One of the key aspects of textured haircare is understanding and preventing the various types of damages it can endure. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore mechanical damage, how to recognize the signs of this type of damage, and effective strategies for prevention & protection.

Mechanical Damage:

Mechanical damage occurs due to physical actions that stress the hair shaft. Brushing, tight retwisting, tight hairstyles, and friction from clothing can lead to breakage, split ends, and overall weakening of the hair.

Often underestimated, mechanical damage is a significant contributor to hair weakening and breakage in coils, locs & curl hair. This type of damage occurs due to physical manual actions that directly stress the hair shaft, leading to structural alterations and diminished hair strength over time.

What are these physical actions, you may ask?

1- Brushing and Combing:

When brushing or combing your curly or coily hair, especially when wet, excessive force can cause the hair fibers to stretch beyond their elastic limit. This overstretching leads to the disruption of the hydrogen bonds that hold the hair's protein structure together. As a result, the hair becomes more prone to breakage and split ends.

• Tight Locs & Hairstyles:

Tight locs and tight hairstyles such as tight high ponytails, braids, or buns exert constant tension on the hair follicles. This tension can lead to extreme conditions known as traction alopecia, characterized by gradual hair loss due to the repeated pulling force on the hair roots.

 

Additionally, tight locs and hairstyles can compress the hair shaft, leading to decreased blood circulation to the scalp and nutrient deprivation for the hair follicles. In the case of locs, tight retwisting or styling can not only cause growth deprivation, as well as thinning of the locs and in exteme cases fall-out. 

 

 

• Friction from Clothing:

Friction between textured hair and clothing, particularly rough or abrasive fabrics, can cause mechanical damage over time. Constant rubbing can weaken the hair cuticle, leading to increased porosity and moisture loss. Additionally, friction can create frictional forces that weaken the hair shaft, making it more susceptible to breakage and split ends.

                                        Microscopic view of a Mid-shaft hair breakage 

 

 

Scientifically, mechanical damage weakens the hair by disrupting its structural integrity at the molecular level. The hair shaft is composed of overlapping layers of cuticle cells, which serve as a protective barrier for the inner cortex. Mechanical stressors such as brushing, combing, and tight locs & hairstyles can cause the cuticle scales to lift and become damaged, exposing the cortex to environmental factors and further damage.

 

 

Repeated mechanical stress can lead to fatigue failure in the hair fibers, where the fibers weaken and ultimately break under repetitive loading. This weakening occurs due to the accumulation of micro-damage within the hair structure, compromising its tensile strength and flexibility.

Recognizing the Damage: 

Now that we dived deep into the damage and science behind it, here is a quick list you can use to recognize the different symptoms of mechanical damage directly on your coils, curls & textured hair:

Mechanical Damage Symptoms:

- Split ends

- Hair breakage, especially along the hairline or ends

- Tangling and knots

- Uneven texture or roughness

 

Mechanical damage can be prevented with these mindful haircare practices:

1- Gentle Detangling Techniques for curly and coily hair: Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle wet hair gently, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. Avoid using fine-tooth combs or brushes, especially on wet hair, as they can cause excessive pulling and breakage.

 

 

2- Avoid Tight Hairstyles: Opt for protective styles like loose braids, twists, or buns that distribute tension evenly across the hair. Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the hair follicles in one area, which may lead to traction alopecia and breakage along the hairline.

3- Use Protective Accessories: Incorporate accessories like silk or satin scrunchies, hair ties, or headbands that are gentle on the hair and reduce friction. Avoid using rubber bands or metal clips, as they can cause damage and breakage when pulling or snagging on the hair.

 

 

Healing and Repairing Measures:

1. Deep Conditioning: Regularly use deep conditioning treatments enriched with moisturizing and strengthening ingredients to repair mechanical damage and restore moisture to the hair. Look for products containing ingredients like protein, keratin, or shea butter to strengthen and protect damaged strands.

2. Trimming: Schedule regular trims every 6-8 weeks to remove split ends and prevent further damage from traveling up the hair shaft. Trimming helps maintain the overall health and appearance of the hair, promoting stronger, more resilient strands.

3. Scalp Oiling & Massaging : Incorporate a nourishing, protective & healing serum and take your time to include massaging into your haircare routine to improve blood circulation and promote healthy hair growth. Use gentle, circular motions to stimulate the scalp and distribute natural oils, which nourish and protect the hair from mechanical damage.

4. Protective Styling Techniques: When styling your hair, use techniques that minimize manipulation and tension on the hair shaft. Avoid pulling or twisting the hair tightly and opt for styles that allow the hair to rest and recover, such as low manipulation styles or protective updos.

By incorporating these preventative and healing measures into your haircare routine, you can effectively protect your coily, curly hair and locs from mechanical damage and promote its overall health and resilience. Remember to be gentle with your hair, listen to its needs, and give it the care and attention it deserves to thrive.