Real Life Real Faith Women Walking By Faith May/June 2016 | Page 20

Not trimming or receiving regular haircuts : We tend to neglect receiving a trim or haircut but they are essential . Hair trims are needed every 8 to 12 weeks and haircuts every 6 to 8 weeks . Hair grows on an average of 1 / 2 half inch monthly . If you notice , breakage or split ends its time for a haircut .
Not protecting your hair against environmental elements : Keep your hair moisturized . Use a silk scarf or pull it back in a bun when in the wind . Keep it hydrated and protected from the sun by spritzing it with a leave in conditioner .
Excessive use and abuse of hair extensions : Extensions put excess tension on the hair follicles and can cause the hair to fall out , causing traction alopecia . Once the hair follicle is damaged , it is unable to produce new hair and this causes permanent damage . Do not keep hair extensions in for too long . Sleep with hair extensions up at night . Use the appropriate brush and combs for styling . Remember to follow maintenance instructions for home care by your stylist . Keep in mind that if you are having excessive hair breakage , baldness , and headaches or bleeding at the scalp , those problems could be a result of your hair extensions .
Wearing your hair in the same up do or ponytail daily : Wearing the same ponytail everyday can cause breakage and shedding . Do not use rubber bands . Instead , try using a coated fabric tie . Excessive hair braiding can cause splitting , follicle damage , hair weakness and stress on your hair . Wearing your hair wet is more fragile than wearing it dry . It causes breakage and damage .
WOMEN WALKING BY FAITH MAGAZINE | 20
Gelling the hair back or up every day will cause breakage , dryness and shedding . Switch your hair up to help prevent damage .
Excessive use of hair color / bleach ( chemicals ): Over use of any chemical will cause shedding , breakage , dryness , split ends and hair loss . Chemically processed hair has a procedure that must be followed . It is recommended that chemical products be used every 6 to 8 weeks ; however , that also depends on the condition of the hair . Always follow the manufacturer ’ s instructions or seek out the advice of a professional stylist .
Too much of a good thing : Do not use good products in excess or do more than the product recommends . Too much of a good thing can also be bad .
Poor eating habits : What we eat can certainly show up in our hair . Our diets need protein , vitamins , mineral , iron and nutrients which all work towards having healthy hair . Certain medications we take can also have an effect on our hair ’ s growth . Sometimes with weight , loss comes hair loss . A calorie­deprived diet can contribute to hair loss and shedding , along with stress .
Remember , healthy hair habits starts with you , not at the salon . Know your hair and the products that work for it .
Happy Healthy Hair !
Yolanda Matthews­Porter Multi­Licensed Cosmetologist / Makeup Artist beautynmore @ gmail . com www . facebook . com / thecosmetologycoach
www . realliferealfaithmagazine . com