15 Ways To Revive Damaged Hair
Nobody likes damaged hair, but we all have been there. Blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners can dry out and damage your hair. But not to worry, because this is fixable. Stay tuned on how to revive damaged hair!
1. Hair Masks
For the first tip, using a hair mask can be a huge lifesaver. It is a fun way to experiment with different products, check out Target or CVS and browse different masks for your hair type. Usually, you apply them to damp, clean hair, and allow 10 minutes or so to soak in the product. Jump in the shower to rinse, and watch the silky results flow through your locks!
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is primarily used in cooking, however, there are a lot of benefits with the skin, hair, and nails. The benefits of coconut oil for your hair is a natural source of hydration, shine, and a softer texture. If you buy a small tub of it, you can probably find it anywhere, for roughly $10-15.00. Grab a handful, and smooth it throughout your hair, focusing on the ends. Typically, with dry damaged hair, it usually starts with split ends. Lather up!
3. Skip The Shampoo
This step may have you scratching your head wondering, “huh?”. When you frequently wash your hair, meaning every day or every other day, you strip your hair of its natural oils, and that causes it to dry out even more. My hairstylist recommended to me to wash my hair 1-2 times per week, suggesting maybe once on a Sunday, and then again on a Thursday, or midweek. If your hair feels oily at the roots, perfectly normal, try some dry shampoo. Just be sure to stand about a foot away from the roots, when you spray. At first, it seems odd to only wash your hair once or twice a week, but trust me, you’re doing your hair a favor!
4. Skip The Heat
No one likes this step, but hey, it is worth mentioning! If you like your hair curly and want a break from the straightener, put your hair in a bun on the top of your head before sleeping. Wake up and watch your bouncy beach curls flow. Its a natural and easy way to style your hair without the heat, giving your damaged hair a rest!
5. Freeze
For damaged hair, when you take a shower, try using colder water, rather than hot. I know it isn’t the most comfortable at the moment, but hot water opens up the cuticle of the hair whereas cold water closes it, and some even say that it might add a little shine!
6. Snip Snip
When it comes to split ends and dry hair, getting a trim isn’t a bad idea. Just a couple of inches off the ends can make a huge difference in the quality of your hair overall.
7. Use A Heat Protector
Before indulging in your hair care routines, try spraying a heat protector throughout your hair, and allowing it to sit for a few minutes before using heat. This may seem obvious, but I even have forgotten to use it, and it makes a huge difference!
8. Dial It Down
There are so many heat-related hair care tools, but they don’t have to be over 300 degrees. Many blow dryers have a cool setting, and it is worth a shot, the worst thing that happens is it may take longer to dry. Even if you straighten your hair or curl it, you can use a lower setting such as 200-250 degrees. It can still do the job!
9. Products Are Everything
Damaged hair is an uphill battle. I was inspired to write this article because my hair is pretty damaged as well, and it is very frustrating. However, there are so many products right now that specifically help combat that issue. “Biolage”, “Moroccan Oil”, and many other salon brands have the ingredients to help hydrate and replenish dried out hair. Sometimes it is worth spending 40-50$ on products that you know will work, but I know that isn’t everyone’s first choice. Try tips 1-8 first, and if all else fails, go shopping for some new products!
10. Brush
My stylist gave me a tip for silky smooth hair. Before bedtime, use a comb or brush and gently comb out your hair, and this is to distribute the oils from top to bottom of your hair, resulting in an overall improvement in general. With rushing around before work or school it can be hard to find time to brush, but don’t neglect this step!
11. Be Gentle
Believe it or not, some damage can be caused by the tightness of a ponytail or bun. If you like to wear your hair up while working out like most of us do, be careful not to tightly hold it in place. Use comfortable elastics like scrunchies, and be gentle with tying up your hair!
12. Deep Condition
Similar to the hair masks, a deep conditioner can benefit your hair as well. They work the same way, and the results are worth it. It’s like a face mask for your hair!
13. Skip Store Brand
Nobody likes dropping a ton of money for their hair. However, a lot of the cheap shampoos and conditioners offered hold a lot of heavy product that weighs down your hair and does not help. Sometimes it is worth doing a little research!
14. Limit UV
If your anything like me, you love the sun, heat, and everything about the summer. The heat, unfortunately, does more harm to your hair than good, when extensively out. You can still enjoy the rays, just apply some heat protector!
15. Limit Color
Highlights and color treatments are nice and have a beautiful result. However, if you love the color treatments it is worth skipping a month or two for the sake of your hair. You’d be surprised!
I hope everyone enjoyed my article! Comment below which tip you’ll be using with your hair! Thank you for reading!
Featured Image Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/388013324146165389/
Senior at UMass Dartmouth with a minor in communications, writing has always been a part of me. I believe writing is a powerful form of self-expression, and I couldn't have found an internship more aligned with my goals to pursue a career in this field.