Repair damage hair

How to repair damage hair

Hair damage is more than just split ends. Having damaged hair can be frustrating and disheartening, but with the right care and attention, you can restore its health and vitality. Whether your hair is suffering from heat styling, chemical treatments, or environmental factors, there are steps you can take to repair and rejuvenate it.  It may also look dull or frizzy and be difficult to manage. In this guide, we'll explore effective strategies and techniques for repairing damaged hair, from identifying the causes of damage to implementing a comprehensive hair care routine. By following these tips and incorporating them into your daily regimen, you can help your hair regain its strength, shine, and resilience.

Damage to hair can occur due to various factors, including:

What cause damage hair?

Understand what caused the damage to your hair. Common causes include excessive heat styling, chemical treatments (like dyeing or perming), over-washing, using harsh hair products, and environmental factors. Damaged strands are oftentimes the result of a combination of factors, some of which we’ve already touched on. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most common causes of hair damage. Damage to hair can occur due to various factors, including:

Heat Styling

Bleach

Hair color

Chemical Treatments

Over washing

Harsh Hair Products

Environmental Factors

Tight Hairstyles

Poor Nutrition

Genetics

If you know where you went wrong

Understanding where you may have gone wrong in your hair care routine is crucial for preventing further damage and implementing corrective measures. Here are some common mistakes people make that can contribute to hair damage:

1. Overuse of Heat Styling Tools: 

Blow dryers are notorious for causing damage. The good news is that you may not have to give it up entirely. The older the appliance, the higher the chance that the temperature gauge has gone kaput, says Beverly Hills celebrity stylist Cristophe. Using hot tools such as flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers excessively or at high temperatures can damage the hair cuticle, leading to dryness, breakage, and split ends.

2. Chemical Overprocessing:

 Excessive use of chemical treatments like bleaching, dyeing, perming, or relaxing can weaken the hair structure and strip away its natural oils, making it more prone to damage and breakage.

3.Using Harsh Hair Product:

Products containing harsh chemicals, such as sulfates, parabens, and alcohol, can strip away moisture from the hair and cause damage over time. opt for gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners.

4. Over washing

Hot, steamy showers feel great on your skin, but all that heat can do a number on your hair, especially when you have damaged strands. Super-hot water can strip your hair of essential oils, making it feel drier and prematurely fading your hair color.

So, turn down the dial and rinse your hair in lukewarm water the next time you wash it. It may not feel as indulgent in the moment, but your hair will thank you

Aim to wash your hair no more than 2-3 times a week with lukewarm water.

5. Conditioning: 

Use a deep conditioning treatment or mask once a week to nourish and hydrate your hair. Look for products containing ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, shea butter, or keratin, which can help repair and strengthen damaged hair.

6. Trimming: 

If your hair has split ends or significant damage, consider getting a trim to remove the damaged ends. By not cutting split ends, you can cause more damage to the hair because the split will travel up the hair over time, making it weaker and causing it to break. Regular trims every 6-8 weeks can prevent further damage.

7. Don’t Brush Wet Hair

When in doubt, reach for a wide-tooth comb that won’t snag on hair when it’s at its most vulnerable. And as a general rule when you’re brushing wet hair, make sure you’re applying a leave-in product to help the brush glide through without any snagging or breakage. After washing your hair, use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle and minimize breakage.

8. Avoid Tight Hairstyles:

Avoid hairstyles that pull on your hair too tightly, such as tight ponytails or braids. This can cause stress and breakage along the hair shaft. If you’re seeing a ton of split ends and breakage while styling, take a break from tight hairstyles like ponytails and buns—especially while you’re sleeping or when your strands are still damp. 

9. Protect from the sun.

Too much sun exposure Trusted Source can make your hair brittle and more prone Trusted Source to breakage. Lighter-colored hair, like blonde and gray, is also more susceptible Trusted Source to sun damage. Wear a hat or use a UV protection product.

10. Balanced Diet:

A diet loaded with whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains has a host of benefits, including healthy hair. Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly those that support hair health such as vitamin E, vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, and biotin.

11. Stay Hydrated: 

Drink plenty of water to keep your hair hydrated from the inside out.

13. Oil Treatments: 

Incorporate regular oil treatments into your hair care routine. Natural oils such as coconut oil, argan oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil can deeply penetrate the hair shaft, moisturize, and nourish damaged hair. Apply the oil to your hair, focusing on the ends, and leave it on for at least 30 minutes or overnight before washing it out.

14. Silk or Satin Pillowcases:

Switching to silk or satin pillowcases can reduce friction and help prevent breakage and damage while you sleep. These smoother fabrics reduce friction and help prevent hair breakage and split ends while you sleep.

15. Regular Scalp Massage: 

Stimulate blood flow to the scalp by massaging it regularly. This promotes healthy hair growth and can help distribute natural oils throughout the hair, keeping it moisturized and nourished.

16. Professional Treatments:

There are tons of at-home options of hair masks and bonding treatments but sometimes what you need is for your hairstylist to bring out the pro-option. 

17. Professional Treatments:

Consider professional treatments such as keratin treatments or deep conditioning treatments offered at salons. These treatments can help strengthen and repair damaged hair, leaving it smoother, shinier, and more manageable.

18. Egg Masks: 

Eggs are rich in proteins and essential nutrients that can help strengthen and repair damaged hair. Create a hair mask by whisking together one or two eggs with a tablespoon of olive oil or honey. Whisk the eggs and the tablespoon of olive oil together in a small bowl until thoroughly combined.

i. Apply the beaten egg, honey and olive oil mixture to your hair, making sure to evenly distribute it throughout.

ii. Leave the mixture on for about 20 minutes.

iii. Wash the mixture out of your hair with cool water.

iv. Rub conditioner into your hair and allow it to air dry.

19. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse:

The water and products you use can affect your hair’s pH level. If your hair’s pH is too high, it can cause the cuticle to lift and frizz. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water and use it as a final rinse after shampooing and conditioning. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing with cool water.

20. Protective Hair Serums:

Use a protective hair serum or oil to coat and seal the hair cuticle, providing a barrier against heat, environmental damage, and moisture loss. Apply a small amount of serum to damp or dry hair, focusing on the ends.

21. Carefully brush and detangle:

Rough handling and aggressive detangling, especially when the hair is wet, can lead to breakage and damage. Start at the ends of the hair and slowly work out the knots as you move up toward your roots. Starting at the top of your head and forcefully tugging the brush through your hair can break the hair and lead to lasting damage as well as unwanted flyaway and frizz.

Consulting a Professional:

 If you're unsure about the extent of your hair damage or how to best repair it, consider consulting a professional hairstylist or trichologist. They can assess your hair's condition and recommend personalized treatments and solutions.

By incorporating these additional tips into your hair care routine, you can further accelerate the repair process and achieve healthier, stronger, and more resilient hair.