Hair Accessory do's and don'ts

Do you ever end up removing hair from your hair clips and hair ties? Yeah, that's not supposed to happen. You may think "what's a couple of hair strands anyway" Well babe, it all adds up. Especially with daily use. Some hair accessories when used regularly can contribute to your hair looking thinner or randomly uneven. And if you want the overall appearance (and reality) of health, then read on.

Admittedly, I'm a bit of a plain Jane when it comes to hair accessories. Apart from the occasional wedding when I do dress my hair up a bit, I tend to keep it simple using home made hair ties. However, there are so many options out there for those of you who like to accessorise. Here's my advice on what's safe for your hair and what's a little risky.

Let's deal with the risky business first:

Metal clasps

So metal clasps are often found on regular elastic hair bands and the purpose of them is to hold the two ends together creating one complete circle with which you can use to do any style that requires your hair being grouped and held in place. The problem with metal clasps is that they have a sharp edge which can be likened to the edge of a scissor blade! Steer clear!

Accessories with excessive friction

An example of this would be crocodile clips, (not the ones you used in school to learn electrical circuits). They have jagged edges for grip, but this feature easily causes hair to become entangled around the jagged teeth. The same goes for any accessory that involves Velcro. Need I say more? Removal of these accessories is when the damage occurs.

Hair ties that are too thin

This can cause a cutting affect on the hair, especially if applied too tightly.

Tight head bands

This is just as much for your general health as for your hair.

When your head band is too tight it restricts blood flow your scalp, you don't want that. Hair growth relies on blood circulation and besides, I'm sure you wouldn't want to feel light headed anyway. A tight head band over time can also thin the edges of your hair, or if its too loose, causing movement and therefor rubbing. So try to get it snug but not tight. Also try not to wear it every day either. Let your skin breath.

Snagging elements to catch the hair

Watch out for elements that stick out of have a trapping mechanism, because that's exactly what they'll do. You many not realise it until you hear your hair snap.

Of course you can use any of the above if you want to, I'm not here to tell you what to do. Your hair goals might be different to others. But please, if you do use them, use with care.

So What are the safer options?

Silky textures

A smooth surface reduces friction and allows your hair to slip passed when removed. I'd also recommend a silky e.g. satin bonnet or scarf to wear at night. Alternatively, some use a satin pillow case.

Bands with a wide surface area

As I mentioned earlier, I make my own hair ties. I do this by cutting a section out right across the cross-section of the leg of a pair of tights (pantyhose) that I don't wear any more. I cut it about 2 inches wide as to get good elasticity and no thinness.

There are also an array of hair ties that are really good for afro textured hair now if DIY is not your thing.

Easy to use

Finally, use hair accessories that are easy to install and easy to remove. Have you ever had a fight with a hair accessory? I have. There were casualties. My hair!

So there you have it. My hair accessory do's and don'ts. Happy styling!