Hair smoothening treatments are popular for achieving sleek, straight, and manageable hair. However, many people experience hair fall following these treatments. Understanding how to mitigate this issue is crucial for maintaining healthy hair. This comprehensive guide explores the reasons behind post-smoothening hair fall and provides effective strategies to combat it.
Understanding Hair Smoothening and Its Impact
Hair smoothening treatments involve the use of chemical agents to break down the hair’s natural structure and realign it for a smoother appearance. Common treatments include keratin smoothening, Brazilian blowout, and cysteine treatments. While these methods can yield desirable results, the chemicals used can weaken hair strands, leading to hair fall.
Why Does Hair Fall Occur After Hair Smoothening?
1. Chemical Damage: The primary reason for hair fall post-smoothening is chemical damage. The strong chemicals used in these treatments can weaken the hair shaft, making it more prone to breakage.
2. Heat Damage: Smoothening treatments often involve heat application to lock in the chemicals, which can further weaken the hair and cause it to become brittle.
3. Altered Hair Structure: The natural structure of the hair is altered during the smoothening process, which can make it more susceptible to external damage and hair fall.
4. Improper Aftercare: Lack of proper hair care post-treatment can exacerbate hair fall. Neglecting to follow recommended aftercare practices can lead to increased damage and breakage.
Effective Strategies to Prevent Hair Fall After Smoothening
1. Gentle Hair Care Routine
Adopting a gentle hair care routine is essential for minimizing hair fall.
Use Mild Shampoos and Conditioners: Choose sulfate-free and paraben-free products to avoid further chemical exposure. Look for shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for chemically treated hair.
Avoid Frequent Washing: Washing your hair too often can strip it of natural oils, leading to dryness and increased breakage. Aim to wash your hair 2-3 times a week.
Cold Water Rinse: Use cold water for the final rinse to help seal the hair cuticles, making the hair smoother and reducing the risk of damage.
2. Deep Conditioning Treatments
Deep conditioning treatments can restore moisture and strength to chemically treated hair.
DIY Hair Masks: Use natural ingredients like coconut oil, olive oil, and aloe vera to create nourishing hair masks. Apply these masks once a week to maintain hair health.
Leave-in Conditioners: Incorporate leave-in conditioners into your routine to provide continuous hydration and protection.
Protein Treatments: Use protein-rich treatments to strengthen the hair shaft. Products containing keratin, silk proteins, and amino acids can be particularly beneficial.
3. Minimize Heat Styling
Excessive heat styling can exacerbate hair fall. Here are some tips to reduce heat damage:
Air Drying: Allow your hair to air dry whenever possible. If you must use a blow dryer, use the cool setting.
Heat Protectant Sprays: Always apply a heat protectant spray before using any heat styling tools.
Limit Heat Styling Tools: Reduce the frequency of using flat irons, curling irons, and other heat styling tools.
4. Healthy Diet and Supplements
A balanced diet and the right supplements can promote hair health from within.
Nutrient-Rich Foods: Consume a diet rich in vitamins and minerals essential for hair health. Include foods high in biotin, vitamin E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.
See Also: How Can I Protect My Hair from the Sun: What You Need to Know
Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your hair hydrated from the inside out.
Supplements: Consider taking hair growth supplements that contain biotin, collagen, and other essential nutrients.
5. Regular Trims
Regular trims can prevent split ends and breakage, reducing overall hair fall.
Trimming Frequency: Schedule trims every 6-8 weeks to maintain healthy hair ends.
Professional Cuts: Ensure that trims are done by a professional to avoid uneven cuts that can lead to further damage.
6. Avoid Chemical Treatments
After smoothening, it’s crucial to avoid additional chemical treatments that can compound hair damage.
Hair Coloring: If you need to color your hair, opt for ammonia-free and semi-permanent dyes. It’s best to wait at least 6-8 weeks after smoothening before coloring your hair.
Other Treatments: Avoid overlapping chemical treatments like perming, relaxing, or rebonding, as they can cause severe damage to already weakened hair.
7. Proper Hair Accessories
Using the right hair accessories can prevent unnecessary stress on your hair.
Soft Hair Ties: Use fabric-covered or silk hair ties instead of elastic bands to prevent breakage.
Wide-Toothed Combs: Detangle your hair with a wide-toothed comb to minimize breakage.
Silk Pillowcases: Switch to silk pillowcases to reduce friction and prevent hair breakage while you sleep.
Post-Smoothening Hair Care Routine
Daily Care
1. Gentle Detangling: Start by gently detangling your hair with a wide-toothed comb or a detangling brush to prevent breakage.
2. Hydration: Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair serum to keep your hair hydrated throughout the day.
3. Protection: Protect your hair from environmental factors like UV rays and pollution by using protective hairstyles or wearing a hat.
Weekly Care
1. Deep Conditioning: Use a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask once a week to restore moisture and strength.
2. Scalp Massage: Perform a scalp massage with nourishing oils like coconut oil or almond oil to stimulate blood circulation and promote hair growth.
Monthly Care
1. Protein Treatment: Incorporate a protein treatment into your routine once a month to strengthen the hair shaft.
2. Trimming: Schedule regular trims every 6-8 weeks to maintain healthy ends and prevent split ends.
Conclusion
Hair fall after hair smoothening can be a distressing experience, but with the right care and attention, it can be effectively managed. By adopting a gentle hair care routine, incorporating deep conditioning treatments, minimizing heat styling, maintaining a healthy diet, and using proper hair accessories, you can significantly reduce hair fall and maintain the health and beauty of your smoothened hair. Remember, consistency is key, and with patience and diligence, you can enjoy the benefits of smooth, sleek hair without the worry of excessive hair fall.
