brushing

Hair breakage is my nemesis. Years of monthly hair bleaching and constant styling using heated tools left my hair in a sorry state. Don’t get me wrong, I tried my best to take care of it, but the bleach eventually won the day. I had to surrender, reassess my hair colour choice and make sure I stuck to the best products to help bring my hair back to it’s former glory.

Breakage happens when your hair is just too brittle; from hair colouring, from the elements, styling etc., that it snaps right off. If this sound like you, I beg you to consider the following precautionary steps to avoid the avoidable. Your hair is the only hair you’ve got and I don’t imagine many of us would consider shaving it off and starting again. Just saying!

Tip 1: Go Sulphate-Free

If you find that your hair is dry, try avoiding sulphates in your shampoo, as they will dry it out even more. Sulphates can be harsh on the body as they emulsify and pry dirt and grime from your skin and hair. Look for the word SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate) in the ingredient list. If you find it, put it down and step away. Your hair will thank you for it.

Kérastase Aura Botanica Bain Shampoo 250ml is the ultimate sulphate free shampoo. Unlike most sulphate-free shampoos the sulphates have been replaced with natural origin agents to make sure your hair is truly nourished. Great for brittle hair types, obviously.

Tip 2: Protein is your friend

This one is good news for those of you who’ve jumped on the smashed avocado on toast train. Protein-rich foods help sustain hair growth and body. As with skin, hair health starts from within, so if you pay more attention to what you are feeding your body, you’ll see the results in your hair.

Tip 3: Step away from the heat

One of the biggest changes I’ve made has been to move away from my hair dryer a few days a week. All you need is a change in routine. I was stuck in a morning hair routine, which meant I was low on time so had to use my hairdryer. Thanks to a new set of products by Redken, I’ve been able to switch up my routine, and let my hair air dry. I just wash my hair in the evenings, towel dry a little and add in a bit of Redken No Blow Dry: Just Right Cream 150ml. I comb it through, part my hair as usual and just leave my hair to it. It’s been a revelation. My hair’s always dry by the morning, so I just brush through and add some curls in using a wand. I will always use Kérastase Resistance Ciment Thermique 150ml, a strengthening and anti-breakage milk for damaged hair straight after the Redken cream, to layer in the heat protection ready to use the wand in the morning.

I can’t recommend this step enough. Even doing it once a week will make a difference.

Tip 4: Reconsider your hair brush choice

Hair brushes have a lot to answer for when it comes to breakage. You need to make sure that you’re using a brush that is kind to the hair and that actually removes tangles and knots rather than just snapping them off. Say hello to a Tangle Teezer to keep your hair in the best condition. They are great for detangling wet and dry hair without any tugs or pulls, keeping breakage to a minimum.

Now there are obvious ways to stop hair breakage; such as not colouring your hair, never using straighteners or curling wands, but we all know that’s not feasible for 99% of us. Making a few simple changes, like I’ve mentioned above, will help save your hair and keep it in the best condition possible, without sacrificing style.

What are your anti-breakage tips?

xoxo

These days we are so focused on making sure we have the right products for our hair, that we always forget to pay attention to which tool we are using. You can buy the best products in the world, but if you are using the wrong brush, you’ll struggle to create your desired style. With so many different brushes available though, it can be confusing. Let me show you the best brushes for your style.

Best for Detangling = Tangle Teezer

Tangle Teezer’s uniquely designed teeth flex and flick as they glide through the hair, eliminating tangles and knots on contact, minimising breaking, splitting and damage caused by mistreatment. It’s perfect for all hair types and is recommended for fragile or colour-treated hair, hair extensions, weaves and children’s fine tangle-prone hair.

Best for Long or Thick Hair = Paddle brush

A paddle brush is a wide, flat brush. They won't tame frizz, or create a shape in the way that a round brush will but, if you have thick, long hair and want to dry it straight, a paddle brush is a good way to rough dry it and take out most of the moisture before you style with a round brush. Try Moroccanoil PADDLE P80 Ceramic Brush

Best for a Frizz-Free Finish = Large Barrel Brush

A large barrel brush is a must for any straight style. A large barrel brush grips hair better to helps distribute the hair's natural oils and gives a smooth, frizz-free finish. The larger the barrel, the better. Make sure to look out for a minimum diameter of 55mm, like Moroccanoil LARGE C55 Ceramic Barrel Brush

Best for creating volume = Small Barrel Brush

If you want to create volume very close to the roots and it's easiest to do that with a smaller-barrelled brush. Natural bristles are best and a diameter of around 40mm. I recommend GHD Natural Bristle Radial Brush Size 3 (44mm Barrel)

Best for styling a sleek bob = Styling Brush

If you don’t need or want much volume in your style, such as a pixie crop or a bob, then a styling brush is for you. The plastic bristles tend to be closer together than those on a paddle brush, meaning they offer slightly more grip and the smaller head is better for controlling shorter styles.

Best for daily brushing = Cushioned Brush

The cushioned base allows bristles to gently massage the scalp, improving the blood flow to the area, resulting in healthier hair.