Revive your lackluster hair once and for all with these expert tips.
Damaged hair can be a troubling concern for many, but restoring your locks to a healthy state with the right approach isn't as impossible as it seems. From styling to our lifestyle habits, our hair undergoes a lot, especially when considering heat styling, chemical treatments, and inadequate care. The aftermath often reveals itself in unfavorable cries for help, split ends, dryness, breakage, and a lack of shine.
The silver lining? Haircare experts have curated many remedies— from simple habitual alterations to expert-recommended treatments—that promise to turn your hair's health around with patience and consistency. Before delving into these solutions, it's imperative to discern the extent of damage your hair has undergone.
Identifying hair damage early on is crucial as it allows for timely intervention to restore health to your mane. Here are some signs that may indicate your hair is damaged:
Adopting basic healthy hair care practices is crucial for returning your hair to health. For example, regular trims, moderate use of heat styling tools, and selecting gentle products are fundamental steps. Rachel Swire, licensed cosmetologist and owner of Salon Cabelo, emphasizes the importance of a regimen that balances moisture, protein, color retention, and heat protection based on your hair's needs.
Establishing a tailored hair care routine is pivotal. Stylist and beauty consultant Ghanima Abdullah of The Right Hairstyles, stresses the importance of familiarizing oneself with product ingredients and noting how they work together. For example, she recommends pairing a pH-balanced shampoo with a conditioner from the same brand for optimal results. Formulations from the same brand are often designed to work well together, which can help effectively address your hair's health concerns.
Abdullah suggests protein treatments like rice water, egg masks, or mayonnaise to temporarily replenish protein lost to chemical, mechanical, or heat damage. However, caution is advised as overuse can lead to protein overload and subsequent breakage, especially in fine hair.
Additionally, coconut oil, applied overnight before washing, can fill the cortex's spaces to prevent hygral fatigue—a condition where hair absorbs excess water and becomes prone to breakage. These remedies offer temporary solutions, highlighting the importance of a balanced hair care routine to manage and prevent hair damage from start to finish.
Swire shares that the course of treatment for damaged hair largely depends on the cause of hair damage. For chemically induced damage, a bond builder treatment (such as the K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask) could help, but cutting the damaged hair is the only solution in severe cases. She also mentions that "a consistent regime of shampoos and conditioners" can help maintain hair health. Professional treatments like keratin treatments, deep conditioning, and hair spa therapies are also worthwhile considerations for repairing damaged hair.
As Abdullah notes, while nutrition can't reverse hair damage, it can prevent it by promoting healthier hair growth. Below are some things to consider when aiming to nurture your locks from the inside out.
Through a nutritious diet, not only is the prevention of further hair damage possible, but it also sets a solid foundation for promoting a healthy, vibrant mane.
Related: The 8 Best Foods for Healthy Hair, According to Dietitians
Excessive heat styling tools can strip away your hair's natural oils, leading to damage over time. Experts celebrity hairstylist and master cosmetologist Tamika Gibson and Brandi Voorhees, a stylist from Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger, previously endorsed heatless curls as a healthier alternative. Gibson explained, "Using heat penetrates the hair shaft, removing the hair's protective natural oils," while Voorhees adds, "Heatless curls are the stronger option for hair health, though heat styling might be quicker."
When heat styling is necessary, it's essential to use heat-protecting sprays effectively. Swire warns against overuse and recommends a lower heat setting for small touch-ups. Similarly, Abdullah advises never applying direct heat on wet hair to prevent weakening the hair shaft. Adopting such precautions and exploring heatless styling alternatives could significantly reduce the risk of hair damage.
Routine trims are essential in maintaining hair health and preventing further damage. Swire suggests a trim every 6-8 weeks, tailoring the frequency to individual hair conditions. For those with chemically processed or frequently styled hair, Abdullah recommends a more proactive approach with monthly trims (especially if you're aggressively tackling damaged hair). This practice helps eliminate split ends and promotes healthier, more manageable hair, making maintenance easier and less time-consuming.
By considering the insights from our experts and integrating these measures into your hair care routine, the journey towards healthier and more resilient hair is a clear and attainable path. Always consult with a beauty professional to understand the specific needs of your hair and the best course of action to repair and protect your tresses.
Related: Fact or Fiction? Here's Which Instagram Hair Growth Tips Are Actually Worth Trying
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2023-09-27T20:25:55Z dg43tfdfdgfd