Is your hair damaged, dry and brittle? You could be damaging your hair everyday and not even realize it. There are certain things we’ve become accustomed to, like using heat tools and washing our hair everyday that are doing much more damage than good to our strands. If you’re wondering how to repair damaged hair, and even more, how to repair heat damaged hair, read on!
7 Ways You’re Damaging Your Hair
1. Blow Drying
Heat causes damage to your hair, and blow drying not only removes the surface moisture of your hair, it also removes water that’s bound to the hair. This causes your cuticles to become dry and brittle, and can lead to significant breakage. Air drying is a much better option, but if you’re not able to do so, make sure to use a heat protector spray or leave-in conditioner before using a blow drier.
2. Using Hot Tools
Hot hair tools like curling rods and straightening irons are often necessary to get the look you want, but they are some of the main culprits of damaged hair. The upside is that most hot tools have different heat settings, so if you put them on a lower setting, they don’t do as much damage. However, if you have thick, coarse hair, you may not have much of a choice but to use higher heat.
Try to only use heat tools a couple times a week if you have to and never use them on wet hair, as that’s when they do the most damage.
3. Washing Your Hair Everyday
You may think washing your hair everyday is helping your hair, but it’s actually damaging it more than you think. You should wash your hair as often as needed, and typically that means every two to three days. When you wash it everyday, you risk stripping your hair of its natural oils that keep it healthy and luscious. CLICK HERE for our best tips for prolonging a hair wash.
4. Brushing Wet Hair
Your hair is more susceptible to damage when it’s wet since it’s more elastic and likely to break. Be sure to be gentle with wet hair, using a wide-tooth comb rather than a brush to remove tangles. Another tip? Work your way up from the bottom of your hair to do the least amount of damage.
5. Towel Drying
Towel drying your hair causes damage by roughing up the cuticle and potentially leading to more damage. Wet hair is more susceptible to damage in the first place, so try blotting your hair with a towel instead of rubbing it.
6. You Don’t Get Haircuts Often Enough
You should be getting your haircut every three to six months to keep your hair healthy. Even if you’re trying to grow out your hair, as soon as you notice split ends, it’s time for a snip. If you don’t take care of your split ends, the damage will only continue up the shaft.
7. Hair Colouring and Chemical treatments
If you colour, bleach, perm or relax your hair, you’re doing damage to it. The chemicals in the dyes and treatments damage the cuticle and can lead to dry, brittle hair, even if you’re taking good care of it.
3 Tips to Prevent Hair Damage
1. Use Heat Tools Sparingly
From blow dryers to curling irons, ideally you should stay away from heat tools as much as possible. If you do use them, use them as sparingly as possible. If you have time to air dry your hair, do that. If you can do no-heat hairstyles most days, it will help transform your hair.
2. Use a Heat Protector
If you’re going to use heat tools to style your hair, make sure you’re using a heat protector. You can think of it this way: Would you ever take something out of the oven without an oven mitt? I didn’t think so! So you shouldn’t be using heat tools without a heat protectant. Of course they protect your hair from heat, but they also calm frizz, boost shine and keep your hair from becoming dry.
3. Use a Microfiber Hair Towel Wrap
Instead of roughly towel drying your hair, use a microfiber hair towel wrap. They do much less damage to your hair as they are ultra absorbent and fast drying. They help prevent frizz and breakage and leave your hair smoother and shinier.
How to Repair Damaged Hair: 3 Tips and Products
1. Use a Deep Conditioner
Using a deep conditioner (like this one infused with argan oil) can help protect your hair and repair your split ends. It’s one of the best products to repair damaged hair, transforming your hair’s texture and leaving it soft and silky.
2. Use Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has many uses, and it’s amazing as a damaged hair treatment. Coconut oil has small molecules that penetrate the outer cuticle and hydrate from the inside out. It can also help replenish the protective oils on the outside of your hair. Apply warmed coconut oil on your hair once a week as a deep hydrating mask.
3. Try an Apple Cider Vinegar Mask
If you’re wondering how to repair damaged hair naturally, combine one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with two tablespoons olive oil and three egg whites. Rub the mixture into your hair and cover it for half an hour using a shower cap. Shampoo and rinse your hair after. An apple cider vinegar mask is a great way to bring life back to your hair!
If you’re dealing with damaged hair, use these tips and products to prevent and repair damaged strands!
