From heat damage to flaky scalps: 6 hair blunders and how to fix them

News24

03-06-2025

So, your hairstylist isn't available, and you've managed to reverse the amazing work she's been doing for months? Don't worry, we've got you covered.
1. Tight plaits
Ever walked out of the hair salon looking snatched, but feeling that tingling on your scalp and just shrugging it off, thinking it will pass?
Fast-forward to bedtime and your scalp feels like it's on fire and you're about to rip the braids off or fetch your child's paper scissor to help you. The slightest tinge of pulling or tightness at the salon must be met with a stern, 'please undo that plait immediately'. Remember, losing your hair to traction alopecia is not reversible! We recommend that you undo the braids ASAP. But if you choose to soldier on, then wash your hair in warm water, apply a leave-in conditioner and don't tie it up.
2. Flaky scalp and itchiness
The tricky part about solving this problem is that products specifically targeting it will oftentimes dry out the hair. This then becomes a catch-22 situation. Well, this is what we recommend. Double up – alternate between an anti-fungal shampoo and a moisturizing one.
For the anti-fungal product, look out for ingredients like ketoconazole and zinc pyrithione. For the moisturising shampoo, ingredients like shea butter and oils will do.
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Ever wondered why Nomalanga Shozi always rocks big hair? Well, here's your answer. #truelovemagazine #nomalangashozi #truelovehair
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3. Losing hair
Your hair may fall off because of several reasons – from heightened levels of stress and a change in products to styling tools and hormonal fluctuations. But if you're certain the reason it's clogging up the shower drain is from skipping that necessary treatment or visit to your stylist because you thought you could manage at home, we can help you. But first, ditch heat styling tools and those products that might break your hair. Let it dry out naturally.
Your scalp will also need TLC, so get a scalp oil or hot oil treatment. And, you'll be wrong to assume not washing your hair will mean less loss. Look for shampoos and conditioners that are sulphate-free and free of parabens. Lastly, try beauty from the inside out, with a supplement that promotes hair growth and curbs further loss.
4. Over processing
Say, you walk down the hair aisle and bat twice at the at-home relaxer kit. If you buy it, you might treat yourself to lunch because you saved cash. Well, at-home relaxer kits are safe, but only if you follow the instructions carefully – the strand test, time as well as dos and don'ts.
Fast-forward to the aftermath and your hair doesn't look like that of the model on the box. The first thing your strands need is a protein (keratin) treatment. But be careful because too much protein can dry it out and lead to breakage.
To balance out the protein, alternate with a deep hydration treatment or mask. If this doesn't help, maybe it's time for a pixie cut.
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Wendy Gumede, actress and the new face and voice of Dark and Lovely's #PurpleRange shares a tip for all the relaxed hair girlies. #wendyisdarkandlovely @Wendy Gumede @
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5. Colour blunders
Has your attempt to DIY Kelis-inspired ombre blue and blonde hair failed? Of course, it did! Complicated colour techniques, like ombre, and even highlights, should be left to colourists. But for a simple one-dimensional shade or should chopping your hair off fail, then go for it.
For those hair fails, here's what you can do till your stylist can slot you in. Don't colour it again! If the colour is too dark, wash it a few more times. If blonde goes a little orange, use a purple toned shampoo.
6. Heat damage
If your style needs regular heat styling with either a blow-dryer or flat iron, or sometimes even both, you need to be aware that you can damage your hair. Treatment is better than cure, so invest in a heat protectant product that you can apply before styling.
Use a protein treatment to strengthen the hair weekly. Also, a bond builder is a great addition to your routine. Lastly, a smidge of hair oil on the tips of the ends will help make brittle split ends look more healthy.