| Just like the skin on our bodies, your hair is made up of | | | | to the hair when you undo the braids. |
| layers. The outer layer of the hair is called the cuticle | | | | 6. Keep hair easy and simple. Hairstyles look |
| and it is made up of cells that are dead and that lay on | | | | great when they are natural with a few waves or |
| top of each other. This will protect the cortex, which is | | | | curls. |
| the middle layer of the hair. The cortex is made up of | | | | 7. Give your hair a break whenever possible |
| coiled long proteins, which is the make-up of most of | | | | from excessive cleansing, heat styling and chemical |
| the hair. Breakage and split ends occur when the | | | | processing. |
| cuticle protection is won away. When it wears away | | | | 8. Never sleep in a tight braid or ponytail. This |
| at the tip it is called a split end as the hair splits or | | | | practice may cause ongoing hair breakage and/or loss |
| unravels. Hair breakage and split ends happen less | | | | over time. |
| when hair is not dried out and it moist and healthy. By | | | | 9. Always carefully remove tangles from your |
| taking care of your hair, you can drastically reduce the | | | | hair with a pick or brush before shampooing. This will |
| chances of hair breakage and split ends. | | | | prevent unnecessary knots and tangles making hair |
| Causes of Hair Breakage | | | | much easier to dry, style and braid. |
| 1. Wearing your scarf too tightly at night | | | | 10. If you plan on trying out a brand new hairstyle |
| 2. Wearing too tight ponytails, buns, or updos | | | | for a special event (e.g. wedding or prom) always plan |
| 3. Letting the elastic from a satin bonnet in | | | | to practice several times before the big event arrives. |
| contact with your hair line | | | | This will guarantee great results. |
| 4. Split ends that need to be trimmed | | | | 11. Never brush wet hair. This guarantees |
| 5. Wool coats, hats, scarves | | | | breakage because hair is most fragile when wet. |
| 6. Using a relaxer that doesn't work for your hair | | | | Although some hair experts don't agree with this tip, |
| type | | | | the majority do. |
| 7. Relaxing too often | | | | 12. Avoid using a brush on wet hair because it is |
| 8. Not caring for your new growth properly while | | | | subject to breakage. Comb out snarls. |
| stretching relaxers | | | | 13. Towel-dry your hair thoroughly before using a |
| 9. Over-processing by overlapping relaxers | | | | blow dryer. You'll save time and avoid damaging your |
| 10. Coloring and relaxing hair that is not strong | | | | hair with too much heat. |
| enough | | | | 14. To cut down on static electricity, dampen your |
| Tips for Hair Breakage | | | | hairbrush before brushing. |
| 1. Avoid brushing hair other than to detangle. | | | | 15. To perk up permed hair between shampoos, |
| Never use brushes with knobs on the ends which may | | | | lightly mist your hair with fresh water and push the |
| rip and tear delicate strands. 100% boar bristle | | | | curls into place with your fingers. |
| brushes are usually best. | | | | 16. Dull, lifeless hair can be a sign of a poor diet. |
| 2. Allow hair to air dry whenever possible. | | | | Try cutting down on cholesterol and fats. |
| 3. Whenever possible finish your cleansing cycle | | | | 17. Wait at least 48 hours after coloring hair to |
| with cool/cold water rinse. | | | | shampoo it. Every time you wet hair you open the |
| 4. Use a good wide tooth comb, pick or your | | | | cuticle -- so give hair time to seal in the color. |
| fingers to untangle your hair as you dry it. Hair should | | | | 18. Beer can remove residue from your hair. Add |
| be 100% dry before brushing. | | | | 6 tablespoons beer to 1 cup warm water and pour it |
| 5. Braid your hair while it's still damp and allow hair | | | | over your hair as a final rinse. |
| to aid dry while braided. This will add beautiful waves | | | | |