Easy Ways to Overcome Branched Hair
Sunday 8 January 2023
Hair consists of three layers, namely the medulla, cortex, and cuticle. The cuticle is the outermost layer of the hair whose job is to protect the inside of the hair which is more prone to damage.
However, the cuticles that are supposed to protect the hair can open due to improper hair care. This can cause damaged hair, dry, dull, and easily broken and branched.
Causes of Branched Hair
Split ends occur when the hair cuticle is damaged. There are several things that can cause damaged cuticles and split ends, including:
- Excessive combing of hair
- Rub hair while wet vigorously with a towel
- Frequent use of hair styling tools, such as hair dryers and hair straighteners
- Often coloring hair and using bleaching
- Using harsh chemical hair care products
Not only that, split ends can also be caused by excessive exposure to sunlight and insufficient intake of nutrients that are important for healthy hair.
How to Overcome Branched Hair
There are several ways to deal with split ends that can be done to get healthy and always shiny hair, including:
1. Cut the ends of the hair regularly
Regularly trimming the ends of your hair is the easiest way to deal with split ends. It is recommended that you trim the ends of your hair every 6-8 weeks. If in doubt, try asking a hairstylist at a salon to trim the ends of your hair.
2. Comb your hair slowly
Combing hair excessively, especially if done roughly, can cause hair to break and split ends. This is because the friction between the comb and the hair can cause the cuticles to crack and open.
Therefore, you are advised to comb your hair slowly, starting from the bottom to smooth out the tangles. This method can help the hair so that it is not easily damaged and falls out.
In addition, you are also advised not to comb your hair in wet conditions, because hair is more brittle and breaks easily. Instead, dry your hair first using a towel gently before combing it.
3. Using conditioner and hair mask
Using a conditioner after washing your hair can make your hair softer and more manageable. Meanwhile, using a hair mask at least once a week can add moisture to your hair and make it smoother. Thus, the hair will not easily dry and split ends.
4. Limit the use of hair styling tools
Hair styling tools, such as flat irons and hair curlers, can indeed make hair look neater and more beautiful. However, those of you who have branched hair should avoid styling your hair in this way.
The reason is, the heat from the hairdresser can change the protein structure of the hair and make it drier. This of course will cause the hair to branch out more and more.
However, if you really need a styling tool, be sure to use a hair serum or hair protectant first to protect your hair from overheating.
5. Limiting hair care with chemicals
Hair treatments that are carried out using chemicals, such as hair coloring, perming, and smoothing, can have a negative impact on hair health.
Therefore, it is recommended that you give time lag between one hair treatment and another. For example, you should wait 2 weeks to dye your hair after straightening your hair.
6. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight on the hair
Exposure to UVA and UVB rays from the sun for a long time can damage the hair cuticle. As a result, hair becomes dry, easily broken, split ends, and even changes color.
Therefore, when doing outdoor activities, it is recommended that you protect your hair from direct sunlight by using a hat or umbrella. In addition, you can also use a hair moisturizer containing zinc oxide or SPF to ward off UV rays.
7. Sufficient hair nutrition needs
Not only treatment from the outside, branched hair also needs to be overcome from the inside by means of sufficient intake of good nutrition for hair.
An example is zinc which plays an important role in the growth and repair of hair tissue and maintains hair moisture. You can get zinc by eating seafood, meat, eggs, whole grains, and nuts.
In addition, protein, omega-3, vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron are also good nutrients to keep hair healthy and avoid damage.
Some of the ways to deal with split ends above can help you get healthy hair. However, in some cases, split ends can be a sign of a health problem, such as hyperthyroidism or an eating disorder.
Therefore, if the condition of your hair does not improve even though you have tried various ways to deal with split ends, you should see a doctor to get the right treatment.