & How to Stop Breakage in Natural Black Hair – Inadequate Nutrition

One of the main causes of hair breaking regularly is the lack of certain nutrients or vitamins in the diet that is followed daily. A deficiency of vitamins B, E and iron can cause the hair to break.

Nutritional deficiencies or inadequate and unhealthy food, is one of the things that weakens the hair. Therefore, it is essential that you review your diet and, above all, include the consumption of foods rich in vitamin A, B, C, E, and minerals such as iron and zinc, which are what help strengthen hair fibers and look A much more dense and beautiful mane.

The sources of vitamin B are meat, chicken, milk, banana and broccoli. Foods rich in vitamin E are nuts, salmon and spinach. Little iron in your diet can also cause the hair to break. Iron can be found in clams, organ meats, soybeans, pumpkin seeds and cereals fortified with iron. Scroll to the bottom to read more about nutritional deficiencies and how they affect hair growth.

stop afro hair breakage

If you know you are not getting adequate vitamins through the food you eat, then opt for a liquid daily multivitamin. Liquid vitamins are easily digested and absorbed in the body. For more about vitamins, please read my article on the best vitamins to grow natural hair.

NOTE: Many women experience breakage and thinning of hair due to very low iron levels. LADIESSSSS…please visit the GP if you find that your hair is thinning out rapidly. Very low iron levels can be dangerous.

2) Causes & How to Stop Breakage in Natural Hair – Dehydration

In addition to food, dehydration is another major factor that weakens the hair follicle, so you should not overlook the importance of keeping your body perfectly hydrated by ingesting 2 litres of water daily.

stop african hair breakage with  hydration

3) Causes & How to Stop Breakage in Natural Hair – Inefficient Natural Hair Growth Regimen

There are small gestures in the daily care of the hair that can also cause breakage and damage it even if you are not aware of it. These bad hair care practices can also prevent your hair growing past a certain length. Here are some of them:

Brushing hair when wet – The old saying that brushing your hair 100 times a day makes it healthier is not only wrong, but it can actually damage it. Too much brushing or combing can cause the hair to break. The excessive use of force when combing the hair can cause too much tension on the roots and cause traction alopecia – physical trauma suffered repeatedly that can cause the hair to stop being born.

Hair when wet is much weaker and does not have as much elasticity, so it tends to break more easily. And something that many women do that can cause the hair to break is to brush it when it is still wet. Let it dry a little before brushing, or when you lose moisture you can start brushing. Use your fingers or choose a comb with a wide tooth to detangle it ,starting at the tips and until you reach the media and, finally, the roots. Also, at the end of the washing, try to avoid twisting your hair with a towel to remove the excess water. It is best to wrap it gently and let the fabric absorb the moisture. With this, you will see how the hair fibers do not break so much and your hair has more body.

Sleeping with loose hair – The friction caused by the rubbing of hair on the pillow can cause of how to stop breakage on natural hair breakage.

Hair accessories – Hair accessories and some hairstyles tend to damage the hair. Rubber bands and pins that fit too tight can lead to hair breakage. Tight ponytails, bows and hairstyles with braids very close to the scalp cause a lot of tension in the hairs , which can cause them to pull out of the follicles. In the long term, you may suffer alopecia from traction.

Also be careful with other accessories you use to hold your hair, such as clips and buckles. Preferably choose models made with fabric, without rubber bands or garters. You can also choose pins and loose clasps. Place them in different areas of the head each day so that the same hair is not subject to wear.

Aggressive hair care techniques – One of the most common causes for hair breakage occurs when washing hair, is applying too much force. Too sudden movements cause the tips to easily open and break. When shampooing, gently massage the hair with a shampoo suitable for your hair type and apply a conditioner without rinsing can help prevent breakage. If your hair is very tangled, apply an oil to help lubricate and loosen the hairs.

To straighten it with a dryer, it is best to remove most of the moisture before starting (to reduce the time the hair is tightened during the procedure) and work with small strands (which allow greater control and do not require much strength to stretch).

