Protect Your Edges: How Edge Control and Loc Gels Can Damage Your Hair
If you're a fan of protective styles like braids, twists, or locs, then you know that edge control and loc gels are essential for keeping your styles looking neat and polished. But did you know that some of these products can actually be harmful to your hair, causing damage and even hair loss? In this article, we'll explore the types of products that can pull out your hair when wearing a protective style and how to protect your hair from damage.
Edge Control Ingredients That Can Damage Your Hair
One of the most common culprits of hair damage is edge control. While these products are designed to smooth down your edges and keep your hair in place, some ingredients can actually cause your hair to break and fall out. Here are some common ingredients to look out for:
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Alcohol: Many edge control products contain alcohol, which can be very drying to the hair. When used in excess, alcohol can cause the hair to become brittle and prone to breakage.
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Petroleum: Some edge control products contain petroleum, which can clog the hair follicles and prevent healthy hair growth. This can lead to hair thinning and even hair loss over time.
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Chemicals: Certain chemicals found in edge control products, such as sodium hydroxide and ammonium thioglycolate, can be very harsh on the hair and scalp. These chemicals can cause the hair to break and fall out, as well as irritate the scalp and cause dandruff.
Loc Gels and Their Impact on Hair Health
While loc gels are a popular choice for maintaining dreadlocks, they too can cause hair damage if not used correctly. Here's how:
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Product Buildup: When loc gels are not properly washed out, they can cause product buildup on the scalp and hair. This can lead to clogged hair follicles, preventing healthy hair growth and causing hair loss.
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Over-Manipulation: Loc gels can make your hair more pliable, which can be a good thing when you're trying to maintain your locs. However, if you're constantly manipulating your hair, it can lead to breakage and hair loss.
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Drying Ingredients: Just like edge control products, some loc gels contain alcohol and other drying ingredients that can be harmful to the hair. These ingredients can cause your hair to become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.
How to Protect Your Hair When Wearing Protective Styles
To protect your hair from damage when wearing protective styles, here are some tips to keep in mind:
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Choose your products wisely: When selecting edge control or loc gel products, choose those that contain natural, moisturizing ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil. Avoid products that contain alcohol or petroleum.
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Use products in moderation: Only use edge control and loc gels as needed, and be sure to wash them out thoroughly when you're ready to remove your protective style.
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Be gentle with your hair: Avoid over-manipulating your hair, and be gentle when styling your protective style. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle your hair, and avoid pulling too tightly on your edges.
In conclusion, edge control and loc gels can be useful tools for maintaining a neat and polished protective style, but they can also be harmful to your hair if used improperly. By selecting products with natural, moisturizing ingredients and being gentle with your hair, you can protect your hair from damage and keep it healthy and strong.
