Damaged hair can be annoying; but with a little time, your love and care can make your hair more manageable. One of the first steps to treating damaged hair is to keep it moisturized. Dry hair is often very brittle and becomes damaged hair. This article will give you tips on how you can make your hair feel softer. This article also provides some advice on how you can prevent future hair damage by keeping it healthy and strong.
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Part 1 of 4: Taking Care of Your Hair
Step 1. Comb your hair properly
Don't comb your hair from roots to ends; this causes more hair to fall out, tangle and break. Instead, comb in bits at a time and comb your hair starting at the ends first. Make sure the comb you use has soft, flexible teeth.
- Don't brush your hair while it's still wet, unless you have curly hair.
- If your hair is curly, comb it while it's still wet with a wide-toothed comb.
- Try using a hair detangler spray or gel product (a spray or gel that works to make hair less frizzy and easy to comb) to make combing easier. This product will make it easier for the comb to slide through the hair strands.
Step 2. Avoid hairstyles that weigh heavily on your hair, such as high ponytails or tight braids
Over time, these types of hairstyles can weaken the strands, making them brittle and break. Instead, try out your hairdo or style it in a more casual style, such as a low ponytail or a regular braid.
Step 3. Trim your hair a little every six to eight weeks
Cutting your hair not only gets rid of split ends, it also stimulates your hair to grow. If you don't trim your hair regularly, the damage will travel further up the strands, causing more damage.
Step 4. Avoid coloring, curling, or straightening your hair too often or doing it all at once
If you have to chemically treat your hair, then do the curling or straightening process first, wait two weeks, then do the coloring process. This will give your hair plenty of time to heal and prevent further damage.
If you dye your hair, try to stay within the 3 color range. If you dye it too light, your hair will overreact and make it dry and brittle
Step 5. Use the right hair accessories
Avoid using rubber bands or other objects that have sharp metal edges. Instead, try using a cloth-covered hair tie and an elastic hair tie. These items put the least amount of stress on your hair.
Step 6. Consider buying a silk pillowcase
Cotton pillowcases not only dry out your hair, they also cause a lot of friction which results in frizz and breakage.
Step 7. Protect your hair from harsh weather by covering it
You can wear a hat, hood, or scarf. The scorching heat of the sun can seriously damage your hair, as can the extremely cold temperatures. Both extreme heat and cold can suck in your hair's moisture, making it brittle and dry. This causes damaged hair.
Step 8. Try to eat more foods that contain fatty acids, proteins and vitamins
These foods will not remove or repel hair damage; but these nutrients will help ensure that the new hair that grows will be healthy and strong. Make sure to maintain a healthy and balanced diet by eating other healthy foods as well.
- Foods that are high in fatty acids include avocado, salmon and olive oil. The fatty acids help re-insert moisture into your scalp and hair.
- Foods that contain protein include eggs, fish and meat. Protein helps your hair become stronger.
- Foods rich in vitamin C include broccoli, oranges and spinach. Foods that are high in B vitamins include berries, eggs, nuts, fish and other vegetables.
Step 9. Try to get enough sleep and reduce your stress level
If you are experiencing a lot of stress in your life and you are not getting enough sleep, your hair will look unhealthy. Unhealthy hair is more prone to breakage than healthy hair. You can keep your hair healthy (and thus reduce breakage) by getting more sleep and trying to manage your stress levels. Here are some ways you can reduce stress:
- Try meditation, yoga or breathing exercises to focus your mind.
- Exercise to move the body. For example, you can go for a jog, play sports, go for a walk or even work out at the gym.
- Take up a hobby, such as drawing, knitting or crocheting, gardening, painting, playing music, reading, singing or writing.
Part 2 of 4: Washing and Drying Your Hair
Step 1. Avoid washing your hair every day
This can strip the natural oils from your hair. Without these oils, hair will become dry, brittle and prone to breakage. Instead, try to wash your hair twice a week.
If you have to wash your hair more often, then wash it every two days
Step 2. Apply the shampoo on the scalp and hair roots
These are the oiliest parts of the hair and need to be cleaned the most. Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp and hair roots using your fingers. Try using a small to no amount of shampoo on the ends of your hair.
Step 3. Apply conditioner to the ends of your hair
The ends of your hair are the driest parts of your hair and need the most moisture that conditioner provides. Use conditioner on the ends of your hair first and work your way up to your head. You should use a small to no amount of conditioner on your scalp and hair roots.
Step 4. Consider using a hair mask with a deep conditioning function
These masks are similar to conditioners, but give your hair more moisture and nutrients. Because this mask is very rich in content, you don't need to use it every time you wash your hair. A few times a month is enough. You can use homemade masks or store-bought masks.
