It is common for a head of hair to contain hairs of many different textures and colours. For some reason, the hairs at the nape of the neck tend to be weaker and often darker than the rest of the scalp hairs. Weaker hairs are more prone to breakage, so nape hairs often end up looking scraggly and unsightly.
One common solution is to shave them away – however, this results in prickles, constant maintenance and an unnatural-looking hairline, particularly obvious when the hair is worn up. There are other, more long-term solutions for dealing with unruly nape hairs.
Avoid Mechanical Damage to Hair
Nape hairs are prone to damage not just due to weakness, but their tendency to become rubbed, tugged and tangled. Physical or mechanical damage to hair is irreversible, whatever high-priced salon products might claim: the only solution is prevention.
Be aware of nape hairs rubbing on the rough edges of worn turn-up collars; getting caught in necklace clasps; being roughly yanked out after putting on a sweater; or even being tugged as a nervous habit. People who wear low ponytails often cause mechanical damage to nape hairs, either by using damaging elastic bands (the kind with the metal strip) or by tightening the ponytail periodically in the wrong way. It is common to tighten a ponytail by dividing the hair in half and pulling the halves in opposite directions, causing the band to creep closer to the scalp. This puts a lot of stress on weak hairs. A gentler if less convenient method is to remove the elastic entirely and put it back on in the correct position.
Better yet, use a variety of other hair-friendly hair toys. Hair styles and accessories should not involve putting too much strain on the scalp hairs by twisting or pulling. A variety of different styles and hair toys will spread wear and tear evenly, rather than putting constant pressure on a handful of hairs.
Don’t Damage Hair With Heat Or Chemicals
Chemical damage can be even worse than mechanical damage. Nape hairs are often the target of hair straighteners, simply because they look like they need taming. Unfortunately exposing hairs to heat – even with protectant – dries them out, damaging them irreparably. Eventually they will begin to look kinky, dead and brittle even after straightening. Chemical relaxer is even worse.
Keep Hair Moist and Find a Protein-Moisture Balance
Hair requires both protein and moisture to stay supple and healthy. Every person’s hair has a different perfect ratio of protein to moisture. Experiment by trying moisture treatments – honey on damp hair is a good one – and protein treatments such as a yoghurt masque, and see which produces happier hair. (Many people find their hair’s needs change over time, as protein- or moisture-starved hair gets its fill.) Keeping the right ratio will help each hair stay as strong as possible.
Avoid the Issue – Get an Undercut
It’s certainly not everybody’s fashion cup of tea, but those who can pull off an undercut won’t need to worry about nape hairs! An undercut is a style in which the “under” layer of hair – from about mid-ear down – is shaved, leaving the top hair long. Undercuts are occasionally worn by women with very thick hair, in order to wear a short style without excess bulk.
Sarah Tennant - Sarah Tennant is a onetime English major who lives in New Zealand with her husband and two small children. Her interests range from ...
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