Ways To Strengthen Your Hair

By Choya Randolph

You know what sucks? Having brittle hair. It takes a toll on your confidence and it looks horrible. Who wants to rock their natural hair if it’s noticeably damaged? If you notice that your hair is weaker than SWV’s knees, something must be done. Here are ways to turn those brittle strands into “stiff where?”

Protein Treatments

If your hair is looking wimpy, you may want to get a protein treatment. Protein treatments are like deep conditioners on steroids. To get scientific, hair is mostly made up of a protein called keratin. When using a protein treatment, the proteins will bind on your hair cuticles which can make your hair stronger and healthier. They also have conditioning properties to leave your hair feeling stronger and softer.

You can buy protein treatments at your local beauty supply store or make your own protein treatments. After using a protein treatment, you’ll notice a difference in your hair immediately but do not overdo it. Protein treatments should be used once a month unless your hair is extremely damaged. If that’s the case, go see a professional sis. 

Hair Masks

Once you notice that your hair is not as strong as it used to be, the first thing you may want to do is whip out the deep conditioner. Though a deep conditioner can do your hair some good, you may want to use a hair mask instead. Hair masks are like deep conditioners but they have reparative properties. Deep conditioners condition and soften the hair while hair masks strengthen and repair the hair. They work a little bit harder to hydrate and restore your hair. Consider them intense deep conditioners.

Another great thing about hair masks is that they tend to have smaller particles compared to deep conditioners which makes it easier for the hair cuticles to absorb the product. This is great for those with low porosity hair. They also tend to be the same price as deep conditioners so you won’t have to worry about spending a big coin on your hair mask. Once you replace your deep conditioner with a hair mask, you’ll notice a difference in your hair in about a month, maybe even sooner.

Scalp Massages

You may have enjoyed a relaxing back massage but have you ever gotten a scalp massage? It is a game changer. It has the energy of using a q-tip on your ears. Take your favorite oil and gently massage it in your scalp. If you don’t want to get your fingers oily, you can buy scalp massagers online. Sometimes they get the job done better than our fingers. Plus, they’re affordable. 

Not only do scalp massages feel good, they enhance blood circulation which can promote thicker hair and growth. When battling weak hair, you want to make sure your roots are taken care of and scalp massages can do that. It’s like taking your scalp to the spa. If you’re struggling with finding an oil to use for your scalp massages, avoid thick oils as the friction could lead to hair loss. Go with oils that have a similar consistency of your scalp’s natural oil. These oils include jojoba oil, coconut oil, and argan oil.

Aloe Vera

If you haven’t heard about the greatness of aloe vera gel, sis you missing out! Aloe vera is a succulent plant used agriculturally and medicinally. Inside the succulent is aloe vera gel. This gel has been used for thousands of years to treat skin disorders. Just like it helps our skin, it can help our scalps. It soothes the scalp which reduces dandruff and combats hair loss. If you’ve oiled your scalp a little too well, aloe vera gel can unblock the hair follicles to get rid of that excessive oil. 

Aloe vera gel may sound like it only benefits our scalp but it also can condition your hair. One con of having brittle hair is that you don’t see your hair pattern because your hair is most likely damaged. Living up to the “gel” part of its name, aloe vera gel’s conditioning properties can bring out the definition in your curls. You can put aloe vera gel in your hair and leave it in overnight before wash day. You’ll wake up with super soft hair but make sure you wash it out. 

If none of these steps strengthen your hair, please see a hair stylist or dermatologist. Though having weak or damaged hair isn’t fun, remember that it’s just hair. If you need to do the big chop and start over, there’s nothing wrong with that. The natural hair journey is a journey about healthy hair and self love. If you made a wrong turn somewhere, you can always start the journey over and arrive at a place where your crown is healthy.