If your hair has been stuck at a certain length for a while, click here to read my article on how to grow hair past a certain length or past its terminal length.

Also check out my article on day and night regimen for natural hair growth. This is worth the read to help you grow stronger natural hair.

4) Causes & How to Stop Breakage in Natural Hair – Harsh products and chemicals

The regular use of dyes, bleaches, relaxing curls and permanent can lead to hair breakage. Aggressive chemical agents such as peroxide and ions hydroxide that contain these products can be very aggressive to your hair. If you dye your hair frequently, keep in mind that the chemical components that contain many of the commercial dyes are very aggressive to the hair and can not only irritate the scalp, but also promote its dryness and hair fibers break. During the performance of these procedures, the hair is very exposed and fragile, and if not performed correctly, hairs can be opaque, porous, dry and fragile. To avoid this risk, always look for a reliable professional and do a test in a small section before applying the product to the entire hair.

It is worth mentioning that straighteners that use formaldehyde or Glutaral are banned in several countries in the world, as they can cause serious damage to health. Hair loss, burning eyes and irritation of the skin of the scalp, as well as the membranes of the nose and mouth, are minor problems: these substances have been associated, even, with the development of some types of cancer.

The solution?. It is very simple, nowadays you can put aside the dyes with ammonia and replace them with organic ones like henna, which also offer a good coverage and leave a color in the dazzling and natural hair.

5) Causes & How to Stop Breakage in Natural Hair – Heat Damage On 4B & 4C Hair / Black Hair / African Hair / Afro Hair / Curly Hair

Even though I blow dry my hair every week, I am fully aware that regular use of hot hair devices such as dryers, curling irons and irons can damage your hair. But this seems to be a problem when done on very high heat. Undoubtedly, extreme heat produced by these devices penetrates the hair shaft, causing it to become brittle and more vulnerable to breakage. The heat generated by the plates of flat irons and certain hair dryers in excess damages the hair from its deepest layers, and in addition to drying it or burning it, it ends up causing its breakage.

curly african hair

The risk of damage is even greater when the hair is wet. Water particles, when they come in contact with a source of intense heat, can change their physical state (change from liquid to gas) very quickly. The process can cause “bubbles” in the hairs and weaken the cuticle ( outer layer that protects the hair ).

Despite all the negatives of heat appliances, if you make timely use of these devices nothing happens, but you should know that the daily use of them results in significant mistreatment of your hair. As a precaution, it is best to protect your hair from heat using a thermal spray before using the dryer or iron and do not place them at very high temperatures. I blow dry my hair on low heat using an ionic blow dryer. Ideally, always use the minimum possible heat : keep the iron or curler at lower temperatures and a safe distance from the dryer on the hair. Products that offer thermal protection can also help you mitigate the damage.

If your hair has been damaged by heat, there are many homemade deep conditioner treatments you can use for natural hair growth and to prevent further breakage. Click here to read my article on afro hair lost treatment.

6) Causes & How to Stop Breakage in Natural Hair – Very Hot Baths Can Cause Breakage

7) Causes & How to Stop Breakage in Natural Black Hair – Weight Loss

The body uses a series of substances (proteins, lipids, minerals, etc.) to keep our hair follicles active. These resources are also needed in other parts of the body, so if one of them is missing, the body prioritizes the most important organs and systems.

The hair is one of the last of the line: if there are not enough nutrients for everyone, it will probably wear itself out before it can be taken advantage of by the hair. Therefore, be careful with “magical” or too radical diets. Your hair may end up paying the price.

9) Causes & How to Stop Breakage in Natural Hair -Medical Conditions & Medications Can Cause Hair Loss

Dry and brittle hair that easily breaks can be indicative of a medical problem. If you are ill, the body concentrates on defeating the “invading agent” and recovering, hair growth is no longer a priority. Hair loss will continue until the disease is cured and the medication is stopped, your hair will return to normal.

