We all know that relaxed hair needs to be babied. It’s fragile nature requires special care or POOF! It’s gone lying in tiny little bits on your bathroom floor. This list seems pretty innocuous, but they’re a huge source of miserable hair health and are ruining your relaxed hair. Eliminate these from your haircare routine and you will be on your way to crowning glory soon enough.
5 Small Things That Are Ruining Your Relaxed Hair
Purse Strap Breakage
For a long time, the left side of my hair was shorter than the rest and the ends were mangled. After trying everything, I realized that my purse strap would sit on my strands causing a ton of friction which led to breakage.
The minute I made a conscious effort to ensure my purse strap wasn’t tugging on my hair, the breakage stopped.
Car Window Hair Blast
Ladies – I love nothing more than cruising in my car on a hot sunny day, windows down, blasting music and loving life. My hair? Not so much. After a “windy drive”, my hair would be left a tangled mess that was impossible to comb out without breakage.
No need to stop enjoying this great feeling though. Simply tie your hair back into a bun. Go one luxe step further: wrap your head in a silk scarf à la Audrey Hepburn. This right here? Convertible ready.
Twirl On…Or Not
Many of us have an “unconscious” habit of twirling a section of hair over and over until that thick shiny section is now a dull, split end-ridden mess. STOP IT RIGHT NOW. This is a form of overmanipulation that will lead to split ends and breakage. It also looks a little juvenile (sorry!).
Hair Tools That Are Older Than You Are
Ok – I’m not immune to this either. I have a favourite hairbrush that is nearing 20 years of age that I just can’t part with. The problem with old hair tools is that they develop knicks from being dropped, thrown around, etc. These nicks snag your hair and break it off. Time to chuck those really old heat tools, worn out combs, dead brushes, old elastics, you name it. BYE!
Hair Elastics
Get rid of them. They are too tight and too harsh on relaxed hair (especially the rubber ones). Adopt that beautiful and chic hair scrunchy trend. Opt for those made of silky fabrics that won’t tear your hair out. Not only are typical hair elastics really hard on your strands, they put excess pressure on your edges causing them to go on permanent vacation FROM YOUR SCALP!
Share your “hair breakage experience” in the comments! Let’s all learn and Grow together!
Dominique is a Canadian-based fashion and beauty influencer with a strong voice in Ottawa’s black community. Since launching her blog Style Domination in 2015, she has amassed a global fanbase. Dominique shares her life through beautiful imagery and compelling story-telling that speaks to her fans on a personal level. She’s been featured in The Guardian, Flare, The Kit and Cityline. She also hosts events for Dress for Success, the Gem Conference, and has been named a United Way Person 2 Know for the past three years.
These are excellent points (as per usual)! One thing that I’ve learned is to be mindful of how my nails look, especially on wash days. Raggedy nails will pull your hair out as you’re washing. Also, keep your tools clean, particularly direct heat tools! The hair products get caked on and will snag your hair. I make it a point to give them a quick wipe every few uses. 🥰
Author
Hi Kellie! Thanks so much for this! I get dip nails that can tend to lift if you don’t get them filled regularly. My own hair would get caught under the dip nails tearing out my hair. So grateful you included this tip!
Hello! I just subscribed to your YouTube channel ! I am 27 and I am getting a relaxer for the first time ever in my life, in a few days! My trusted stylist of five years is going to do it, my hair has gotten to nice length and I’m ready to rock a more sleek look. I am so happy I discovered your website, you are very inspirational thank you
These are great tips, and also thank you so much for talking about relaxed hair! Since I moved back to the U.S. 2 years ago, people have been telling me “that no one gets their hair relaxed except old people”, and I’m excited to find others like myself who just like the way it looks, or it’s convenience. You also are inspiring me to dust off my crusty blog, lol.
Author
People are rude haters. Ignore them. Do what is right for you. I am so proud to inspire you! And there is a resurgence in popularity of relaxers thanks to better technology. They are not your Mom’s relaxers anymore.
Dominique Baker,
I love you and your hair videos. What perm/relaxer do you use in your hair. I am not sure what relaxer to use on my 4c hair.
Thank you,
Brenda Sharkey
Author
Hi Brenda! Thanks for your kind words! My stylist uses Indigo Relaxer – regular strength. Hope that helps!