Keep your hair healthy and beautiful: 5 ways to stop hair damage and breakage

Hair care tips: Using heat tools like straighteners and curling irons can seriously damage your hair. The heat strips moisture, leaving your hair dry and prone to breakage (Image: Canva)

It's that time of the year again when festive celebrations are ongoing, and with them comes the excitement of trying out beautiful hairstyles to complement your festive outfits. However, frequent styling, heat tools, and harsh chemicals can lead to hair damage and breakage. You might find your hair feeling dry, brittle, and more prone to snapping. But with a little care, you can enjoy the festivities while keeping your hair healthy.

Hair breakage can occur for various reasons, including environmental stress, improper styling techniques, and overuse of heat and chemicals, says Deepali Bansal, CEO and Founder of Suroskie, a skincare brand. “When hair loses moisture, it becomes dry and weak, making it more susceptible to breaking. Aggressive brushing and tight hairstyles can also contribute to this problem,” she adds.

Understanding these causes will help you take proactive steps to protect your hair during the festive season. “Taking care of your hair during the festive season is just as important as choosing the right outfit. A little extra attention can go a long way in preventing damage and ensuring your hair remains as beautiful as your festive spirit,” Bansal suggests.

She lists the following tips to keep your mane healthy and strong:

• Avoid excessive heat styling: Using heat tools like straighteners and curling irons can seriously damage your hair. The heat strips moisture, leaving your hair dry and prone to breakage. If you need to use heat, apply a heat protectant spray first to help shield your hair.

• Be gentle when brushing or detangling: Brushing or combing your hair too hard can cause breakage. Use a wide-toothed comb or a soft-bristle brush to gently detangle your hair. Start from the ends and work your way up to avoid pulling.

• Section your hair when styling: One common mistake is not sectioning hair when styling. Sectioning your hair helps distribute heat more evenly and reduces the chance of breakage. It also makes styling easier and quicker.

• Apply heat protection spray every time you style: If you use heat styling tools, always use heat protection spray. It helps prevent damage and keeps your hair moisturised for a smoother finish. Protecting your hair is essential when blow-drying, straightening, or curling.

• Protect your hair at night: After a day of festive styling, protect your hair while you sleep. Cotton pillowcases can create friction, causing breakage and tangles. Switch to silk or satin pillowcases to help your hair slide smoothly as you move at night.