Tips for Repairing Damaged Hair

Heat styling, neglect, sun damage, chemicals, and many other things can cause damage to your hair. When hair is damaged, it can appear dull and brittle and may even break off and fall out. This can make it difficult to style and color and lead to overall unhappiness with your appearance. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to repair your damaged hair and restore healthy growth and volume. Read on to learn more.

Take a Break from Bleach/Dye

If you regularly color treat your hair, this could be a major reason it is damaged. Bleach raises the outer cuticle of the hair shaft and also damages the bonds inside the hair. This causes weakening, which can lead to breakage and splitting. In general, the ammonia in hair dye lifts the cuticle up to let the dye in. Peroxide, which contains a strong dying agent, can leave hair feeling brittle and zapped of moisture. Repeatedly color treating your hair can cause hair to become damaged over time, so taking a break is always a good idea if you can. Try out your natural color for a while, or ask your stylist about just touching up your roots.

Be Gentle

One of the easiest ways to get your hair into better condition is by changing the way you handle it. When your hair is wet, avoid brushing it, as it is at its weakest and most susceptible to breakage. Invest in a good wide-tooth comb, and work through your hair gently. Blot your hair dry instead of rubbing it aggressively with a towel. Use loose scrunchies if you are going to tie up your hair rather than tight elastic bands, which can rip out your strands. Use a detangling spray and consider sleeping on a satin pillowcase.

Use Leave-In Conditioner, Hair Oils and Hair Masks

Moisture-rich products that do not contain sulfates are key when it comes to restoring damaged hair. You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to get these products; you can find what you need at most drugstores! Choose a deep conditioning treatment, leave-in conditioner, hair oil, and hair mask that are designed to restore hair health and replenish moisture. You can often find products specifically formulated for damaged, brittle hair. A hair care professional can help you choose the right products for your hair type and condition.

Don’t Over-Wash and Use a Sulfate-Free Shampoo

If your hair is damaged, it is likely that it is too dry. Restoring moisture is a critical part of repairing damaged hair. Shampoo is, by nature, drying, as its purpose is to clean away the natural oils produced by the scalp and other debris. Some shampoos, however, are more drying than others. Look for a sulfate-free shampoo specifically tailored to damaged hair. Try washing your hair every other day at the most or a few times a week if you can.

Avoid Heat Styling

Heat tools, such as your blow dryer and your curling iron, can cause massive damage to your hair. Heat leaves hair dry and dehydrated, so as much as you can, try to avoid it. Let your hair air dry when you get out of the shower. Use low or medium settings if you have to heat style, and always use a quality heat protectant.

Get Regular Haircuts

As always, it is important to visit the salon and have your split ends trimmed on a regular basis. Split ends will cause your strands to break from the bottom upwards, leaving your hair brittle and frizzy. The frequency at which you should have your hair trimmed depends on a number of factors, so it’s best to consult with your stylist to develop a schedule.

Work with a Professional

The best way to restore hair health is by working with an expert. A hair restoration and replacement specialist can help you explore options like human hair wigs, high quality hair extensions, or hairpieces. You may even want to consider surgical hair replacement options, depending on the severity of the damage to your hair and whether you are experiencing hair loss. Fortunately, there are lots of hair restoration methods available, so reach out to an expert to determine your best option.