Also medications such as antibiotics can have a major effect on hair. Some antibiotics can affect red blood cells and reduce the levels of iron and some B vitamins . Since both substances are important for hair growth, reducing them can trigger hair loss. The biggest problem is antibiotics taken for long periods of time, if your treatment requires it, talk to your doctor to evaluate the possibility of changing the dose or the type of antibiotic you prescribed.

10) Causes & How to Stop Breakage in Natural Hair – Contraceptives Can Cause Both Breakage & Hair Loss

Birth control pills have different combinations of hormones to inhibit ovulation, and can cause hair loss for several reasons. In some people, this occurs as a reaction to medication. In other cases it is the hormone profile of the pill that affects the hair. It is believed that formulas with a predominance of progesterone can stimulate the appearance of androgenic alopecia if the person already has a tendency. Pills with a higher proportion of estrogen can have the opposite effect: they help protect from hair loss and stimulate their growth. In this case, there may be hair loss when the pill is stopped.

You should discuss the decision to take birth control pills with your gynecologist and based on many other factors (never thinking only of hair). In some cases, the fall only occurs when treatment is started or stopped, and then resolved normally. If the problem is more persistent, it is worthwhile to consult with your doctor and evaluate the possibility of changing the pill or taking other treatments.

11) Causes & How to Stop Breakage in Natural Hair – Pregnancy

A pregnancy is always a revolution in a woman’s body. In most cases, pregnancy is very good for hair ( hair breakage is more common in the period after birth). Hormones during pregnancy are exalted and this tends to leave hair more dense and shiny, causing it to fall less than normal. However, some women observe the opposite effect, losing more hair during pregnancy.

This can be as much an answer of the organism to the changes caused by the pregnancy like a manifestation of some other problem, like some nutritional deficiencies. It is possible that the pregnancy hormone (which is like a roller coaster) interferes with the manifestation of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, conditions that can lead to embrittlement and hair loss. Ideally, you should look for your doctor and eliminate suspicions. They will guide you to treat any illness or make adjustments (including the use of supplements). If hair loss is not related to these factors, the ideal is to wait and see if everything will return to normal after pregnancy and the puerperium (which usually happens in most cases).

It is quite common to have hair loss in the six months after the birth of the baby . This is a normal reaction of the body to the hormonal fluctuation experienced during pregnancy and that begins to normalize.

What many women notice how hair loss and breakage after childbirth is actually hair that returns to normal (because during pregnancy, the hair tends to be more dense and falls less than normal). However, in some cases it may be the appearance of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism after delivery, which may accentuate hair loss . Ask your doctor to answer questions and start treatment if necessary.

Breastfeeding has nothing to do with hair loss , but because milk production requires nutrients from the mother’s body, it is vital that you adopt a rich and balanced diet to avoid nutritional deficiency (which can harm both the quality of the milk as well as the health of the mother, which can also cause hair loss).

12) Causes & How to Stop Breakage in Natural Hair – Menstrual period Can Cause Breakage & Hair Loss

Some women tend to observe more pronounced hair loss and breakage during menstruation. This may have to do both with hormonal fluctuation in the period and by blood loss (particularly if the flow is too intense), which can lead to an iron deficiency (mineral essential for hair growth).

If the case is mild, it may be that an increase in iron supply reduces hair loss. But if you notice severe conditions, it is best to talk to a doctor (gynecologist or endocrinologist) to assess if your hormone levels are normal. Irregularities in the menstrual cycle can be a symptom of polycystic ovarian syndrome , which can also be related to hair loss.

13) Causes & How to Stop Breakage in Natural Hair – Menopause

It is believed that women manifest androgenic alopecia later than men because female hormones protect follicles from the action of DHT (the hormone that causes baldness). As the production of these hormones is reduced by menopause, the hairs may become more vulnerable.

14) Nutritional Deficiencies and How They Cause Breakage in Natural Hair – 4B & 4C Hair / Black African Hair / Afro Hair / Curly Hair

LACK OF PROTEINS

As our hair is made of proteins ( more specifically keratin ), it is possible that low levels of this protein in the diet may affect normal hair production.

