A lot has been said of alcohol being damaging to the hair. This is not entirely true; in fact, one type of alcohol is actually giving all alcohols a bad name. SD Alcohol is an ingredient found in some hair care products that literally extracts the moisture from the hair shaft. This type of alcohol is found primarily in hairsprays and hair gels due to its quick drying ability. However, this same ability also removes moisture from the hair, and after prolonged use the hair becomes brittle and prone to breakage.
Waxes, more specifically beeswax and paraffin wax, are found in sculpting gels, pomades, and hair puddings to help create styles that need to hold their shape but are also flexible. The chemical composition of these two waxes is not damaging to the hair alone; however, they create product buildup quickly on the hair shaft. This buildup also attracts dirt, dust, and fibers that make it more difficult to wash out of the hair. Eventually this buildup begins to weigh the hair shaft down, causing it break.
Other Products that Lead to Hair Breakage
Chemical relaxers and permanents, while they provide styling ease and versatility for the hair, over time they are very damaging. These chemical processes alter the natural structure of the hair and actually weaken the natural stress points found along the hair shaft. Additional, breakage can occur because of the drying effects these processes have on the hair. As a result even more care has to be taken with the handling of hair to prevent further breakage.
Hair styling tools can also cause breakage over time. More specifically heat stylers like blow dryers, flat irons, and hot combs radically strip the hair shaft of its natural moisture. The most widely used styler and most damaging of the bunch is the flat iron. When used on wet hair, the heat from the flat iron can form a bubble on the hair shaft. This bubble is a now a weak point along the shaft that will eventually break.
Maintain Hair Health
Avoiding hair care products that can cause dryness or leave product buildup is key to preventing hair breakage. Limiting the amount of heat used in styling your hair is extremely helpful in preventing hair breakage and improving the overall condition of your hair. Avoid roughly brushing or combing the hair and pulling the hair too tightly. Hair is fragile and should be handled with care so that it feels and looks its best.
ShawnTe Pierce - ShawnTe Pierce is a freelance writer and fashion designer from Maryland. Ms. Pierce has a Bachelors of Science from the University of ...
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