Many people experience damaged or burned hair as a result of harsh chemical treatments, such as hair coloring and straightening. After years of damage, sometimes it seems hopeless for chemically burned hair. However, with the help of a professional hair stylist or some home hair care rituals, you can start your journey with healthier, stronger hair.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Treating Chemically Burned Hair at Home
Step 1. Wash your hair with a good quality shampoo
The shampoo in question is a salon-quality product with quality active ingredients. Spend some time looking through the list of shampoo ingredients and choose based on the ingredients, not just the shampoo brand.
- Avoid ingredients such as sulfates (ammonium lauryl sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate, and sodium lauryl sulfate), isopropyl alcohol, formaldehyde, and propylene glycol. These ingredients can dry out hair, damage hair's healthy proteins, and leave it vulnerable to further damage in the future.
- Look for ingredients such as cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, and disodium laureth sulfosuccinate. It is gentler than the sulfates used in many inexpensive shampoos and is obtained from more natural ingredients, such as coconut oil.
- Also, choose a shampoo that contains glycerol and panthenol. Glycerol helps strengthen hair by creating a protective layer and panthenol makes it able to retain more moisture and thicken hair follicles.
Step 2. Use a deep-penetrating reconstructive shampoo
This type of shampoo will help strengthen your hair by creating a barrier between the strands and any heat that can hit them (through drying, straightening, etc.). Leave on hair for five minutes then rinse.
Use the shampoo alternately with other high-quality shampoo. Don't use both at the same time. Washing your hair too often will make it drier and can be damaging in the long run
Step 3. Dry your hair with a towel gently
Make sure your hair can fully absorb the product at each stage. Drying your hair with a towel can help it absorb the benefits of the shampoo treatment before moving on to the conditioner phase.
Step 4. Apply intense hydrating conditioner
This type of conditioner can work to restore the protective hydrolipidic layer and prevent dehydration of the hair in the future.
Generally, this conditioner is not a leave-in product. You can apply conditioner to wet hair, massage it into your scalp, then rinse
Part 2 of 3: Using Homemade Formulas to Treat Chemically Burned Hair
Step 1. Apply hot oil treatment with plastic wrap
This type of treatment can help hair regain its natural shine and moisture. But using too much oil on your head can make your hair look greasy, so be careful not to overdo it. Usually, 1-3 times a month is sufficient for this type of treatment.
- Heat cup (120 ml) of essential oil, such as olive or coconut oil, until it is warm to the touch, but not boiling, then massage it into your hair. If you don't heat it up right away, put some oil on your head, put on a shower cap, and sit under the blow dryer.
- Cover your hair with plastic wrap (or even a shower cap if you don't have one) and let it sit for 30-45 minutes, depending on the degree of damage to your hair.
- When you're done, rinse the oil out of your hair using lukewarm water.
Step 2. Use a conditioning oil mask to moisturize your hair
Combine 1 tablespoon protein-rich shampoo, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil, and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) moisturizing conditioner.
- Massage the mixture on the scalp and leave it like a hair mask.
- Cover your hair with a plastic bag, then wrap it in a towel.
- Leave the mask on for 20 minutes, then rinse your hair thoroughly.
Step 3. Use honey and olive oil to help damaged hair
Mix 2 tablespoons (14 g) of honey with 3 tablespoons (44 ml) of extra virgin olive oil. Apply to damp hair, making sure to rub it into the scalp thoroughly and pull the mixture all the way to the ends of the hair.
- After applying the mask mixture to your hair, wrap a towel around your head.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the degree of hair damage. Then, rinse with warm water.
- Wash off the remaining mask with a mild shampoo.
- You can adjust the ingredients according to the length of your hair. For example, use 4 tablespoons (28 g) of honey and 6 tablespoons (89 ml) extra virgin olive oil if you have long hair.
Step 4. Make a hair mask using banana and honey
This mask works to restore dry and damaged hair, and is light enough to be used twice a week.
- Combine 1 mashed banana, 1 raw egg, 3 tbsp (44 ml) milk, 3 tbsp (21 g) honey and 5 tbsp (74 ml) olive oil in a bowl.
- Apply the mask mixture on the hair thoroughly and leave it on for 15-30 minutes.
- Rinse your hair with cold water and a mild shampoo.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Chemical Damage to Hair in the Future
Step 1. Change your hair care products
Changing hair care products can help your hair recover from damage and prevent it from happening in the future. Try using products that hydrate your hair–like moisturizing shampoos and conditioners.
Also, try products that contain protein or keratin reconstruction to help protect your hair
Step 2. Avoid coloring your hair or using other harsh chemical treatments
If you're serious about preventing future hair damage from harmful chemicals, you should avoid them altogether if possible. While it may look beautiful for a while, harsh chemical treatments will eventually do the damage. Avoid using damaging chemical treatments to prevent future hair problems.
If you have to dye your hair, try a more natural dye like henna or tea. This method can reduce the level of hair damage significantly
Step 3. Trim your hair regularly
Styling your hair regularly can help prevent future damage, and minimize or repair any damage that occurs. Set aside time to maintain healthy hair by trimming it regularly, usually every 6 to 8 weeks.
Tips
- Continue treatment for chemically damaged hair for as long as you need.
- Make an appointment with your stylist for additional help if you feel your hair isn't getting any better.
