Signs of damaged hair

Damaged hair is not quickly recognisable. Often times products are targeted towards damaged hair but how exactly does one know their hair is damaged?

Innocent Mugisha a hairdresser says that there are some tell-tale signs which indicate damage. 

"The first and most common sign is breakage. If your hair sheds more than usual it could be suffering.  This usually happens along the hairline but can also be seen in the middle of the hair," he says. 

Obviously breakage reduces length and volume. It can be caused by hormonal changes for example in most breastfeeding mothers or it can be from poor haircare regimens or even rough handling of the hair like plaiting very tight hairstyles or combing the hair roughly.

Another common sign of damaged hair is discoloration. In this case, Paul Kamya another professional hairdresser says the natural dark hair colour fades and it turns brown.

"This is usually caused by use of wrong products or mishandling. For example, if relaxer is not washed out thoroughly using the correct shampoo, the residue discolors the hair. Poor diet, some medication can cause this too," he adds.

Stunted growth is not a good sign for hair. Mugisha says that hair grows about an inch or an inch and a half each month. 

" We also shed some strands but if the hair is not increasing in length and volume something is wrong. It could be especially caused by poor diet, poor scalp health, or inappropriate products," he explains and further adds," if for example, relaxer has burnt the scalp, there will be an open wound which later develops a scab. That part, while still under healing will have reduced hair and a patch until the scab falls off and the skin is restored."

If the hair is damaged, Kamya advises, first of all ceasing any form of manipulation. 

"Plaiting braids, twists, and cornrows should stop immediately because they add to the stress of the hair. If there is a product that you have been using which is damaging your hair immediately discontinue use," he says.

Secondly, seek the advice of a professional hairdresser. Mugisha says some extreme cases may require cutting off the damaged bits to allow for healthy hair growth. This he says can be done artistically in form of a hairstyle so that the wearer still looks good. 

Avoid colouring your hair if it is damaged because hair dyes are strenuous to the shaft. The objective is to try and grow the hair back to its original state as much as possible before any other measures can be taken.

Lastly, Kamya recommends patience. 

" Hair damage is repairable but it takes time," he says.