Have you ever ever colored your hair? Is your blow-dryer getting loads of mileage? Do you brush your hair? For those who answered sure to any of these questions—yep, even the final one—you may have “broken” hair. “As quickly as your hair emerges from its follicle, it has exterior components to deal with,” says Anabel Kingsley, guide trichologist and model president at Philip Kingsley. In different phrases, a point of hurt is unavoidable.

However don’t really feel defeated. In contrast to pores and skin, hair is lifeless tissue and may’t regenerate itself, so it depends on you to maintain it wholesome. (Kinda good to really feel so wanted, ya?) “How you take care of strands has a big impact on their power, look, and manageability,” says Kingsley. And, as you would possibly count on, the longer your hair, the extra weathered will probably be, significantly if you happen to color, bleach, or straighten your strands, she provides.

Sort and texture play a task as nicely. “Every hair texture requires totally different consideration,” says hairstylist Bobby Eliot. “Coarse, textured hair, for instance, can deal with somewhat extra warmth, whereas finer hair is extra delicate.”

TL;DR: What’s greatest to your head isn’t at all times so easy. These myth-busting insights will assist you get to the basis of broken hair and the best way to restore it.

Does colouring your hair harm your hair?

Sure. Whether or not it’s pure balayage or neon rainbow, there’s at all times going to be some harm accomplished to strands throughout the colouring course of. “To ensure that hair to retain its color, the chemical compounds in hair dye must trigger some harm,” says Dr Dendy Engelman, a beauty dermatologist and Mohs surgeon on the Shafer Clinic. The dyeing course of works by penetrating the cuticle, a hair strand’s protecting outer layer, often with ammonia. Then the hair is bleached to take away its pure color, and the dye provides hair a brand new colour. “Utilizing much less bleach or less-permanent formulation will assist reduce a few of that pressure,” says Dr. Engelman.

Does utilizing the next temperature on scorching instruments imply much less passes and fewer harm?

No. The actual perpetrator behind heat-styling harm is the improper temperature. “You by no means need to use the utmost warmth,” Eliot says. After all, the Goldilocks just-right temp goes to vary relying in your hair sort, texture, and color, however the overarching recommendation is to make use of the bottom warmth setting potential that can nonetheless get the job (curling, straightening, drying) accomplished. So, begin on the bottom setting, and slowly up the temp provided that it’s a must to. And naturally, don’t overlook a warmth protectant.

READ MORE: Look For These 5 Components To Revive Your Dry, Broken Hair

Are all hair brushes good to your hair?

No. Search for a brush with rounded, versatile plastic prongs. “These are light on each your hair and scalp,” Kingsley says. “Boar bristle brushes scratch away components of your hair’s protecting layer, weakening strands and rising porosity.” One other professional to search for: a vented, cushioned base. “This permits warmth to dissipate rapidly while you model,” says Kingsley. A seamless, wide-tooth comb can be a superb possibility for curls or coils. Since hair doesn’t have nerve endings, it’s tough to inform while you’re hurting it, so Kingsley suggests the “again of hand” check: Run your bristles over the again of your hand—does it really feel scratchy or depart pink marks? Then it’s too harsh.

Can protecting types really trigger extra hurt than good?

Sure. Opposite to their title, protecting types can really do extra hurt than good in the event that they’re not managed correctly, says celeb hairstylist Annagjid “Kee” Taylor. “For a protecting model to be efficient, it needs to be rigorously put in, maintained, and refreshed.” She recommends not getting them too tight while you initially have these types (cornrows, field braids, fake locs, and many others.) accomplished. In the event that they’re pulling, it will probably “trigger hair loss, breakage, painful sores, and scabs,” she says. One other don’t: leaving a protecting model in longer than two months, as that may trigger tangling, dryness, and extra breakage.

READ MORE:  8 DIY Hair Masks For Each Hair Sort

Is there such a factor as an excessive amount of dry shampoo?

Sure. Whereas it’s nice in a pinch, it’s not an entire substitute for sudsing up. “Dry shampoo shouldn’t be one thing you need to do for greater than a few days,” says Kingsley. And while you do select to make use of a dry shampoo, go for one with bonus scalp advantages. “Search for calming components, like aloe vera or chamomile extract, in addition to an antimicrobial agent, like zinc PCA.” Nevertheless, remember that no dry shampoo will really take away filth or oils, or correctly cleanse. That’s what a bathe is for. Sorry!

Do you have to shampoo your hair every single day?

It actually is determined by your hair sort. Curly or thick hair might have only a weekly wash, whereas positive or oily hair would possibly want cleaning day by day. “For those who don’t wash your hair incessantly sufficient, it will probably accrue buildup that finally inhibits hair development,” Dr Engelman says. “However washing too typically—particularly with a ’poo that strips pure oils—can dry out hair, resulting in brittle strands.” Life-style and the season additionally matter. Mess around to seek out what’s greatest for you.

READ MORE: This Heatless Hack Gave Me The Curl Texture Of My Desires

Are scrunchies higher to your hair?

Sure. Embracing this throwback will do your strands a favour. “I like to recommend silk scrunchies to forestall breakage,” Eliot says. Clips or jumbo U-shaped pins are additionally stylish choices. However it doesn’t matter what, keep away from making too-tight types your go-to, as they’ll trigger a sort of
hair loss known as “traction alopecia.” (Free ponytails or braids are usually positive.)

Can you sweep your hair an excessive amount of?

Sure. Some folks nonetheless consider this previous wives’ story, together with certainly one of Kingsley’s sufferers, who was vigorously brushing 100 strokes a day with a really scratchy brush, resulting in main breakage. She recommends gently brushing or combing hair as soon as within the morning and once more earlier than mattress. It’s all about utilizing the right methodology. “Brushing your hair can create undesirable stress on the hair and actually break and snap your hair off,” Eliot says. “All the time begin from the ends and gently work your approach up. Go gradual and take your time. By no means do that in an aggressive approach. Deal with your hair such as you would an costly material!” Search for a detangling brush to delicately get the job accomplished.

Is dandruff regular?

A dry scalp throughout the change of seasons? Sure. Dandruff that doesn’t go away? No.

“Dandruff is nearly at all times oily, not dry,” Kingsley beforehand advised Ladies’s Well being UK. “Dandruff flakes can be barely sticky and yellow in color, whereas a dry scalp will produce dry and white flakes.”

“Dandruff is a recurring, power scalp situation that, whereas it will probably come and go, tends to be a long-term subject. It generally flares up when you’re confused, when hormone ranges fluctuate, and while you eat sure meals resembling full fats dairy merchandise, like cheese.” For those who do certainly have dandruff, use an anti-dandruff shampoo and conditioner till it subsides.

This text was initially printed on www.womenshealthmag.com