How to Fix Your Damaged Hair
When most people think of hair damage, they think of split ends. But it is more than that. Damaged hair creates cracks on the outside layer. If your hair looks dull or frizzy, it is probably damaged. This doesn’t mean that you just need to shave your head. Below are some tips you can do to fix your damaged hair.
1. Don’t dye your hair too often
The soonest you should really be dying your hair is every 6-8 weeks. You may be able to dye it sooner if it is strong enough but it isn’t recommended. Dying your hair too much may be the most significant way to damage your hair. The chemicals really tear down your hair. If you are dying your hair blonde, it is stripping your hair more than dying it dark. If you are considering bleaching, really think it through because it can hurt your hair the most. If you see that your hair is already dry or damaged, don’t dye your hair because you can damage it even more.
2. Avoid using heat tools
Using heat tools can fry your hair fibers and can lead to porous hair. If you use high temperatures on your hair a lot, you will damage your hair. If you blow dry your hair, it helps to blow dry your hair farther away. Also, by continuously moving the blow dryer, it can help reduce the damage. Maybe try avoid blow drying your hair everyday and just let it air dry. Don’t forget to use heat protectant before straightening, curling, blow drying, or crimping your hair. It helps protect your hair and prevents split ends. When you do use heat tools, it is good to lower the temperature to prevent any damage. Honestly, just try going natural!
3. Get a trim for your split ends
You should regularly get haircuts to trim those damaged split ends. Going about every 6 weeks is probably best. By getting rid of those split ends, it is easier for you to style your hair and it your hair will grow back faster and longer. Split ends slow down your growth process. Cutting it too often will also cause issues. Your hair will slow down its growth process. If you are worried about losing your length, you hair stylist just has to “dust” the ends, so it doesn’t look frayed.
4. Wash your hair less
Shampoo is supposed to clean your hair and remove the oil but you aren’t supposed to wash it every day. You shouldn’t even wash the bottom of your hair because it can dry it out and lead to breakage. Your ends will be cleaned when you rinse your hair out. Over shampooing strips the important oil from your hair. Try using dry shampoo on the second or third day after you washed your hair. Dry shampoo doesn’t clean your hair but soaks but some oil.
5. Wash your hair with cold water
Hot water is bad for your hair because it opens up the outer layer of your hair which causes damaged hair. Cold water does the opposite. It keeps in the hydrating oils as well. Cold water gives your hair a shiny, smooth look. The cooler the water, the cleaner your hair will stay. Surprisingly, cold water can actually promote hair growth because it improves blood circulation. If you have a lot of frizz or flyaways, cool water will control it. But it can make your hair look flat and less voluminous because it traps in the extra moisture. The worst part about cool water is that it is unpleasant especially during the colder months.
6. Take vitamins
What you put in your body is just as important as what you do to your hair. Taking collagen, biotin, vitamin E, and silica are great vitamins to take for your hair. Collagen is a good source of protein for you hair. It strengthens hair and prevents any further damage. Biotin is a great vitamin for hair and nail growth. If you are suffering from thinning or dry hair, you most likely have a biotin deficiency. Are you worried about your hair graying or hair damage? Vitamin E is good for preventing both. If you are worried about the thinness or dullness of your hair, silicon is good to strengthen, brighten, and thicken your damaged hair.
7. Indulge in leave-in conditioner
Leave-in conditioner protects your hair after every wash because you don’t wash it out. There is a good leave-in conditioner for your exact hair type. If you dye your hair, you should get a UV hair protection leave-in, so that your hair color does not fade. For the best outcome, you should use leave-ins when your hair is dambe and comb through it for the best distribution.
8. Use essential oils
The best essential oil to use is argan oil if you have dry hair. Peppermint and lavender oil stop hair loss and prevent further damaged hair. If you plan to use lavender essential oil, mix it with carrier oil and put it on your scalp. Wash it out after letting it sit for 10 minutes. Do this several times a week for the best results.
9. Be careful with swimming and sunbathing
Everytime you go in the pool, chlorine takes out the natural oil from not only your hair but your skin too. If you are blonde, your hair can start to turn green because of the chemical reactions. This causes each strand to weaken then leads to breakage. To protect your hair in the pool, wear a swim cap or use a leave-in conditioner before you go in. Sunbathing can damage your hair because the UV rays can damage the hair cuticle. Your hair can start to thin, break, or change colors. In order to prevent this, you should wear a hat, go later in the day, or use some sort of SPF hair product.
