When it comes to hair damage for most of us we think of things like improper use of heat or double processing with chemicals. Well at least that’s what I thought.
When I first started my hair journey, around 3 ½ years ago, after reading information from site after site I felt like I was well equipped with the tools that I needed to retain unimaginable lengths (okay I’m over exaggerating … but I had a mission dang gonnit! ahaha). Here was my regimen at the time:
Prepoo 1x a week
Wash 1x a week,
Cowash* 2x a week,
Deep Condition 1x a week,
Moisturize and Seal 2x daily
Protein Treatment 1x a month
On top of this I would use a wide tooth comb* about twice a week and redo my bun every two days and I would trim every 3 months. While I was retaining length, I wasn’t retaining as much as I should have been.
I didn’t understand. Why was I not retaining when I was doing everything right? Well, that’s when I learned that my regimen might have been too much for my strands and that mechanical damage was probably the culprit.
What is Mechanical Damage?
Mechanical Damage is damage caused to the hair strands through manipulation whether it be through combing, styling or deep conditioning*. Normally mechanical handling of the hair or manipulation done properly does not affect hair retention to any great extent but this “normal” can vary widely from person to person.
As is to be expected though, every time we touch our hair be it to style, wash or detangle we risk mechanical damage since the protein bonds, of which our hair is made, can be so easily damaged.
So clearly some damage is to be expected but when it comes to the point where you are doing everything correctly and there is still no exceptional retention, you may be doing more to your hair than it can handle. If this is the case for you, following we have listed 6 tips to reduce mechanical manipulation to increase retention.
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.