We style our hair by heat straightening, coloring, and chemicals to look better. But slowly, it damages hair after some time. Washing is improper, and applying harsh shampoo makes the unhealthy texture of your hair. If you are looking for natural ways to repair damaged hair, this blog helps you with suggestions.
What does damaged hair look like?
Hair damage often starts with the outer layer, called the cuticle, becoming compromised. This can happen due to chemical treatments, heat styling, or rough handling. A damaged cuticle leaves the hair shaft vulnerable to further harm, and you might start noticing signs like.
- Lack of luster
- Fuzziness
- dryness
- Tangling
- Brittleness
Types of hair damage
Frizz hair
It happens when the outer layer of hair, called the cuticle, becomes raised and uneven. This can happen due to dryness, damage, or even humidity. Frizz can appear anywhere on your hair, from the surface near the scalp to the ends. Luckily, there are solutions! Hair serums are your allies in this battle, as they help smooth down the cuticle and tame frizz, leaving your hair looking sleek and manageable.
Dry hair
Hair gets its shine from natural oils. Harsh shampoos can wash away these oils, making hair dry and dull. To keep hair healthy, wash it less often and use a shampoo made for your hair type.
Tangled hair
Damaged hair is easily tangled because the rough surface grabs onto other strands. This is made worse when hair is dry. To avoid tangles, gently comb your hair with a wide-tooth comb, starting from the ends and working your way up. You can also use detangling products like sprays, oils, conditioners, and masks to make brushing easier.
Break and brittle hairs
Unfortunately, split ends are like a tear in your hair strand and cannot be “fixed.” They can be trimmed off to prevent further damage, but products like hair dusting, serums, and conditioners can’t mend the split. However, these products can help smooth the hair strands and make split ends appear less noticeable, giving your hair a healthier-looking appearance.
Causes of the damaged hair
Heating style tools
Heat styling tools like straighteners, curlers, and blow dryers can damage your hair by making it dry and rough. This is because the heat opens up the outer layer of the hair, making it like a sponge that soaks up anything around it. If you need to use heat styling for a special occasion, try these tips:
- Blow dry from a distance: Hold the blow dryer at least 6 inches from your hair to reduce heat exposure.
- Use a heat protectant: This is like a shield for your hair, helping protect it from heat’s damaging effects.
- Pre-dry with a towel: Before using heat-styling tools, gently squeeze out excess water with a soft towel. This will reduce the time you need to use heat on your hair.
Bleaching for hair color
Bleaching makes your hair lighter by removing its natural color. This can leave your hair dry, rough, and easily broken. It also makes your hair less stretchy. To keep your hair healthy after bleaching, you can:
Please protect it from the sun: Wear hats or caps when you’re outside, as the sun can damage bleached hair even more.
Moisturize your hair: Use conditioners and masks to hydrate your hair.
Avoid chlorinated water: If you go swimming, wear a swim cap and rinse your hair well with clean water afterward. Chlorine can dry out your hair and even turn it green!
Sleeping with lost hair
Sun exposure
Wind
Hot showers
Rough towel for dying hairs
Natural Tips to repair damaged hair
Trim your hair regularly
Regular haircuts (every 6-8 weeks) are essential for healthy hair. This helps remove split ends, which are like tiny tears in your hair. If you don’t cut split ends, they can travel up your hair and cause it to become brittle and dry all over.
Gentle hair care routine
Here are some key things to keep in mind:
Choose gentle products:
Look for products free of harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, alcohols, dyes, and artificial fragrances. These chemicals can strip your hair of its natural oils and worsen it.
Wash regularly, but not too often:
You still need to wash your hair to remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells, but aim for 2-3 times a week instead of every day.
Deep condition:
Treat your hair to deep conditioning treatments once or twice a week. These treatments are more concentrated than regular conditioners and can help repair damaged hair.
Hair serums
Hair serums are great! They protect your hair from heat styling tools, tame frizz, and make your hair shine. The key is to apply them only to the ends of your hair, not the scalp. Putting serum on your scalp can make your hair look greasy.
Homemade Hair Masks:
I am looking for a way to repair damaged hair without breaking the bank. Try these easy homemade hair masks!
- Avocado Power: Mash a ripe avocado with an egg and leave it on your hair for 20 minutes. Avocados are packed with goodies like vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, all of which are great for your hair.
- Banana Bliss: Blend a ripe banana with yogurt or olive oil. Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp, then wash it with a gentle shampoo. Bananas contain moisture-boosting ingredients like carbs, potassium, vitamins, and natural oils.
- Eggcellent Shine: Mix egg white with half a lemon until smooth. Apply it to your hair, cover it with a shower cap, and leave it on for 30 minutes. Rinse it out with a mild shampoo. Eggs are full of protein and vitamins that help condition your hair and bring back its shine. The lemon helps clear product buildup from your hair.
Hair Oils:
These natural oils are great for your hair:
- Coconut Oil: This wonder oil can penetrate your hair and repair damage.
- Olive Oil: A fantastic moisturizer that helps bring back lost moisture.
- Almond Oil: Helps rehydrate dry hair and reduce frizz.
- Argan Oil: Rich in vitamins E and A, this oil hydrates your hair and prevents breakage.