Hair colouring, heat from a blow dryer and straightening iron, and exposure to the sun, wind and pollution are all stressors that can negatively impact the appearance and health of your hair. Luckily, there are several ways to bring your hair and its colour back to life.
What is damaged hair?
It is fairly easy to spot damaged hair. Usually it looks dull and lifeless. It lacks shine, breaks easily and is especially difficult to comb out. It is also characterized by split ends, to the dismay of many women.
Damage may be caused by heat from styling tools, an unbalanced diet, constant exposure to UV rays, excessive styling, unsuitable colouring or bleaching, etc.
Avoid these errors
Maintain your hair’s body, shine and good health by not washing it too often and avoiding water that is too hot. While most of us love taking a nice, hot shower, keep in mind that heat dries out your hair.
It’s also a good idea to limit the amount of chemicals you apply to your hair. Give your hair a break between dye and bleach jobs, and think twice before straightening your hair or getting a perm, which alters the hair’s structure.
The right techniques
While certain products on the market allow you to effectively reduce the appearance of split ends, there’s nothing better than a trip to the hairdresser to liven up your ’do. Not only will caring for your ends improve the overall look of your locks, but it will help your hair grow quicker.
Also, it is essential to keep damaged hair well hydrated to replenish your hair’s biotin, keratin and necessary oils. Use cleansing products that are packed with emollients as well as vitamins and minerals.
For an extra dose of hydration, opt for a hair mask. Hair repair masks contain proteins and vitamins. Vitamin masks inject damaged hair with body and shine. They’re recommended for people with brittle hair that has not been colour-treated. Protein masks are mainly for people whose hair needs saving after being bleached or dyed.
Apply a hair repair mask after you’ve shampooed your hair, especially to the ends. Steadily apply the product in the direction your hair grows, from root to tip. Normally an amount the size of a dollar coin should be enough, but if your hair is very long, double the amount. After applying the hair mask, don’t forget to rinse your hair properly. This will help to remove any residue that may weigh down your hair.