First of all, you must determine the type of damage your hair has suffered. There are two types of damage:
- reversible damage: hair reacts adversely to certain procedures, products and/or chemicals. However, it is not fatally damaged, which means it can grow back. You can prevent and treat this damage.
- irreversible damage: hair is so severely damaged that it breaks off. It cannot grow back. The scalp will have bald patches.
In many cases, even reversible damage can't be permanently repaired. The only way to get rid of the damage is to wait for your hair to grow out.
To prevent damaged hair, you must first eliminate the cause of it.
Damaged Hair Causes:
• Chemicals:
- Bleach
- Permanent and semi permanent colors
- Perms and straighteners
All these change the chemical structure of the hair fiber and can make the hair more susceptible to damage.
• Mechanical Damage:
- Harsh brushing
- Harsh combing
- Rubbing the hair too harshly with a towel
- Abrasion from rubber bands, barrettes and other accessories
Just-washed hair is especially susceptible to mechanical damage.
• Heat:
- Too-hot blow dryers
- Hot rollers
- Curling and straightening implements
• Environmental Damage:
- Sun's ultraviolet rays
- Wind
- Salt water
The main signs of damage hair include:
- Rough texture
- Extreme porosity
- Dryness
- Brittleness
- Lack of elasticity
- Susceptible to breakage
- Spongy and matted when wet
- Color fading
- Color absorbs too fast
Damaged Hair Repair
The treatment of reversible damage is possible but you need time, effort, money and dedication. For example, some damages will need 12 treatments in three months. And you must not miss any if you want to repair your hair.
Use a good, strong, pH balanced conditioner that contains proteins and humectants.
Use a moisture-rich deep-conditioning treatment on a weekly basis until your hair shows the signs of improvement. Also, use a light spray-on, leave-in conditioner every day when styling.
Fast, Temporary Solutions to Damaged Hair
These solutions can help you to get your hair look good fast, but they will not restore damaged hair.
- Apply a glosser to dry hair.
- Use a flexible styling gel.
- Scrunch your hair with three drops of mineral oil.
Products for Damaged Hair
- For chemically caused damage, try H2 Ion Thermal Activated Hair Repair. It is scientifically formulated and tested product that's been proven to fix damaged hair.
- ApHogee products are really good. Try Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor, Shampoo for Damaged Hair and Two-Step Protein Treatment.
- SunsetHair's Repair Treatment
Home Remedies for Damaged hair
- Crack open an egg and separate the whites from the yolk. Beat the whites with a fork.
Mix in a blender the yolk with a little water. Pour this mixture in the whites. Wash your hair with hot water and apply the mix. Massage it into your hair and rinse with cold water.
- Mix one egg with honey and apply it to your hair. Leave it on for 10 minutes and rinse.
- Apply mayonnaise to your hair during the night. Wash in the morning.
