Treating damaged hair tenderly is a two-pronged business, consisting of the right hair care products and gentle washing, conditioning and drying techniques. Skincare expert and consumer advocate Paula Begoun advises selecting shampoos and conditioners formulated for your hair type. The instructions on product bottles may be self-explanatory, but when you wash damaged hair that's been put through the ringer by heated styling tools, dyes, perms, straighteners, sun and swimming pool chlorine, it helps to use these simple tips and tricks.
Step 1
Focus on getting your scalp clean. The tips of your hair don't need to be shampooed unless you use copious amounts of styling products, Begoun says. However, oil and dead skin cells do build up on your skin. Wash your scalp thoroughly and let water rinse the shampoo through the rest of your hair. Make sure to rinse well, Begoun advises. Traces of shampoo can leave damaged hair sticky and your scalp itchy.
Step 2
Don't forget to use conditioner. While a conditioner can't repair damaged hair, it can give it more sheen and strength and provide some protection against the sun's ultraviolet rays, says the American Academy of Dermatology. If your hair is damaged, leave conditioner on as long as you can, says Begoun; a couple of minutes isn't long enough for conditioner to work its magic on your hair.
Step 3
Don't get rough during your towel-dry. The AAD cautions you that wet hair is more prone to break than dry hair when handled roughly. Simply wrap the towel around your hair and let it absorb water or allow your hair to air dry. To avoid further damage to your hair, decrease the number of times you use a blow dryer each week, advises the AAD.
Step 4
Don't brush or comb wet hair if your hair is straight. This too can cause damaged hair to stretch and break, says the AAD. However, if you have hair that's extremely curly or kinky, the rule is reversed; brush or comb your hair only when it's wet to avoid breakage.
Tips and Warnings
- The only way to get rid of damaged hair is to cut it off or let it grow out. Begoun advises having your hair trimmed every four to six weeks to eliminate frayed ends.
- Using a "two-in-one" shampoo plus conditioner and a conditioner on top of that might seem a logical choice for dry, damaged hair. However, this can actually cause excess build-up on your hair, leaving it flat.
Things You'll Need
- Shampoo and conditioner formulated for damaged hair
- Towel
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