How to Avoid Overprocessing Natural Hair

Tips for Avoiding Overprocessing Black Hair

It may require some minor, or even major, changes to your styling routine, but if you want to boost your hair's health, consider some tweaks.

Choose One Process at a Time

  • Relaxers take a lot out of your hair, which is why regular conditioning and protein treatments are so important for putting health back in.
  • Add a lighter color into the mix and your hair takes even more punishment.
  • One of the main reasons your hair may be brittle and full of split ends is because your hair has taken too much abuse. The hair's outer cuticle layer is compromised with every chemical treatment placed on it.
  • If your tresses seem lackluster and are suffering from numerous problems, you may need to decide which process you want the most and forget about the rest.

See a Stylist for Chemical Applications

  • So you just have to have the hot new hair color of the season and relaxed or texturized tresses. After all, you're the style setter among your friends and family; everyone looks to you to set the trends, not follow them. To keep your hair its healthiest, visit a trusted professional to apply any chemicals.
  • Box perms and home coloring kits are inexpensive and convenient, but they often leave too much to chance. Overlapping relaxers and poor color quality can combine to create hair problems.

Instead of trying to play stylist at home when it comes to major processes like these, put your hair in the hands of a licensed pro, where higher quality products can give you the look you want without worry.

Lay Off the Heat

  • The less direct heat you apply to Black hair, the better. However, you may decide the ease and convenience that heat styling tools offer are worth the results; just make sure you use heat wisely. Daily thermal styling is not recommended.
  • You should try and use these tools no more than once per week, and much less often if you can. This means you may have to rely on other styling methods.
  • Sometimes, you have to step outside of your comfort zone and find heat- free ways to create curls or straighten your hair; it can be done with a little commitment and creativity.

Protect Your Hair

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