You’ve probably encountered various hair issues during your frizz journey, such as split ends and breaks. But have you ever noticed a headband in your mane?
Headbands are a common problem that can cause your hair to tangle and form a mesh. People with curly hair often experience this, especially if they have nice hair.
It is essential to deal with problems as soon as they are identified, as ignoring early signs can lead to damage, breakage, or shedding.
In this guide, we will explain what causes hair netting and how to distinguish between it and similar problems. We’ll also guide you through some simple steps to deal with headbands so you can get your curly hair back to its best.
What is a headband?
Headbands are a problem, and your hair starts to stick together and weave together, forming a tangle that resembles a spider web. It usually occurs near the roots, but a web may also form further down the shaft.
Moisture problems in the hair strands often cause headbands. Fine hair is more likely to be affected than thick hair because fine hair is more likely to dry out.
Tangles are a common problem for people with natural hair and can become a recurring problem for some people.
Why is it essential to deal with headbands?
While the early signs of tangling are not an emergency, they indicate that your hair needs attention to avoid further damage, fabulous hair.
If you address the problem quickly, the tangles will grow and improve. This will cause hair breakage and bottoming; ultimately, a drastic haircut may be the only solution.
What does a headband look like?
The best way to check a headband is to pull back a dry section of hair gently. If you have this problem, you’ll see the threads tangled up like a web, as in the photo below.
It’s good to check several sections to ensure you’re dealing with a headband and not some other issue.
Other hair issues that look like headbands
Understanding the problem you are experiencing is the first step to dealing with it. But it’s easy to mistake a headband for something else, especially if you need more clarification on its appearance.
Some other issues that look similar to headbands include:
Wet shrinkage
After you wash your hair, the extreme frizz looks like a headband. This can be easily fixed by conditioning it regularly and patting it dry with a cotton T-shirt or microfiber towel to reduce friction.
Hair entanglement
This general term can cover anything from loose tangles to severe knots. Hairnets are a form of tangling, but they have a more unique mesh structure.
Hair mask
Ignoring tangles and webbing can cause problems to develop into matting, which is a more serious problem; most of the hair is matted. Untangles take time and patience, and in the worst cases, they may have to be cut off.
Hair knot
A knot occurs when a single strand of hair winds around itself or another strand to form a knot. It usually involves hair that has not yet fallen out, and hair tangles are often caused by hair that has not yet fallen out.
You’ll also find that knots tend to form near the ends of the hair, while webbing usually forms near the roots and grows from there.
What causes hair tangles?
The factors that cause hair tangles are many and often interrelated. Once you’ve identified the cause of the frizz sticking together, finding a solution to the problem is more accessible.
Here are some of the main reasons:
Lack of moisture
The leading cause of tangles in hair is lack of moisture. The cuticles on wet hair will lay flat along the hair stem, making the hair smooth.
When the hair lacks moisture, the scales on the cuticle bulge, which causes the hair to become tangled. This will cause tangles and breaks, and eventually, you will get webbing.
There are many causes of dry hair, but some leading causes are damage caused by improper hair care, product buildup, heat, chemicals, or environmental factors.
Poor hair care routine
Problems during the shampoo process can easily dehydrate curly hair. This can be due to overwashing, using shampoos that contain sulfates, or not conditioning your hair regularly.
Some styling products also contain alcohol, which can make hair drier.
Product accumulation
Hair products like shampoos, conditioners, and styling products can make your hair look beautiful, but over time, they can build up on your scalp and hair strands.
The buildup of these residues can make your hair look dull and prevent moisture from seeping into the hair shaft. It can also cause your hair strands to stick together, leading to tangles.
Thermal, chemical, and environmental damage
Regular exposure to direct heat from thermal styling tools and chemical treatments such as dyeing or perming can dry out your hair.
The daily environmental disruption caused by freezing weather, sunlight, or chlorine in swimming pools can also deprive hair of moisture.
Wetting fatigue
Hair care is essential for the health of your hair, but it’s also possible to over-hydrate. This can happen if deep conditioning takes too long or your hair is soaked after washing.
Using conditioner for too long or too often can cause an imbalance of water and protein in your hair. This can lead to moisture fatigue, making your hair feel sticky and prone to overstretching.
Overuse of protective hairstyles
Protective hairstyles, such as braids, buns, and updos, are important for maintaining natural hair. They help protect hair from damage caused by wind, rain, and humidity.
However, it is important not to wear a protective hairstyle too long, as this can lead to dry hair and headbands.
Other causes of headbands include:
- A lack of essential nutrients in the diet.
- Potential health problems such as hormonal imbalances.
- Stroking your hair or using a comb too often.
How to prevent headbands
Now that you understand what causes the headband, these simple steps will help stop its development.
Effective shampoo
Cleaning your hair removes dirt and oil, allowing it to absorb water more efficiently.
Many shampoos contain sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, or ammonium lauryl sulfate. These blowing agents help the product work more effectively, but they can also dry out your hair and make your scalp feel tight and irritated.
Choosing a shampoo that does not contain sulfates is better for healthy hair and helps prevent tangles. You can also try washing your hair with a medicated shampoo or conditioner, which is beneficial for naturally frizzy hair. However, remember that washing your hair alone is not ideal.
Gentle entanglement
Brushing your hair regularly is one of the best ways to avoid tangles, and it’s always important to lubricate your hair with conditioner or hair products.
You can use the shampoo of your choice to comb dry hair before shampooing or to comb wet hair after shampooing.
Let the product sit on your hair for a few minutes, gently combing it out with a wide-toothed comb, a professional hairbrush, or your fingers.
Restricted thermal molding
Using hair dryers, curling irons, and irons to style your hair can dry it out, making it brittle and prone to creating headbands.
It is best to avoid using hot molding tools as much as possible. If you must use them, use a lower temperature setting and always apply a heat protectant first.
Regular deep cleaning
Removing product buildup is an essential part of avoiding headbands. So, using a cleansing shampoo to give your hair a deep cleansing should be a regular part of your hair care routine.
This will remove any buildup of products, sweat, and dead skin cells from the hair and scalp, making it easier for the hair to absorb water and nutrients.