- If you want to use a store-bought hair mask, look for one that contains argan oil, coconut oil or shea butter. Apply the mask on wet hair, then tuck your hair into a shower cap. Leave the hair mask on for the recommended amount of time (usually 20 to 30 minutes), then rinse off the mask and then continue with your usual shampooing routine. You can use this mask once a week or twice a month, depending on your hair type. Do not leave the hair mask on for longer than the time suggested on the label.
- You can also make your own deep conditioning mask using honey or yogurt. Since masks like these are made from natural ingredients, they don't last long and should be used as soon as they are made.
Step 5. Dry your hair with a soft towel
Bend forward and cover your hair with the towel. Gently squeeze out the remaining water in the hair. Do not rub your hair with a towel as this can make your hair tangle or break.
Try using a microfiber towel. These towels are softer than regular cotton towels, resulting in less friction that damages hair. Simply wrap your hair in a microfiber towel and allow the towel to absorb any excess moisture
Step 6. Dry your hair with the wind and don't use a hair dryer too often
While the best way to dry your hair is to let it dry on its own, you can use a blow dryer on your hair without damaging it. Let your hair start to dry naturally on its own. When it is 70% to 80% dry, you can use a hairdryer. Make sure it stays 15.25 cm from your hair, and use the lowest temperature setting. Too high a heat from a hair dryer can damage your hair.
Step 7. Avoid heat styling and use a heat protectant spray if you do
Curlers and straighteners can be tempting to use, especially if your hair tangles easily. While these tools can help tame messy hair, they can also do more damage to your hair. Therefore you should avoid styling your hair with heat whenever possible. If you must curl or straighten your hair, then use a heat protection cream or spray. Just apply the cream or spray to your hair before using the curling iron or straightener.
Step 8. Try following up with some amount of hair oil or hair straightening product
Make sure you use a product intended for dry or damaged hair. Products like these will contain moisturizing or nourishing ingredients, such as argan oil, coconut oil and shea butter. Simply dab a small amount of the product on your palms and then rub it through your hair, concentrating most of your attention on the ends. The use of this product on the scalp and hair roots should be in small amounts to none.
Part 3 of 4: Using Various Masks and Treatments
Step 1. Use honey in your conditioner
Honey is a natural moisturizer and this makes it an ideal ingredient for reviving dry and damaged hair.
Step 2. Moisturize your hair with a simple honey mask
You will need 90 grams of raw honey and a little water to dilute the honey. Apply the mask on wet hair and leave it on for 30 minutes. Wash off with shampoo and conditioner.
Step 3. Smooth out the tangled hair using honey and apple cider vinegar
You will need 90 grams of raw honey and 10 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Apply the mask on wet hair and leave it on for 15 minutes. Wash with shampoo and conditioner. Apple cider vinegar will also get rid of the dirt that has built up in your hair and make it shine.
Step 4. Give your hair an ultra-moisturizing treatment with honey and coconut oil
You will need 90 grams of raw honey and 3 tablespoons of warmed coconut oil. Apply the mask on damp hair and leave it on for 10 minutes before washing it off with shampoo and conditioner.
Step 5. Make a simple hair oil using honey and olive oil
You will need 175 grams of raw honey and 60 ml of olive oil. You can use this oil in small amounts when your hair is very dry and brittle.
Step 6. Treat your hair with a yogurt-based mask
Combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of raw honey and 65 grams of plain yogurt in a bowl. Apply the mask on wet hair and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash hair with warm water, shampoo and conditioner. The olive oil and honey will work together to restore shine and softness to the hair, while the yogurt will add protein that is essential for healthy and strong hair.
Step 7. Pamper your hair with a natural oil hair mask
Heat about 3 tablespoons of oil in a team pot or microwave and apply the oil to damp hair. Make sure the oil is absorbed into the scalp by massaging. Put your hair in a shower cap. The hat will not only help you retain the moisture in your hair, but also the heat from the oil. Leave the oil on your hair for 30 minutes to 2 hours before removing the shower cap and rinsing with hot water. Wash your hair with shampoo and rinse again with cold water. Don't forget to rinse the back of your neck and back as well. Here is a list of oils you can use on your hair and what they can do for you:
- Use avocado if you have dry or frizzy hair.
- Castor oil can dry out, but it can also strengthen brittle hair.
- Use coconut oil for moisture, softness and shinier hair. This oil is also great for treating dandruff.
- Jojoba oil is great for those of you who have oily hair.
- Sesame oil will restore radiance to dull hair.
- Try to combine all the above oils.
Step 8. Use a protein mask sold in stores
The protein in masks like these will help rebuild the natural keratin in your hair. These masks also tend to provide a deep-conditioning function which means they will also help your hair retain moisture. This is especially useful if your hair is coarse or frizzy.
