How To Deal With Damaged Hair

What is hair damage?

We can all acknowledge that hair damage is not a good thing nor inspiring. Hair damage can happen for many reasons, including split ends, heat styling, and chemicals.

When the hair is extremely damaged, it develops cracks in the outside layer also known as the cuticle. Once that happens, the hair is at risk for further damage and breakage. Having a good hair care routine and the proper treatments can help reconstruct the outer cuticle.

What causes damaged hair?

Here are some common causes of hair damage and how you can prevent them:

Heat Damage

Heat is a natural hair killer. Too much heat can lead to dry, brittle, and damaged strands which may result in the big chop or transitioning all over again. Having experienced heat damaged, I strongly suggest that anyone with heat damage consider the big chop. Heat damage is irreversible and trying to transition might cause the damage to travel up the hair shaft.

How to prevent heat damage?

• Use heat on freshly washed  hair
• Use a heat protectant
• Lower the temperature
• Blow-dry on damp hair, not wet
• Blow-dry hair from a distance
• Air dry
• Use the banding method to stretch the hair instead of a hair straightener
• Use the hair threading method instead of a hair straightener

Split Ends

Split ends are a form of hair damage that occurs when the hair becomes dry, brittle, and frayed. This happens as a result of excessive use of heat, chemical hair products, straighteners, and a daily hair care routine. Split ends are usually a sign of damaged or unhealthy hair and occur at the end of the hair. Almost everyone will experience split ends at some point, and the only way to get rid of them is to cut them off.

How to prevent split ends?

It’s hard to prevent split ends, but there are things you can do to reduce their severity.

• Use a shampoo with natural ingredients
• Always use a conditioner after each wash
• Use a leave-in conditioner
• Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle while hair is wet/damp
• Be gentle when brushing your hair
• Trim hair several times a year
• Decrease the frequent use of chemical treatments like color
• Use a heat protectant
• Protect your hair with a satin/silk pillowcase or head wrap, and hair ties
• Drink more water

Chemical Damage

Frequent use of perms, relaxers, or coloring can lead to severe damage, especially if not done properly. Even the exposure to the sun and the saltwater from the beach can dry your hair out– now imagine the use of harsh chemicals. They can break the natural bonds of your cuticles and penetrate the hair shaft. Those chemicals will negatively affect your hair’s elasticity and strength.

How to prevent chemical damage?

• Use sulfate-free shampoo
• Always use conditioner for each wash
• Use a deep conditioner treatment at least once a week
• Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle while hair is wet/damp
• Stay away from chemical products
• Use a heat protectant

Color Damage

Excessive coloring aka bleaching can damage your hair by stripping it out of its natural color which can leave your hair dry and prone to breakage. Damage can occur in any hair type if not done properly and if you don’t follow the proper hair care routine. If your hair is already damaged or dry, I would stay away from coloring or talk to a professional before applying color to your hair.

How to prevent color damage?

• Get professional help from salons that use organic hair color
• For at-home dyeing, you should ask your stylist which organic brands are best for your hair
• Use shampoo and conditioner that are for color-treated hair
• Use a leave-in conditioner to add extra moisture to your hair

Thank you for taking the time to read! Leave your feedback on this article in the comment section below and find me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook @naturalhairpedia.

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