How to Repair Extremely Damaged Hair
We put our hair through a lot of abuse in the name of style and beauty. Scorching hot appliances, chemical dyes, and regular exposure to the elements can turn the strongest tresses into a dry, brittle disaster. Nursing it back to health can take some time, but in the interim, there are steps you can take to improve the speed and success of the repair process.
Take Early Action
Has your hair been looking dull and dry lately? Noticing a lot of frizz and split ends? If the answer is yes, immediately switch to shampoos, conditioners, and styling products specially formulated for damaged hair. Not only will they make your hair look better quickly, but the healing process will get the support it needs. Good choices include Joico K-Pak, a gentle reparative shampoo packed with healing proteins or Alfaparf Semi di Lino Reconstruction Shampoo, which uses bamboo to strengthen your hair. Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Overnight Rescue works while you sleep., leaving your hair feeling healthier in the morning.
Time for a Trim
A good trim can make damaged hair look better and restore some body. You don’t have to go super-short: if the thought of losing those long locks makes you weep, get a layered trim to eliminate the worst of the split, dry ends and apply restorative products recommended by your stylist.
Can the Heat
Styling tools like blow dryers, curling irons, and straightening irons damage hair over time. While your hair is working its way back to health, let it dry naturally whenever possible. If you really must blow-dry to achieve a certain style for a special night out, use the lowest heat setting. The same goes for curling and straightening irons: if you must occasionally use them, apply a strengthening leave-in conditioner first and finish the completed style with a protective spray.
Chemical Ban
If your hair is highly damaged, say goodbye to hair colour and chemical styling processes for a while. Certain bleaches can add extra stress to hair that is already damaged. Talk to your stylist about ammonia-free and semi-permanent colouring solutions.
Likewise, look into safer alternatives to permanent waves or straighteners. Temporary smoothing products can hold curl well, dispel frizziness, and extend the life of a blow-dry style. You can also combine Velcro rollers with a good setting lotion to produce healthy-looking waves and plenty of body without damaging your hair further.
Damaged hair, while frustrating, is rarely a permanent situation. Proper care, specially formulated hair products, and a strategic trim can soon put the style nightmare behind you.
