How to repair damaged hair?
Hair is damaged by many different effects from the beauty process, mainly from heat and chemicals. Depending on the cause of the damage, there are different ways to restore hair. You should read for reference to choose the right way.
1. Should damaged hair be restored?
Damaged hair is not only manifested by split ends. Severely damaged hair also creates cracks in the cuticle of the hair, increasing the risk of damage and breakage to the hair. Besides, it also makes the hair dull, frizzy, and difficult to manage.
Most damaged hair is irreversible. The only cure is time, haircut, and new damage-prevention therapies. Proper hair care combined with some targeted treatments will help restore the cuticle and improve the look of your hair.
2. Repair damaged hair after dyeing hair.
Chemical dyes can strip your hair of its natural moisture, making it quickly silky to the touch. However, over time, you will find that the hair is not as strong as before. Some of the following ways can be applied to restore damaged hair after dyeing hair:
Keep hair color:
Experts recommend choosing a dye of the same tone with 3 different shades (dark, medium, light) and should choose a dark color rather than a light color to limit the damage. Unnatural colors like purple and white are difficult to maintain and need to be re-stained with a thicker frequency.
Reduce the frequency of hair dyeing:
Extending the interval between hair dyes can help limit damage, from 8-10 weeks or longer. To prolong the time between dyeing your hair, you need to do a few tips:
Wash your hair less
Only use shampoo for dyed hair
Rinse off shampoo and conditioner with cool water. Hot water can cause the cuticle to stretch and wash away the dye
See a consultant:
Going to a hairdresser can be expensive, but dyeing your hair is often left to professionals who can know how to use the dye properly to limit damage to your hair.
Opt for hairdressing services (dyeing, perming, styling,…) for a semi-permanent change: Permanent hair services can change the hair so dramatically that the only fix is to grow the hair and start.
Choose 1 service at a time:
If you want to straighten or curl your hair, it is best to do it 2 weeks before dyeing your hair. Taking them one at a time can give your hair time to recover between treatments. Here are some ways to help hair recover faster after each beauty treatment:
Use olive oil: Olive oil has the effect of rehydrating the hair, smoothing the cuticle, making the hair soft, and adding much-needed moisture. This remedy can be used several days after dyeing the hair.
Use color-safe shampoos and conditioners: These are formulated with the right pH to prevent clumps of hair and remove the dye. As a result, hair color lasts longer and hair looks better.
Some recommended shampoos for dyed hair such as Mineral Fusion shampoo, Nexxus Color Assure shampoo and Pureology Hydrate conditioner.
Read: What foods grows hair faster?
3. Restore damaged hair after hair bleaching.
Bleach is used to completely change your hair color. The essence of the hair bleaching process is to swell the hair so that the bleach can reach the inner part of the hair, and then dissolve the pigments that give the hair color to change the hair color.
3.1. Limit long-term damage after hair bleaching
Bleaching can leave hair dry, porous, brittle, and prone to breakage. Hair undergoes permanent structural changes that make it less strong and resilient. To restore damaged hair after bleaching, you can refer to the following measures:
Limit hair bleaching or do not bleach hair anymore
Replenish hair moisture and avoid hair-damaging activities like heat styling a few weeks before bleaching
Use sunscreen on your hair. UV rays can cause damage to hair, especially bleached hair
Wear a wide-brimmed hat or hair wrap to protect your hair and scalp. You can also use UV protection hairspray to protect your hair
You should choose to buy products that include conditioners for added benefits for your hair. Some suitable products include:
Sun Bum Beach Formula 3 In 1 Leave-In Hair Conditioning Treatment
Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer
Sun Bum Beach Formula Shine On Hair Conditioning Treatment
In addition, you should also limit your hair exposure to a high-chlorine environment because it can make hair brittle and coarse by:
Rinse your hair with clean water before entering the pool. This can help prevent chlorine from changing hair color and drying out strands
Or wash your hair right after getting out of the pool
3.2. Limit existing damage after hair bleaching
Fragrant almond oil softens and strengthens hair. Therefore, you can apply a small amount to the ends of your hair before blow-drying to moisten strands and reduce frizz. Some popular selected almond oils include: NOW Sweet Almond Oil, Head and Shoulders Dry Scalp Care with Almond Oil Dandruff Shampoo
Inositol, an ingredient found in rice water, has been shown to penetrate damaged hair and repair hair from the inside out.
