Nape Breakage Rescue
Brushing & Combing
Too much detangling can create unnecessary stress on nape hair that is usually finer and weaker than the rest of our hair. Use your fingers instead.
Certain Clothing Fabrics
The fibers can easily trap your nape hair, and every time you move your head, your strands can be pulled and tugged, which will eventually break them.
Avoid cowl neck tops, turtlenecks and shirts that rub against your nape or if they’re made of wool.
Excessive Heat
Turn down the heat when flat ironing or blow-drying your nape. Remember that hair burns at anything over 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Whenever you decide to flat iron or blow dry your hair for stretching purposes, use a heat-protectant serum like Pantene’s Natural Shine Serum or Eco Styler Olive Oil Serum.
Processing Hair
When applying chemicals to the hair like a texturizer or bleach, be mindful of the fact that some areas are weaker than others and more susceptible to breakage.
Tight ponytails
Avoid securing your ponytails too tightly, as it puts tension on the nape of the hair which leads to breakage.
NOT Giving Protective Styles a Chance
Allowing your nape hair to avoid the rigors of styling will allow it to strengthen and grow. Just make sure to still pay attention to the roots of your natural hair and continue to clarify as often as you would if your complete hair was exposed.
Sleeping on cotton
Always cover your hair at night with a silk or satin bonnet when you sleep to prevent damage from friction and dryness. This will keep the friction between your cotton pillow and your nape at a minimum.
Not Moisturizing Enough
Moisturize your nape hair more than the rest of your hair. If needed, moisturize it daily or twice daily to prevent breakage due to dryness. Use something like SheaMoisture Extra Moisture Transitioning Milk or Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Softening Butter.
Skipping the Pre Poo Step
Massage your scalp with castor oil as many curlies have claimed that it has helped to stimulating growth in damaged areas. It is also helpful for loosening up tangles and prevention that replenishing hair of its natural oils that might be stripped during the washing process.