It’s Time to Give Your Hair A Break
You’re probably known as the person who’s always switching up her look and rocking each style effortlessly.
But how do you know when it’s time to relax and give your hair a break?
There are a few signs that you will start to notice whether you’re dealing with heat styles, protective styles, or even traditional braid styles.
How to Know If You’re Stressing Your Hair
Before getting into the different ways you can give your hair a break, here are a few signs to tell if you’re stressing your hair and causing too much tension on your scalp and ends:- You’re noticing more split ends than before
- Your hair is shedding, and that’s never happened for you
- You see bumps from braided styles, usually around the edges of your hair
- Your hair is losing shine and seems a lot duller in color
If you’re starting to see breakage, signs of heat damage or your hair is beginning to dry out and have a crisp texture; it’s time to give your hair a break.
Let’s explore a few ways your hair can rest and why this will benefit you in the long run.
No Heat Styling Tools for A While
Go heat free for a while and give your hair the break it needs to flourish and let your natural texture breathe.
While a silk press is beautiful to look at and easier to maintain, the damage that consistent heat on your hair can do is sometimes irreversible. The break from heat styling tools doesn’t have to be too long; it varies depending on the person.
Some women go up to six months with no heat on their hair while others give themselves about two weeks to a month without putting heat on their hair. Find a time length works for you and incorporate natural hairstyles.
Styles like twist outs, rod sets, or even buns that will allow your hair to breathe and rejuvenate.
Release The Tension and Take A Break From Your Weave
If you’re a lover of bundles, it may be hard to break away from your go-to style, but it’s necessary.
With weaves and sew in, it’s important to take breaks due to the tension the braided foundation can cause on your scalp. Even if your braids aren’t feeling tight, the constant pulling and tugging at your scalp can cause breakage damage to your hair.
Give your hair a break from weave for at least a month and rock natural styles or wigs. With wigs, you’re able to have a free range with the foundation of your hair underneath. You can utilize flat twists or place your hair in a sleek bun.
Your hair just needs to be a flat for a flawless wig look.
Breakaway From Braids
Who doesn’t love a fresh set of box braids?!
Box braids are perfect for every season and are versatile with the many ways you can style them. It’s great to give your hair a break from this protective style. For starters, don’t keep your braids in for longer than two months. There is so much build-up and dirt that can do damage to your scalp.
A break from braids is also necessary due to the constant pulling on your edges that can lead to breakage and scalp irritation. Let your hair breathe for a few weeks before getting your next braided style.
Try doing a wash and go or a top knot bun that won’t put too much stress on your hair.
Buns Are Always A Good Option
No matter your style, take a massive break from the hairstyles you love and rock a simple high bun.
Low and sleek buns are also a good option to wear when giving your hair a break. Buns are very simple and don’t cause stress to your hair or edges. With a few simple products, a bun style is easy to create and won't take much time to do.
Your bun can last you for at least a week before it needs to have a touch-up. Be sure to tie down your edges for a flawless and clean look. If you want to get fancy with your bun style, add in some braiding hair for a more voluminous look or let the hair hang and rock a high ponytail.
Enjoy this style for a few weeks before going back to the salon or a protective style.
Give Your Hair A Break With Treatments
Besides breaking away from different styles, you can also treat your hair and rejuvenate your hair by incorporating some of these easy to use methods:
Try a hair mask:
When giving your hair a break, be sure to include a hair mask to restore nutrients and hydration. You may have lost nutrients when your hair was braided up or undergoing lots of heat. Most hair masks are available at your local beauty supply store, and different brands have different ingredients based on what your needs are.
Skip out on the color:
While a pop of color is always fun and exciting, it can cause more damage to your hair than most hairstyles.
The chemicals that go into changing your hair’s color are harmful. If you’re not conditioning and moisturizing correctly, you can start to experience damage and breakage. If you already have color in your hair, hold off on getting a touch-up.
Take some time between appointments to look into products that will keep the existing color vibrant.
Hair Breaks Are Healthy
Health is wealth.
If your hair isn’t getting the necessary breaks it needs from the heat tools and braid styles, you may be stagnating your growth and health. No matter the length of time you choose to give your hair a break, always be sure to maintain moisture and get the proper treatments needed to keep nutrients stored.
It may seem like a task to go without protective styles and rock simple hairdos like buns, ponytails, and twist outs.
But it is more beneficial in the long run to let your hair breathe so that it will flourish long term.
FAQs About Giving Your Hair a Break!
Why is it important for black women to give their hair a break, and what are the signs that their hair needs it?
Giving hair a break is essential for black women due to the susceptibility of their hair to breakage, dryness, and damage from styling practices like heat styling, chemical treatments, and tight hairstyles.
Signs that the hair needs a rest include noticeable hair breakage, excessive shedding, dry and brittle strands, an itchy or flaky scalp, and hair that no longer responds well to usual care routines.
Taking a break from these stressors allows the hair to recover, retain moisture, and maintain its strength.
What are some effective ways black women can give their hair a break?
There are several effective strategies for black women to give their hair a well-deserved rest:
- Embrace Protective Styles: Opt for low-maintenance hairstyles that protect the ends of your hair from damage and breakage, such as twists, braids, or updos that don't pull on the scalp.
- Minimize Heat Styling: Reduce the use of hot tools like flat irons or curling wands. If heat styling is necessary, always use a heat protectant and keep the temperature low.
- Avoid Chemical Treatments: Take breaks from chemical relaxers or dyes to prevent over-processing, which can lead to damage and hair loss.
- Incorporate Gentle Handling: Use wide-tooth combs for detangling, avoid brushing hair when it's wet, and handle your hair gently to minimize stress and breakage.
- Deep Conditioning Treatments: Regular deep conditioning can replenish moisture and strengthen hair. Look for products with natural oils and butters that are beneficial for African hair textures.
- Glueless Wigs: They are easy on and easy off without the need for adhesives. Glueless Wigs are a popular choice for a protective style.
How can black women incorporate scalp care into their routine when giving their hair a break?
Scalp health is foundational to hair health, especially for black women. To nurture the scalp:
- Regular Scalp Cleansing: Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse the scalp without stripping it of natural oils. Consider a clarifying shampoo once a month if you use a lot of products.
- Scalp Massages: Regular scalp massages can stimulate blood circulation, supporting healthier hair growth. Use natural oils like jojoba, coconut, or castor oil to nourish the scalp during the massage.
- Maintain Moisture: A healthy scalp needs to be moisturized. After washing, apply a light, natural oil or leave-in conditioner to keep the scalp hydrated without clogging pores.
- Avoid Tight Hairstyles: Protective styles are beneficial, but ensure they're not too tight. Styles that pull on the scalp can lead to traction alopecia, a form of hair loss.