4. Repair damaged hair after heat styling
4.1. Limit long-term damage after heat styling
Heat styling can “cook” hair strands and lead to bulging and frizzy cuticles. Using heat too often or at high temperatures can make your hair more susceptible to damage. Limit hair damage after using heat by:
Remote drying: Drying hair 15cm away and moving the dryer continuously can reduce damage.
Use heat-resistant products: These products help protect hair and prevent split ends.
Lower the temperature: The hotter the temperature, the more damaged the hair is. Therefore, set a low temperature for any product and limit the amount of time hot air, iron or curlers touch your hair.
Tumble dry without heat: Wrap your hair with a towel after showering to help absorb excess water before letting it air dry. Do not use a towel to scrub your hair as this can cause unnecessary friction and damage the hair. This can also be a good idea if you plan to style your hair with an iron or curling iron and should not be used more than once a week.
Let your hair dry naturally: Letting your hair dry naturally is a good way to limit long-term damage after heat styling.
4.2. Limit existing damage after heat styling
Use coconut oil: Coconut oil penetrates the outer epidermis and moisturizes from the inside out. It can also help replenish the oil that protects the cuticle.
5. Hair care based on existing damage
5.1. Tangled hair
Carefully comb and untangle: Start at the ends and slowly undo knots as you work your way up to the roots. Starting at the top of your head and tugging at the comb can break your hair and lead to long-term damage.
Dry comb only: Only brush your hair when it is completely dry because wet hair sleeps easier and friction is stronger.
Brush your hair less: Brush your hair before shampooing and when necessary throughout the day.
Tie your hair: Tie your hair into a ponytail, braid, or loose bun before doing any messy work.
Pay attention to moisture: Properly moisturized hair is less likely to tangle.
5.2. Dry and dull hair
Wash your hair less: Shampoo is designed to remove oil build-up on the scalp, so it also removes oil from the hair. You should limit shampooing to maintain hair moisture.
Use shampoo and conditioner for dry hair: Helps replenish moisture. However, you need to be careful to only wash your hair.
Use jojoba oil: Jojoba oil can help rehydrate hair. Jojoba is often added to conditioners or virgin oils.
5.3. Curly and curly hair
Rinse with cold water: Hot water relaxes the cuticle, while cold water can help shrink the cuticle. Rinsing with cool or cold water can help protect the inner layer of your hair and keep it moisturized.
Use the right products: Shampoos that are too strong can strip away too much of your hair’s natural oils. This can cause tangles and frizz. Therefore, you should choose more moisturizing shampoos and conditioners.
Try Apple Cider Vinegar Mouthwash (ACV): Apple cider vinegar can help restore the pH balance in your hair and scalp.
Use argan oil: Argan oil is highly moisturizing, and rich in vitamins A and E. It can also help prevent breakage
Read: 5 best vitamins for hair growth
5.4 Brittle and brittle hair.
Eat a balanced diet: A diet rich in foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains has many benefits, including healthy hair. Biotin, vitamins A, C, and iron are all important for strong and shiny hair.
Protect hair from the sun: Too much sun exposure can make hair brittle and more prone to breakage. Lighter-colored hair, such as blonde and gray, is also more susceptible to sun damage. Therefore, you should wear a hat or use UV protection products before going out.
Do not use products that keep your hair shiny for a long time: These products can dry out your hair. Brushing or styling your hair after applying them can also cause hair to break.
Avoid dyeing, bleaching, chemical treatments, and heat styling: Give your hair a complete rest until it’s less brittle and holds better.
Try the soak-and-apply method: Wash and condition as usual. Use a towel to dry your hair before adding conditioner. After you remove the conditioner, add more oil to lock in the moisture. This makes it easier to straighten the hair.
There are many ways to restore damaged hair, and depending on the cause, there will be different ways to recover. Therefore, you can refer to some of the above ways to choose the right restoration method for your hair.
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