This is not a common problem because our normal diet is generally high in protein, but it can occur in the case of diets that restrict certain foods, eating disorders (such as anorexia and bulimia) or malabsorption syndrome .

Vegetarians should also take into account that the sources of protein are of animal origin (meat, fish, chicken, eggs, dairy products), so they will have to compensate with other natural options if possible (such as soybeans, beans). and lentils, for example).

protein rich food for afro hair health

Be careful with protein supplements. They tend to be designed for people who do intense physical activity, and are easy to find in the market, but too much protein in the body can cause problems such as nausea, diarrhea and kidney damage. It is best to consume them only under medical supervision.

For the same reason, it is good to also be careful with high protein diets (with a strong reduction of carbohydrates or other food groups). Consult a nutritionist before thinking about making a radical change in your diet.

LACK OF IRON

Many people who have hair loss also have low iron levels . Science has yet to establish clearly what the relationship is between events, but many experts have observed significant improvements in patients with hair loss when iron levels are improved (and many doctors believe thiat it is not necessary to be anemic to benefit of this type of measure).

If in doubt, it is best that you take an iron supplement, right? Incorrect! The excess of iron in the blood also causes serious problems , so any intake of supplements should always be accompanied by a doctor.

iron rich food for african hair growth

If you think you may have iron deficiency (other symptoms are fatigue, depression, headaches, shortness of breath and pale mucous membranes), you should first seek to resolve the problem with food. Red meat, beans, lentils, tofu and spinach are some of the greatest natural sources of iron (and it is believed that when combined with vitamin C,iron absorption is even greater).

LACK OF B VITAMINS

The so-called B complex involves a series of vitamins:

  • B1 (thiamine)
  • B2 (Riboflavin)
  • B3 (Niacin)
  • B5 (pantothenic acid)
  • B6 (pyridoxine)
  • B7 (Biotin)
  • B9 (folic acid)
  • B12 (cobalamin)

They participate in the digestive process, muscle development and health in various parts of the body (liver, nerves, eyes, skin and hair), and help prevent iron deficiency (which may also be related to hair loss).

The B vitamins are found in dairy products, eggs, meat, liver, cereals and vegetables . A varied diet provides the necessary levels, but some restrictive diets can cause vitamin deficiency. B12, for example, is found mainly in products of animal origin, so many vegetarians require supplementation.

Some of the most used supplements to strengthen hair and nails, such as Pantogar , have some type of vitamin B in their formula. It is believed that correcting the deficiency of these vitamins can be one of the secrets of their success.

EXCESS OF VITAMIN A

Vitamin A is important for our vision and the health of the skin, the immune system and other functions. But hypervitaminosis (excess vitamin in the body) can cause hair loss over time (in addition to other symptoms such as decreased appetite, dry skin, dizziness, headache and liver damage).

It is extremely difficult to consume too much vitamin A with your usual diet alone (unless you are an Eskimo, who consume large amounts of animal liver every day). Most current cases of hypervitaminosis A are associated with excessive intake of vitamin supplements and certain medications (such as retinoids, which are derivatives of vitamin A ).

EXCESS OF VITAMIN C

When it comes to hair, vitamin C is often more villainous than heroin. This vitamin helps to increase the absorption of iron in the body (substance essential for our health and for the proper growth of hairs), but in excess it can increase the concentration of some fungi that aggravate the frames of dandruff and pityriasis (problems which can cause hair loss). Other possible complications include an increased risk of developing kidney stones, digestive problems and increased urine acidity (which can cause irritation).

The excess of vitamin C is even rarer than that of vitamin A, since our body can eliminate it quite easily. However, knowing that it has many positive effects, many people can exaggerate and consume vitamin supplements in very high doses (more than 1,000 mg per day).

Regular consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables should be enough to provide all the vitamin C your body needs, without the risk of side effects.

