Dull and damaged hair can make you look old, tired or poorly groomed. Styling will be more difficult, and breakage is common. Some hair types are more prone to dryness than others, and additional moisture may be essential. While some kinds of damage, such as split ends, cannot be repaired, you can improve the condition of your dry or dull hair to add shine and vitality.
Causes
Dry, dull and damaged hair can be the result of chemical treatments, hair care practices, poor nutrition, illness, or simply exposure to the elements, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Hair color and perms can dry your hair, or if done incorrectly, cause substantial damage to the hair shaft. Iron and B vitamin deficiencies may leave you with fragile or dry hair. Sun, hard water, salt water or chlorine all can dry out your hair. Curly hair is especially prone to dryness and a dull appearance.
Proper Hair Care
Proper care can help to keep your hair shiny and healthy. Choose a gentle shampoo and conditioning regimen, and wash your hair only as often as necessary to keep it clean, suggests KidsHealth.org. If you have especially dry hair, you may find it does better without any shampoo. In this case, opt to wash with a gentle, light conditioner and follow with heavier conditioners. Avoid heated hair appliances, including hair dryers, flat irons and curling irons as much as you can to prevent dull, damaged hair.
Oil
Oil based conditioners can be an excellent choice for dull, dry or damaged hair. You can purchase commercial hot oil treatments, rich conditioners containing shea butter, avocado oil or coconut oil, or even opt for olive oil or coconut oil as a conditioning treatment on its own. Oil-based cream conditioners can be used as you would any conditioner, but oil treatments will usually need to be washed away to avoid an oily or greasy appearance. Oil will add softness and shine to dull or dry hair, according to AllHairstylesHaircuts.com.
Protein
Protein based treatments can help to restore the shaft of the hair, smoothing the cuticle of the hair and creating a shinier and healthier appearance. Rich protein-based treatments are only appropriate for very damaged hair, according to HairFinder.com. Even in severe cases, you should only use protein treatments once a week. Excessive use may result in stiff, rigid and breakage-prone hair.
Homemade Treatments
If you need to add shine and softness to your dull or damaged hair, you already may have the things you need in your kitchen. Olive, coconut, or almond oil may be worked into the hair, from the ends to the roots. Wrap your head in plastic wrap and sit in the sun or under an old fashioned hood hair dryer. Wash out the oil over the sink or tub. Eggs or mayonnaise may be used alone or along with oil or avocado for a protein rich homemade hair treatment, recommends LongLocks.com.
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