When Hair in the Back Keeps Breaking

Culprits: wrong comb, no protein and improper
styling technique.

"A - is  for apple; J - is for jack; you ain't got no hair in the back!" Is one of those cruel teasing songs that some of the kids would sing as they taunted girls whose hair was either short or broken off in the back.

This blog ndogo aims to capture the culprits to hair breakage, hair damage in the back and what can be done to revitalize the back of the hair. The back of the hair, for many, is the most difficult part of caring for and styling the entire head of hair. The back of the hair for many is actually a different texture and for others there is typically a "false read" on the back of the hair as a result of not combing it properly, using the wrong comb or and using the wrong hair care products. 

For the sake of not writing a long blog, I'll define the "back of the hair" as the part of the hair that

Culprits: not combing hair frequently throughout
the day, the wrong comb, the wrong product and
improper styling technique, not drinking enough water and
not boo booing.

is below the occipital (the ball of the head). The back of the hair typically can be difficult to manage when texture (curly, kinky or wavy) and length is involved. The first and foremost important part of caring for hair in the back is making sure that the scalp is flake free. Make sure the hair does not have product build up (a white/gray cast on the hair or a pasty sticky feel to the hair) on it. When the hair is NOT properly cleaned the hair will stretch, tear and snap as a result of product build up. 

Here are my instructions to revitalize your hair in the back. To ensure the back of the hair is clean, FIRST, apply ample amounts conditioner or a detangler to the back area. Second, use a comb out comb (use a comb out comb with longer teeth, if you have dense or long hair) to detangle the hair thoroughly. The hair should comb through and be free of snarls and tangles. Third, section the hair from left to right (going horizontal) across the back. Fourth, apply a small amount of shampoo and with the balls of your fingers; scrub scalp vigorously, gently cleanse the midshaft and the ends. Repeat the step until the scalp feels tingly. The more the hair becomes clean; the more it will lather, feel springy and comb through. Be sure to look and feel for all three indicators. Just because your hair lathers, does not mean it is clean; so be sure to look for all three indicators.

Best protein in the world!
Perfect for every texture and lengthe

Now that the back of the hair is clean. Condition it with your favorite conditioner and follow up with a protein spray. Yes, X-Treme Daily Repair by Philip Pelusi remains the best on the market. Let both sit for 3-5 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Do not let the products sit beyond the directions. If you let the product sit longer, you risk over softening the hair and it will tear easily during the combing and styling process.

Ok, so your hair is clean and conditioned; now properly style it to your hearts content. If you are going to blow dry your hair. The proper way to do it is in small sections working your way from the back to the front using a Denman brush; not the blow dryer attachment (the heat is too intense for most textures). If you are going to wrap it; use ample amount of wrap product to ensure a smooth and sleek style. If you are going to braid, twists or coil it; apply ample amount of styling cream, gel or mousse (which ever you like). Next apply olive or grapeseed oil to the ends, section hair accordingly, use the proper comb to comb through the section you want to braid, twist or coil and then proceed to finish your look. Please pay close attention to finishing your look meticulously by making sure the ends of the style are secure and COATED. When the ends are not coated, breakage and loss of length are the immediate consequence.

Lastly, nothing will enhance your hair care and styling practices like drinking ample amounts of

Culprits: Definitely not drinking enough water, not getting
hair cut regularly and the wrong comb.

water and eating properly. Water is responsible for your hair being pliable, strong and shiny. Having regular bowel movements are a absolute must in assuring the back of the hair remains strong and long. In wholistic wellness, the gall bladder (where bile or boo boo is made) is associated with the back of the hair; so getting on the toilet to release toxins are key! Keeping your ends cut or trimmed on a scheduled basis reduces the likelihood of your ends splitting and breaking. 

Perfect comb for dense and textured
heads of hair. And is great for
medium to long hair.

When hair in the back keeps breaking, be sure to follow the above mentioned steps and I assure you stronger, longer hair will be the result.