1) Not wrapping hair in a silk scarf
“If you don’t wrap your hair before you go to bed, while you’re asleep the pillow will absorb the moisture from your hair and come morning it will appear dry, leading you to apply more products and heat in an attempt to banish frizz.”
Solution: “Wrap hair in a silk scarf. This will help ensure the moisture is retained, so you’re less likely to need to resort to heated appliances and extra product because your hair will already be beautifully hydrated.”
2) Washing hair in hot water
“Piping hot water dries out the hair and strips away moisture.”
Solution: “Washing tresses in warm water will still cleanse them effectively, plus it will help seal and be much more gentle on the cuticle, resulting in a happier head of hair.”
3) Not having regular treatments
“Afro and curly textures can struggle in the cold weather. What’s more, central heating can dry out the hair, leaving it dull and dehydrated.”
Solution: “It’s so important to apply a treatment every two weeks to rehydrate, strengthen, protect and maintain hair health. A rich oil in-salon treatment such as my signature Manketti Treatment is ideal.”
“In between professional in-salon treatments, apply AVEDA Dry Remedy Moisturising Masque to cleansed hair at home, then pop on the HEAT-TREAT Thermal Hair Conditioning Cap for two minutes. When warmed in the microwave before placing over the hair, the heat from the cap results in an adsorption rate of over 4 times what can be achieved at room temperature, helping to transform frizzy hair into shinier tresses.”
4) Blow-drying and ironing the hair too frequently
“Constant blow-drying and ironing can damage cuticles, split the strands and dry out the hair.”
Solution: “Rather than blow-drying and tonging, try roller setting instead. As this involves less direct heat being applied to the hair, this option is a kinder way of getting hair smooth. And remember, whenever you’re heat-styling your hair, always use protection first by applying a product such as the MIZANI Thermastrength Heat-Protecting Style Serum or AVEDA Smooth Infusion Glossing Straightener to help guard against damage.”
5) Not getting regular trims
“As tempting as it may be to hold on to the length, it can do more harm than good. The ends of your hair are old and have been subjected to brushing and heat so if you don’t trim them away, it won’t style well. What’s more, once the ends start to split, it travels up to mid-lengths causing the damage to spread.”
Solution: “If you want your hair to style, curl and hold better, have trims every six weeks. Once the damaged hair is removed, it will look and feel so much healthier.”
6) Not adding enough moisture
“Afro and mixed-race hair needs regular moisture to be added – especially during the colder months.”
Solution: “Just as you moisturize your skin try applying a good hydrating product like the MIZANI Butter Rich Deep Nourishing Hairdress daily to prevent hair from drying out. Don’t overload the hair with product though – just use a little bit more than you would during the summer. Two-three times a week apply a small amount of MIZANI H20 Intense Night-Time Treatment and wrap hair in a silk scarf before bed for added hydration.”
7) Having too many chemical treatments
“Excessive use of chemical treatments can dry the hair and incorrect application can cause damage.”
Solution: “Always have relaxers and colors applied professionally at a reputable salon. Rather than having six or seven relaxers throughout the year, try stretching out the frequency of application, for example, by having three or four but having steam treatments in between. An in-salon service such as MIZANI Fiberfyl will help soften the regrowth, prevent breakage, plus strengthen.”
8) Using the wrong hair bands
“With the blustery weather conditions at this time of year, it’s tempting to quickly tie hair back away from the wind and rain. However, using elastic or plastic bands will pull on the hair resulting in damaged cuticles, friction and stress.”
Solution: “Use bands covered in silk or satin. The smooth surface will help protect from breakage and damage, resulting in happier hair days whatever the weather.”