Step 9. Make your own protein mask by mixing one raw egg and one tablespoon of olive oil
Massage the mask on wet hair, then cover your hair with a shower cap. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water. Wash your hair as usual with shampoo and conditioner after using this mask. The yolk will give your hair extra protein, while the egg white will help remove excess oil. Olive oil will moisturize your hair.
Part 4 of 4: Buying the Right Hair Care Products
Step 1. When you buy hair care products, avoid the brands sold in drug stores
These products may be cheap and easy on the pocket, but will be difficult for your hair. Many brands of shampoo and conditioner sold at drugstores contain silicone and harsh chemicals that can dry out and damage your hair. The money you save from shampoo and conditioner will later be spent on masks and hair treatments. Instead, try to buy brands that are sold in salons. These products are more expensive, but also do less damage to your hair. Salon products help rebalance your hair's pH and retain moisture.
Step 2. Look for products that will moisturize and nourish your hair
Just because a product isn't called for damaged hair doesn't mean it can't help. If you can't find a product called "for damaged hair" on the label, look for a product that will moisturize, nourish or strengthen your hair. Traits like these will help remove the damage or at least make it less noticeable. Here are some things you should pay attention to when buying shampoo, conditioner and other products:
- Products intended for "Dry and Brittle Hair" are great products for damaged hair. Products like this are more nourishing and moisturizing, and will also help your hair grow stronger.
- Look for products that contain moisturizers such as argan oil, coconut oil or shea butter.
- Smoothing and softening shampoos and conditioners contain healthy oils that will leave your hair looking healthier and less frizzy.
- Any product called: repairing, hydrating or moisturizing.
- Consider buying a leave-in conditioner. This product will help lock the moisture in your hair and prevent your hair from drying out.
- If you dye your hair then look for a product called "For Colored Hair". Products like these not only help prevent hair color from fading, but also provide extra moisture and nutrition to your hair.
Step 3. Ignore shampoos that contain too much fragrance
Most of these shampoos contain alcohol and chemicals that are bad for your hair. These ingredients will make your hair more brittle and dry which can lead to more damage.
If you must use products that contain fragrance, look for products with natural scents such as essential oils or coconut oil
Step 4. Avoid products that contain parabens, sulfates and other harmful ingredients
Certain ingredients found in shampoos and conditioners (especially the ones sold in drugstores) can be very harmful to your hair and body. You can prevent further damage to your hair by avoiding the following ingredients:
- Parabens are preservatives that have been linked to breast cancer.
- Sulfate often appears in ingredient lists such as Sodium Laury Sulfate. It is a harsh detergent often found in floor cleaners and is capable of stripping the natural oils from your hair, resulting in dry, brittle hair. Sulfate is used to produce foam in shampoo.
- Urea is used because it has anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties. Unfortunately, urea has been linked to skin diseases and cancer.
- Phthalates/ plasticizers = disrupt the endocrine system, may be linked to cancer.
- Petrochemicals such as Lanolin, Mineral Oil, Paraffin, Petrolatum, Propylene Glycol and PVP/VA Copolymer lock in the toxic materials in your hair while preventing moisture and oxygen from entering.
Step 5. Look for natural oils and moisturizers in the ingredients list on the package
Certain ingredients found in shampoos and conditioners are beneficial for your hair. The following is a list of essential oils and moisturizing ingredients in products for your hair:
- Oils such as argan oil, avocado and olive oil.
- Moisturizing ingredients such as: glycerin, glyceryl stearate, propylene glycol, shea butter, sodium lactate, sodium PCA, and sorbitol.
Step 6. Know what alcohol should and shouldn't be in your hair products
Many hair care products contain alcohol. Some of these make hair too dry, causing more damage and should be avoided. Some others are harmless to hair and make great substitutes:
- Avoid the following alcohols: isopropyl alcohol, propanol, propyl alcohol, and SD alcohol 40.
- The following alcohols are not bad for your hair: cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, and stearyl alcohol.
Tips
- Don't straighten your hair every day.
- Avoid using hair treatments with excess heat or chemicals.
- When using flat irons and curling irons, try to use them on the lowest temperature setting. Make sure you apply a heat protectant spray or mousse to your hair.
- When combing hair, do not pull the comb with all your strength. If the comb is broken or difficult to use to comb your hair, then use the hairbrush of your choice.
- If you're in a hurry, style your hair into a bun or ponytail and pin your bangs back.
- Do not use the black rubber band on your hair for a long time. Hair that is exposed to the rubber in a long time will turn white.
- Don't brush your hair every day.
- Don't brush your hair when it's wet, unless you have curly hair.
