Have you noticed hair damage? You’re not alone. Damaged hair isn’t just a common concern for women – men can also experience hair damage as a result of overwashing, heat styling tools, chemical treatments, and more. If you’re dealing with thinning, dry, or brittle hair, it’s time to make some changes to your hair care routine. Here we’ll discuss X treatments you can use to repair damaged hair and prevent future damage. Keep your hair healthy and looking great with our expert tips!
What is Hair Damage?
Hair damage is the weakening of hair strands. This can lead to issues like dry hair, brittleness, and split ends. Damaged hair often looks frizzy, dull, and is difficult to style. A healthy hair structure includes an outer layer called the cuticle which protects the inner structure, or cortex. When the cuticle is compromised, hair can lose its natural moisture. This lack of moisture can then cause hair breakage and changes to hair texture.
What Causes Damaged Hair?
Hair damage has a variety of different causes. Here are some of the most common:
- Excessive Heat Styling – Regularly using heat styling tools like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can cause dry hair which is prone to breakage.
- Chemical Treatments – Coloring or bleaching hair exposes it to harsh chemicals that strip it of its natural moisture and change its structure.
- Lack of Moisture – If your hair isn’t getting enough moisture, it can become more susceptible to damage and breakage.
- Unhealthy Diet – Not getting enough essential nutrients like biotin, protein, and vitamin E can reduce overall hair strength.
- Environmental Factors – UV rays from the sun, pollution, and harsh weather conditions can lead to oxidative stress which damages your hair.
- Under/Overwashing – Washing your hair too frequently or not enough can strip the hair of its essential oils, leaving it dry and damaged.
- Harsh Hair Products – Using hair products with harsh chemicals like sulfates and parabens can lead to damaged hair.
10 Methods To Repair Damaged Hair
1. Use a Moisturising Shampoo and Conditioner
Using moisturizing shampoos and conditioners can help restore damaged hair. Many products contain harsh chemicals like sulfates which can worsen hair damage. On the other hand, moisturizing formulas contain natural ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, keratin, and aloe vera which provide intense hydration. A hydrating shampoo and deep conditioning treatment helps lock in moisture, making your hair stronger and smoother.
2. Reduce Heat Styling
Excessive heat styling can be very damaging. All that heat from a high-temperature blow dryer or curling iron can weaken hair, making it brittle and prone to breakage. While it’s best to avoid hot tools and let your hair dry naturally, if you need to use heat, keep the temperature low and use a heat protectant spray. This easy habit can help preserve your hair’s natural structure and reduce further damage.
3. Limit Chemical Treatments
Coloring, bleaching, or perming can lead to extremely damaged hair. This is because the treatments change your hair’s natural structure. They make the hair shaft more porous and vulnerable to further damage. You should cut back on chemical treatments if you’ve noticed any damage, such as dry hair or brittleness.
4. Ensure Sun Protection
Excessive sun exposure drys out hair and causes color fading. UV rays weaken the hair’s protein structure, wreaking havoc on your hair’s health. You can protect hair from the sun by wearing a hat, or using hair products with UV filters when the sun’s out. A leave in conditioner or UV spray helps shield your hair from the sun while keeping it well-hydrated and maintaining its elasticity.
5. Avoid Overwashing
Washing your hair too frequently can strip its essential oils. These oils act as a barrier to protect hair and keep it shiny. Overwashing messes with the scalp’s natural balance and can cause dryness or excess oil production. Keep hair washing to every 2-3 days to retain moisture. Also, make sure to use a sulfate-free shampoo to reduce further damage.
6. Apply Natural Oils
Natural oils like coconut, jojoba, olive, and argan oil can be very effective at treating damaged hair. They penetrate and nourish the hair shaft, delivering essential nutrients and much-needed moisture. They strengthen hair from within, making it shinier, softer, and fuller. All you need to do is apply a few drops to your hair every day to reduce frizz and prevent breakage. You can also apply them as an overnight leave-in treatment or hair mask.
7. Get Regular Haircuts
Regular haircuts can help you to maintain healthy hair. Split ends can travel up the hair shaft and cause further damage. Make sure to get your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks, this helps remove split ends and keeps your hair looking healthy and fresh. Regular cuts also improve hair texture and reduce frizz, making it easier to style and manage.
8. Try Hair Supplements
Nutrients like biotin, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids are important for maintaining strong, thick hair. Supplements that contain these nutrients nourish your hair follicles, supporting improved growth and strength. Taking hair supplements regularly doesn’t just fix damaged hair, it can also help with thinning and hair loss.
9. Invest in a Good Brush
You might not think it, but the type of brush you use can impact your hair health. You should use a hairbrush with soft, natural bristles or a high-quality wide-tooth comb. These brushes are gentle on the scalp, reduce split ends, and prevent breakage. Hard plastic or metal brushes can pull the hair and lead to damage.
10. Eat a Balanced Diet
While you can get hair supplements to increase your nutrient intake, most essential nutrients should come from your diet. Focus on foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein to keep your hair healthy and strong. Foods like eggs, nuts, fish, and vegetables give you the nutrients you need to support hair growth and resilience. A balanced diet gives your hair the fuel it needs to repair itself and grow stronger over time.
Can Damage Lead To Thinning Hair?
Yes, hair damage can lead to thinning. Damage from heat, chemicals, and a poor hair care routine can weaken the hair shaft. This causes brittle hair that is prone to breakage – it breaks off near the roots and appears thinner. Also, poor overall scalp health impacts hair follicle health, leading to slowed growth and sometimes even hair loss.
Choose Hairy Hair Treatment For Thinning Hair
If you’ve noticed thinning hair or hair loss from damage or other causes, it might be time to look for an effective long-term solution. The Hairy Hair treatment plan offers a clinically proven formula to beat hair loss and encourage healthy regrowth. Treatment is delivered online, so you don’t need to visit a clinic, but you’ll still have access to experienced GPs that specialize in hair loss. Enjoy sustainable growth and lasting confidence by signing up to Hairy Hair.
Final Thoughts
It takes time and patience to repair damaged hair. You need to incorporate the right hair care routine and commit to ongoing changes if you want to see thicker, fuller and healthier hair. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can help reverse any damage and protect your hair from future harm. Small changes like using a moisturizing shampoo, reducing heat styling, applying natural oils and taking supplements can make all the difference. Give your hair the attention it deserves and it’s strength and resilience will return.
