HOW TO REPAIR DAMAGED HAIR

Whether you're a salon regular or an iron collector, many of us have experienced hair damage at some point in our lives. Damaged hair can appear in a variety of ways, from split ends and excessive tangles to hair loss and dryness. While there is no quick fix for damaged hair, there are many things you can do to prevent further hair damage and learn what not to do in the future.

In this article, you'll find key ways to identify damaged hair and tips for repairing it.

Causes of hair damage

Hair dye or bleach. Dyeing your hair is a great way to look fresh, but know the risks before making an appointment. Harsh chemicals in these dyes remove moisture from hair, making it more porous, fragile and prone to breakage. The farther away you are from your natural color, the more damage your hair will take. This includes bleaching in particular, which strips hair of its natural color. If you want to dye your hair, consider a professional, as they have the knowledge to safely obtain the desired color.

Heat. Curling irons may give you beautiful beach waves, but they can also damage your hair. Like dye, heat strips important moisture from hair, leaving it dry and brittle. If you must use heat, use it sparingly, use a heat protectant, and never apply heat to wet hair, as hair fresh out of water is particularly vulnerable.

Lack of haircuts. We know how quickly life can slip away from you, and before you know it, your look has become a bit like Rapunzel. You may be surprised to learn that simply letting go of your hair doesn't help either. Neglecting a trim or haircut can lead to split ends, which tend to move up the hair stem.

Lack of moisture and hydration. When your hair dries, the outer layer of strands begins to break down and becomes vulnerable to further damage and breakage. So avoid things that take moisture out of your hair, and don't skip conditioner. Rinse your hair thoroughly after contact with salt water or chlorine.

Roughly handling hair. Yes, our hair is probably too coarse. From tight ponytails to fuzzy anti-static hoodies. It's fragile, and it's important to treat it gently. Excessive brushing and tight styling are common causes of hair damage. Toweling your hair is also rough and should be avoided. Instead, try wrapping your hair in a microfiber towel or a soft old T-shirt.

How to Repair Damaged Hair

Unfortunately, healing damaged hair takes time and patience. But trust us, the results of thorough care for your tresses will be worth it, because who doesn't love shimmery, healthy hair?

Cut your losses. Getting a haircut when you're not ready to say goodbye can be a difficult step, but it's the most effective and effective way to remove damaged hair and start over. Good mincing paired with frequent pruning will promote healthy growth in the future and contribute to the best care plan in the long run.

Moisturize. Re-create shine and moisture! This helps protect your hair cuticle from potential damage. So ditch the "it will make my hair greasy" myth and embrace conditioner, deep conditioner and oil. You can even indulge in hot oil treatment!

Avoid over-washing. You don't need to wash your hair every day. It will dry out your hair. Try the program that works best for you, but consider washing it every other day or 2 to 3 times a week. Those with curly hair should also consider co-washing – using only conditioner – in between shampoo and conditioner washes.

Avoid the heat. This is another hard one to give up, but it's the most important one. Heat can damage your hair, so swap an iron for loose braids to sleep in, or if you must use heat, use a low setting and heat protection spray.

Loose hairstyles for the win. Avoid tight hairstyles and try loose buns, braids, or braids. Also make sure to use a good headband that won't pull or pinch your hair.

Forgo chemical processing. Dyeing, bleaching, and perming your hair can keep it fresh, but they can also continuously damage your hair. Embrace your natural hair while it recovers. If you must, consider a professional to minimize further damage to hair coloring or bleaching.

Protect your hair from the sun. Enter the stylish protection. Fluffy sun hat, fisherman's hat... All the hats! Use hair sunscreen and fashion accessories to easily prevent sunburned hair.

Avoid swimming. We don't mean to disappoint our fellow mermaids, but chlorine and saltwater can damage your hair by depriving it of moisture. Consider wearing a swim cap and washing your hair before and after swimming for best protection.

Try bond building treatments. Your hair is made up of chemical bonds that are invisible to the naked eye. These products work by reconstructing those broken protein bonds, which could be especially helpful for people with dyed or damaged hair.

Healthy diet. Ok, we know, easier said than done. But we would be doing you a disservice if we didn't remind you that nutritious food leads to great hair and, more importantly, happy wellbeing.