7 Mistakes that add to Dry Hair

Safeguard your hair by prioritising your night maintenance. Invest in good quality satin pillowcases, bonnets, satin scarves, satin-lined accessories, or satin scrunchies - all available on our online store. Create a gentle barrier between your hair and the fabrics that are trying to bring us down by roughing up our hair. Remember that with the right knowledge, you have the power to unleash the full potential of your hair.

1 - Overwashing and using Harsh Shampoos

When you overwash, you strip away the natural oils that keep your hair healthy and moisturized, this leads to dry hair and breakage. Avoid this by reducing your washes to once a week or no more than two times a week if you are someone who exercises or sweats. 

This depends on your hair texture, scalp condition and lifestyle. 👌

Also, remember that harsh Shampoos which contain sulfates and other aggressive chemicals can further dry out your hair. So rather opt for sulfate-free or mild shampoos that cleanse without drying out your strands. You should definitely give Afrotame Cleansing shampoo a go for this very reason. 

Finding the right balance between cleanliness and preserving your hair's natural oils is key to achieving healthier, stronger hair. You can also use the Marley Grey shampoo bar for a good amount of cleansing and moisture 😍

Harsh Shampoos that contain sulfates and other aggressive chemicals might further dry out your hair. Instead, choose gentle or sulfate-free shampoos that will clean your hair without drying it out. These substitutions will support moisture retention and safeguard the tensile strength of your hair.

2 - Skipping Deep Conditioner or leave-in conditioner 

Skipping conditioner is a mistake that can be a reason that your hair throws a tantrum. Conditioner is key in moisturising and detangling your strands… and this also helps to prevent breakage.

After shampooing, it's important to follow up with a deep conditioner. It will help to replenish any moisture lost and restore your hair's natural softness and elasticity. A good Conditioner also helps to detangle your hair which reduces the risk of breaking. 

So, don't skip this. The same goes for your leave-in conditioner. Each of these products play vital roles in your routine that are equally necessary. 

3 - Rough Towel Drying

How you dry your hair can make a big difference to its health and strength. Rough towel drying is a common mistake that can lead to damage and breakage. When you rub your hair with a conventional towel, it causes friction and pulls on your strands. This causes breakage and frizzing. Try a gentler technique like gently squeezing out excess water using your hands, or use a soft microfiber towel or a cotton t-shirt, in a scrunching motion rather than rubbing. 

Personally, I prefer to ditch the drying and instead, I style my hair while it's wet. It yields great results for me. 

4 - Brushing or Combing Wet Hair roughly and without product. 

When it comes to wet hair, it's important to be gentle. Wet hair strands are more elastic and prone to damage such as breakage and split ends. Opt for gentler methods of detangling - for example: Finger detangling or a wide-tooth comb. 

Gently separate any tangles or knots before going in. Remember, patience is key. 

5 - Excessive use of Heat Tools

Excessive use of heat tools can cause trouble for your hair. The high temperatures from these tools can cause heat damage and weaken your strands over time.

Can you imagine what's next? Dried out hair.

It will be thirsty and because of this, it will end up snapping and or losing its elasticity in the curl. But there is always hope… Curl Recovery is possible.

When heat styling is necessary, be sure to use a heat-protectant product. It creates a barrier between your hair and the heat, which reduces the risk of damage. 

Remember, moderation is key when it comes to Heat Tools. Give your hair a break from excessive heat and explore heatless styling options to keep your hair healthy, strong, and beautiful.

6 - Neglecting Regular Trims

Don't get me started. Lol 

Don't underestimate the power of a trim! Neglecting regular trims can lead to a common enemy: Split Ends. 

Split ends not only make your hair look dull and unhealthy but also contribute to knotting and breakage.

When you skip your trims, these split ends continue their journey up the shaft and leaves your ends looking “see-through” and crispy. The "rule of thumb" is to trim every 6-8 weeks. An easy 1cm off will help in taking the blame off your stylist when you’re forced to do a big chop. 🤣

If you choose to "hold on to length" and skip trims, you are not doing yourself any favours. Make your trim bookings in advance and these will hold you accountable.

Healthy and strong hair is a result of regular maintenance.  

Your hair will thank you for taking proper care of it and in return, it will thrive and flourish. 🫰

7 - Neglecting Hair Nighttime Hair Protection 

While you may think "Ag my hair is dirty, why do I need to wear my bonnet?"... It's pretty much still the same hair whether it is dirty or clean. Our bad habits eventually affect our good ones further down the line. 

Neglecting your nighttime protection (or under Headwear) can lead to unnecessary breakage. The friction between your hair and your cotton pillowcase, your woollen beanie, your cotton hoodie and even your car headrest, can cause tangles, knots and breakage.

As you toss and turn during sleep or inside that hoodie, your hair rubs against the rough surface of the fabric… can you feel it knotting while reading this? 😂

Safeguard your hair by prioritising your night maintenance. Invest in good quality satin pillowcases, bonnets, satin scarves, satin-lined accessories, or satin scrunchies - all available on our online store.

Create a gentle barrier between your hair and the fabrics that are trying to bring us down by roughing up our hair. 

If you are guilty of any one of the above, challenge yourself to change just one thing in your routine.

Remember that with the right knowledge, you have the power to unleash the full potential of your hair.