Chemical processes, such as coloring and perming, can leave hair dry and brittle. Styling tools, such as hairdryers and flat irons, can harm your hair as well. Even if you do not use products or heated styling tools, pollutants in your environment can cause hair to become dull, weak and damaged. Fortunately, you can help restore your hair's luster and health.
Cut Your Hair
If a few months have passed since your last haircut, make an appointment for a trim as soon as you can. Cutting your hair every six to eight weeks removes split ends, which will help your hair look smoother and shinier. Trimming regularly also prevents split ends from breaking the hairs further up the shaft, which will cause your hair to appear frizzy and unhealthy. Snipping off as little as a half an inch can make a noticeable difference.
Wash Hair Properly
Refrain from washing your hair on a daily basis. Doing so can actually cause additional dryness and damage to your locks. Shampooing two or three times a week is sufficient.
Use a special protein-fortified shampoo when you do wash, and follow up with a conditioner with moisturizing and humectant properties. If your hair is unmanageable or tangled on the days you do not wash it, you can massage some leave-in conditioner through the ends or spritz your hair with detangler. Use a store-bought version or make your own. Penniless Parenting recommends mixing one-third cup of your favorite conditioner with two cups of water in a spray bottle.
Daily Care
Use a wide-tooth plastic comb when your hair is wet to avoid splitting and breaking the strands. Try to air-dry your hair as often as possible and avoid other heat styling tools as well.
While it may seem harmless, think twice about pulling hair back into a ponytail or braid. A report by CBS News Health states that doing so regularly can cause breakage and hair loss. Use elastics covered in yarn or other materials that do not have metal connectors. Never put hair into a braid ponytail when it is wet, as it is more fragile and likelier to break.
Special Treatments
Use a deep-conditioning treatment such as a hot oil conditioner two to four times a month. Apply a leave-in conditioner before swimming to protect hair from chlorine and sun damage. After swimming or spending time in a smoky or otherwise polluted environment, clarify your hair.
According to Sapna Parikh, editor of "Style Bell," baking soda is a safe and effective clarifying agent. Lather hair as normal with your favorite shampoo and then sprinkle on 2 tbsps. of baking soda. Massage into your hair and rinse thoroughly.
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