Hair damage is one of the most common hair problems that need to be treated for a long period, up to a year or two. Damaged hair causes cracks in the outer layer.
It is not helpful to cut hair, because hair is a collection of dead cells, which makes them irreparable. But there are some treatments you can use to take care of your hair, restore the outer layer of your skin and start improving the look and feel of your hair.
Causes of damaged hair and ways to treat damaged hair
Damage due to use of dye
Chemical dyes remove the natural moisture in the hair, making the hair feel rough. This is because the hair must be bleached before applying the dye.
Treat and reduce these damages
- Choose dyes that are darker or close to the tone of your hair to limit the damage. Unnatural colors are difficult to maintain and must be dyed frequently.
- Reduce the number of dyeing times, eg wait 8-10 weeks between dyeing procedures.
- Wash your hair for at least two days in between.
- Use the right shampoo for dyed hair.
- Rinse off the shampoo and conditioner with cold water.
- If you want to chemically straighten or curl your hair, it is best to do it at least two weeks before you are due to dye. This gives your hair time to recover.
- Use olive oil. It helps smoothen hair and replenish much-needed moisture.
Bleaching damage
Bleaching is used to remove the natural hair color from each strand. This causes the melanin that gives hair its natural color to dissolve. It also causes hair to dry out, making it brittle and porous.
Treatment of damaged hair resulting from the use of exfoliators and their reduction
- Do not use bleaching or use it sparingly.
- Before bleaching, moisturize the hair and avoid using heat styling machines.
- Bleached hair is particularly susceptible to damage from UV rays. So a shampoo should be used to reduce this damage.
- Wrap hair to protect it or wear hats.
- Use almond oil.
- Rinse the hair with rice water as inositol, an ingredient found in rice water has been shown to penetrate damaged hair and repair hair from the inside out.
Be very careful with swimming pool chlorine. Chlorine can strip moisture from your hair and make it feel more brittle and frizzy. To avoid this:
- Rinse hair with fresh water before going to the pool.
- Wash your hair well as soon as you get out of the pool.
- Use shampoo and conditioner to moisturize.
Hair damage caused by heat styling tools
The use of heat styling destroys the hair fibers and makes the hair porous.
Treat and reduce these damages
- Using a hairdryer 15 cm away from the hair, and moving the hairdryer constantly can help reduce damage.
- Use a product to protect from heat. To protect the hair and prevent split ends.
- The higher the temperature, the more damage it can do. So use the lowest temperature found in these tools.
- Use coconut oil. Helps replenish the protective oils on the outside of the hair.
- However, these conditions are not always the cause. The cause of the damage may be unknown. So treat the symptoms.
hair tangle
Damaged hair gets tangled very quickly. It also causes increased moisture deficiency in each strand of complex interlacing mode.
Treat and reduce these damages
Use a hairbrush and detangle, starting by styling the ends of the hair at the beginning and then rising to the bottom of the hair. Pulling the brush too hard through your hair can break the hair and lead to permanent damage as well as unwanted hair loss and frizz.
- Only comb hair when it is completely dry.
- You can use a wide-tooth comb to create conditioner or detangle your hair.
- Tie your hair into a ponytail, braid, or bun before doing any activities that will frequently tangle your hair.
Hair loss and dryness
Damaged hair lacks the natural oil and moisture that coats the outside of the hair. Thus, the hair loses its luster.
Treating and reducing damaged hair
- Minimize hair washing, shampoo is designed to remove the oils accumulated on the scalp. Try washing every other day to help keep those oils in your hair and prevent excessive moisture stripping.
- Use shampoo and conditioner designed for dry hair.
- Use jojoba oil. It can help strengthen and moisturize hair.
Hair breakage and brittleness
Damaged hair is fragile and breaks easily. It is one of the most difficult symptoms to treat, and it often occurs in over-processed hair.
Treat and reduce these damages
- Eat a balanced diet. Biotin, vitamins A and C, and iron are all important for strong, smooth hair.
- Protect your hair from the sun. Excessive exposure to sunlight can make your hair brittle and more prone to breakage.
- Avoid dying, bleaching, chemical treatments, and heat styling.
- Use shampoo and conditioner as usual. Then dry your hair well.
Knowing the cause of hair breakage and loss of health and vitality helps you a lot in knowing the appropriate treatment to be able to have shiny, healthy, and vibrant hair.