10 SIMPLE WAYS TO REPAIR DAMAGED HAIR

Just like the seasons, our hair can go through different phases – we all know that the warm weather gives us that extra boost to be experimental with our hair.  In addition to this, certain lifestyle activities can be detrimental to our hair without us knowing. Damaged hair is when the outer hair cuticles are lifted to expose the hair cortex (the inner layer), affecting the hair’s structural integrity. Let’s chat about that and understand how to better care for our hair in these conditions.

Spring or summertime is most people’s favorite time of the year to let their hair down and out. Protective styles such as braids, cornrows, and ponytails are usually high on the list of ‘must-do’ hairstyles for the summer. Although these styles are absolutely gorgeous for most people, the maintenance and care needed for the hair itself are often forgotten, leading to severe damage such as hair breakage, thinning, dull hair from salt and chlorine damage, frizziness, and split ends. Let’s not get into those who color their hair, just to go back to their normal shampoo and conditioner. Post-color treatment is a real thing, Jewels!

Anyway, here are a few simple ways we can get that damaged hair back to life and healthy again:

1. Reducing extreme temperatures on hair: The no.1 reason for damaged hair has been recorded as extreme heat/temperatures. Blow-drying, straightening, air-conditioning, and over-washing are all extreme conditions we put our hair through, causing our hair to lose moisture and become dry and brittle. Simply minimizing the amount of heat your put on your hair is enough to counter the damage done. Instead of using a blow dryer on high heat, try air-drying or blow-drying on cool air which even gives the hair a thicker, full look.

2. A Trim: Most people are disillusioned into believing that trimming your hair will stunt its growth. However, this is not the case. Damaged hair, especially damaged ends or split ends as some call it, can only be fixed with a trim. There are a number of products that purport to repair split ends but are only temporary fixes. To truly get back your healthy hair, your dead ends need to go.

3. Deep conditioning: With most of us so busy, we often look for the easiest, quickest route to finish most tasks, including washing our hair. Skipping deep conditioning on washday can be detrimental to dry, thirsty hair, as there is no replacement for the moisture and nutrients lost during the shampooing process. The misconception that a deep conditioner is a special type of treatment that needs to be purchased stops a lot of people from elevating their washday and treating their hair right. To deep condition your hair, you only have to elevate the moisture/nutrient level of your normal conditioner. You could, for example, add a few drops of your favorite oil to your conditioner before lathering your hair with it. You could then include heat (sitting with a shower cap under a dryer or using a steamer) to ensure your cuticles are open to absorb all the goodness of the conditioner.

4. A healthy diet: More often than not, we have to work the issue from the inside out. This means looking at what we are putting into our bodies and ensuring that it’s a healthy option. Sometimes, a well-balanced diet is needed for damaged hair to be on its way to restoration. Protein is an essential part of a healthy diet but most people, often skip it. Our hair is made up of Keratin (90% protein), it, therefore, is important to include this in our diet.

5. Reduce physical and psychological stressors: For some people, what is going on in their bodies, truly affects them externally. Any trauma or stress can cause external symptoms such as hair loss or thinning, thereby damaging the hair. What we suggest is being aware of these factors so you can immediately mitigate the issue.

6. Environmental stressors: UV rays, humidity, or pollution, can cause hair loss by releasing free radicals. To prevent hair damage: apply anti-humidity products, avoid prolonged UV exposure, and always choose products that have sunscreen in them.

7. Avoid tight hairstyles: Styling your hair the wrong way can contribute to hair damage. Tight hairstyles like buns and ponytails can pull the hair at the roots, causing hair fall and hair breakage. This may also recede your hairline and cause bald spots.

8. Hot oil treatment and scalp massages: Damaged hair is fragile. Hence, it needs more care. A dedicated hair care routine will help you fix it. Massage your scalp with moisturizing oils once a week. It boosts circulation, stimulates hair growth, and improves hair thickness.

9. Minimize chemical treatments: Perming, hair rebonding, and permanent hair straightening can alter the internal structure of the hair. Excessive processing can leave the hair dry, porous, brittle, and fragile. If you are looking to transition to natural hair after these treatments then read this blog post. It will guide you through this transition.

10. It is advisable to consult a dermatologist: If you notice excessive hair fall, dry, dull hair accompanied by fatigue and weight loss, sudden thinning of hair or discoloration, burning sensation on your scalp, itchiness, redness, or scalp irritation contact your dermatologist.

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