EXCESS OF VITAMIN E

Vitamin E has a powerful antioxidant effect, protecting cells against the action of free radicals. It is believed that it can prevent or alleviate the symptoms of various diseases such as Alzheimer’s syndrome, cardiovascular disorders and even certain types of cancer.

Despite all these benefits, you should also avoid excess vitamin E, as it is capable of “thinning the blood” (effect similar to that of aspirin) and alter the absorption of iron (which is important for good health of the hair).

The natural sources of vitamin E ( vegetable oils , peanuts, almonds, eggs , butter and some vegetables) are frequent in our normal diet, so it is very difficult to exceed only through food. Once again, the greatest danger is exaggerated supplementation. No more than 15 mg per day is needed, and the dose above 250 mg is considered excessive and dangerous.

LACK OR EXCESS OF IODINE

Iodine is an essential mineral for thyroid function. Its lack or excess can worsen cases of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, and both problems are related to hair loss, so it is important to maintain balanced levels.

Iodine deficiency is very rare nowadays. It is present in some foods that we eat regularly (such as fish, seafood, eggs, milk and liver), and it is also added to our table salt. Low levels of iodine are often the result of very restrictive diets , and high levels often occur due to supplementation and excessive consumption of foods such as algae and crustaceans .

LACK OR EXCESS OF SELENIUM

Selenium is essential for the growth of keratinocytes (cells that form hair filaments), and can also help eliminate dandruff. It is found in cereals (wheat, rice and corn), fish and seafood, liver, meat and poultry, but none of these sources is superior to Brazil nuts, which are very rich in selenium.

It’s even worth a warning: avoid eating more than two or three nuts a day, because too much selenium can also cause your hair to fall out . Also be careful with supplements, which can go up the rates well above the optimal level.

LACK OR EXCESS OF ZINC

Zinc participates in the processing of proteins of our body and the synthesis of DNA, two important functions for the reproduction of cells in the hair follicle. It is also used in the production of thyroid hormones, and in some cases the treatment of hypothyroidism can not resolve hair loss until zinc levels normalize.

Zinc is also important in the production of testosterone , but it seems to have some inhibitory effect on the conversion of this hormone to dihydrotestosterone, the version that is responsible for androgenic alopecia . That is, it is possible that those suffering from classic baldness may also benefit from an improvement in the levels of zinc in their bodies.

Some natural sources of zinc are oysters, red meat, liver, eggs, nuts, seafood, shrimp and soy products. If you do not reach the levels recommended only through food you can benefit from zinc supplements , but you need to be careful as the excess can alter the absorption of other nutrients such as iron and copper, and end up worsening the loss hair related.

15) Use Homemade Deep Conditioner & Leave in Conditioner Treatments to Prevent Breakage in Natural Hair

I have a few articles on homemade leave in conditioner recipes and homemade deep conditioner recipes to help prevent breakage and keep your hair in healthy conditioner.

16) Hot Oil Treatments to Stop Breakage in Natural Black Hair

Your hot oil treatment should be consistently done once a week if you want to see good results. Also try to add some liquid vitamins in your mixture. This will ensure your hair gets ll the good nutrients. Please visit my article on the best hot oil treatment for natural hair growth and to prevent breakage.

17) Natural Hair Growth Products to Prevent Breakage in Natural Hair – 4B & 4C Hair / Black African Hair / Afro Hair / Curly Hair

To find out if the Jostylin products will work best for your hair type, check out my hair on the best natural hair products for black hair growth. As my hair products are catered mainly for 4B/C, I have opted to use thicker oils such as Moringa oil and Castor oil. You may find that if you already have oily hair, this may be quite heavy for you, but it’s worth the try.

18) Best Herbs to Prevent Breakage & Grow Natural Hair

I have written a couple of articles on the best oils and herbs to grow natural hair and the best essential oils for natural hair growth. Check them out.

19) Use Best Oils for Natural Hair Growth | 4B & 4C Hair / Black African Hair / Afro Curly Hair

best oils for hair growth

For help on which essential oils can grow your hair faster and healthier, whilst preventing breakage, I have written some articles on:

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