4. Omit Combs, Brushes, etc.
This is one of the most important steps in reducing mechanical damage. Every time we use combs, Denman brushes*, tangle teezers*, or whatever other hair tool that’s out there, we weaken our hair strands more and more.
While these tools are great at quick detangling and demolishing the amount of shed hairs that are present, if you are doing everything right and still not seeing the progress that you want to see this may very well be the culprit.
If this is the case, then you may want to venture off to the finger detangling side of things.
For a lot of women, natural, relaxed, and all in between, this has been the missing link. By finger detangling most women have reported less breakage and with less breakage come better retention over time.
If you’ve never tried finger detangling, give it a go. For some it takes a while to get the hang of it, but be patient and keep trying and once you do get a hang of it this might be the best thing to happen in your healthy hair regimen.
5. Wear Long Lasting Hairstyles
Do you remember when you were a kid and mama would leave those braids in your hair for at least a good 3 weeks and you realized that even though she only used grease and water that your hair seemed healthier back then? Well that was beneficial for more than not having to worry about doing your hair; it was also a big part of your retention.
When our hair is in styles that allows for us to pipe down on our hand in hair syndrome, the payoff from this is immaculate. Two hairstyles that can allow for you to leave your hair alone for the maximum amount of time are braids and twists with or without extensions*. With these styles, no matter what your hair type is, you are reducing manipulation in styling from weekly to once every 3-8 weeks.
6. Stick To What Works
With so many new products and hair style techniques popping up with promises of making your hair regimen better it is very easy to want to include absolutely everything in your regimen.
Here’s my take on this: if you are still figuring out your regimen and still searching for a great technique that can enhance your hair regimen then by all means try as much as you can. But if you already have a regimen that is working well for you, then leave it be.
If you read my regimen that I followed in the very beginning of my healthy hair journey, you will notice that I pretty much had any and every hair practice in there.
I later found out that I was doing too much for MY hair. Now that same regimen may in fact be beneficial for someone else, but for me it wasn’t. I discovered that the the less the better. Just because something is a healthy hair practice, does not mean that it is needed in your hair routine.
So that’s it guys! I hope that the tips that we have provided can help reduce mechanical damage in your regimen.
Are you still at the learning stage of your healthy hair journey or do you have your regimen down?
Ruthelle Dzifa-Dzidzi Ruth I says
i Needed this!!thanks
Yvonne says
This was such a helpful article in my examining my regime to assist me in obtaining more length.
Mia Eubanks says
Just got a regimen down.
Prince PapiChulo says
Do yourselves a favour go to A Dominican Salon they do hair the natural and best way
Chelsea Crouch says
and let them burn my scalp beyond repair? no thanks
Janay Mitchell says
& all the heat they use dries out your hair, lets not forget **HEAT DAMAGE**
TToles says
Good info!
Angela Cochrane Palmer says
Thanks for the tips
Monica Taylor Collins says
still learning and it has been a year and I have not yet found the right hair care regimen for my hair. trying to stay natural , but my hair is so short and super nappy and sheds like crazy. ugh. I need help. :/
Tu Bella Mari says
LOL…NO DID IT
Juanita Howell says
reminds me of my daughter and her daughter lol
Prince PapiChulo says
Chelsea Crouch Sweety I own my own salon and deal with clients from all hair types so dont teach or chat here. Dominican women dont use relaxers and other garbage thank you and God bless
Jhana Gray says
Does any one know a good online site that delivers hair products to Australia coz I can’t find any good products
Prince PapiChulo says
I also sell hair, weaves, wigs, gels, natural oils and all other hair products
Chantell Immapeiceofwork Chew says
Im just learning. And starting from scratch at that. Literally
Renata Mckinney says
HAIR CONDITIONERS DOES JUST FINE
Nicole Alexandra Hooper says
Monica Taylor Collins hey hun. if your hair sheds in my opinion its because of dryness. plenty of moisture and protective hair styles. nappy hair means strong hair so use it to your advantage and use plenty of moisture. steam it and use things to help it grow such as braids, until it reaches a more manageable length. hope this helps and remember all hair is unique and fabulous.
Prú Sashà says
She isn’t straightening her hair she’s brushing it
Ruth Nunes says
have you tried Jamaican castor oil…that might help. They also say a lot of moisture. I am learning too and want to do it without the big chop:)will see what happens. Theres a wealth of information on these natural sites. Hang in there.
Yolonda Spead says
Don’t forget to use a satin pillowcase when sleeping, works wonders….
Majorly_Mojo says
“6. Stick To What Works” Definitely my favorite tip LOL, sometimes we get caught up in trying new things, constantly trying to find the next big thing that will wow us but in reality we may have already found it. LOL. I have revisited some last regimens and thought why did I ever stop doing this, this is when you need to sit down and reevaluate your life lol #js.
Shay Bailey says
I’m still learning I want to grow I’m having problems into what to use now know now since I had to do the 21/2 to 3 year plan my hair will be down my back trust no perms none of that all natural products that’s all from here on out!
Reshell Sanae'Marie Williams says
I’m starting from scratch.
Dacia Mackinnon says
Love this site!
koolkittychick says
I discovered most of these methods last year, and it made a world of difference. I retained about six inches of hair growth and went from APL to MBL in the space of a year. I hope to reach WL by my birthday, which is next May. Of all the tips, the finger detangling one was the turning point for me. Once I mastered that technique, my hair started retaining practically every inch I grew.
Chantal says
Ive added finger detangling to my routine which takes a bit more time but it does help in length retention. However, Im in a twa, and I cant seem to acheive second day hair so Im always re-twisting or re-bantu-ing every night which Im sure isnt good. By the end of the day my hair just shirnks back up to an fros with no definition….what can I do? I really wanna reduce manipulation of my hair
Danni says
Hi Chantal!
How large are you making your bantu knots and twists and how moisturized is your hair before hand? When I had a twa, I did my twists in medium small sizes and i did the rope twist method. Also make sure that your hair is really moisturized. When I did this on my 1-2 inch twa, i did not have to worry about redoing for a whole week. Another good tip is to not seperate them alot. If your seperate your twists once and loosen the hair by massaging your scalp. This makes it last alot longer as well. These are things that I find essential in making a twistout or bantu knot out last. Good Luck!
Josann F says
Learning….everyday!!
Kendi Harrall says
Reminds me of my mom when I was a kid. She would do my hair every 2 weeks. I mean the works! She being a beautician was great. My hair always looks so good. Never believed in perms and colors on hair. Just press and curl on special days and other days it was just wash and braided up. Now that will be my regimen.