Women spend countless dollars and hours looking for solutions that will tame frizz and put an end to their damaged hair condition. When routine trims fail, they look to products and treatments for answers. Fortunately, most products do what they are advertised to do. However, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure in this situation. You can prevent frizzy, damaged hair by addressing or eliminating the source.
Appearance
Frizzy, damaged hair appears lighter in color, dry, straw-like, heavy, frazzled and dull. Severely damaged hair appears curly or wavy when wet and coarse and straight when dry. The lack of spring and bounce makes it almost impossible to style extremely damaged hair, resulting in an unkempt appearance. Damaged hair also holds onto moisture, making it difficult to dry and style.
Causes
Styling abuse, chemical treatments, neglect, excessive sun exposure, styling products, illness, malnutrition and certain medications and medical treatments can cause frizzy, damaged hair. Since some serious health conditions contribute to a frizzy hair condition, it is important to rule out medical causes if the exact cause is unknown.
Structural Changes
Structurally, hair undergoes several changes before it begins to appear frizzy and damaged. The outer, cuticle layer of the hair is the first to show signs of distress. Designed to protect delicate hair structures located in the middle, cortex layer, the cuticle acts as a barrier. The shingled, overlapping cells of the cuticle layer appear smooth and tightly closed in healthy hair. In damaged hair, on the other hand, the cells are lifted, torn and pitted. Pollutants, chemicals and other invaders locate the gaps in the cuticle layer and start attacking the structures of the cortex. Color pigment slips out between the gaps, and the structures that hold it all together become weakened. The result is dry, faded, weak hair that breaks easily and appears damaged and frizzy.
Treatments
Treatments for frizzy and damaged hair include removing the damage by cutting it away and intense conditioning treatments. Protein-rich conditioning treatments restore strength and shine to distressed hair. You should perform conditioning treatments at least once a week for optimal results.
Management
While you are waiting for the conditioning treatments to work their magic, you can manage the condition of your hair and make it appear healthier. Use a smoothing shampoo and conditioner to combat frizz. Avoid styling products that contain alcohol. Apply a liberal amount of silk serum to your hair while it is still wet. When you blow dry, use low heat and direct the flow of air down the hair shaft. Turn down the heat on your curling iron and flat iron, and always use a thermal style spray before using hot tools. Finish your style off with a light hairspray containing sunscreen.
References
- DermWeb.com: Hair, Nails and Mucous Membranes - Structure of the Hair Follicle
- "Milady's Standard Textbook of Cosmetology;" Milady, Diane Carol Bailey and Margrit Attenburg; 2008
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