The home perm that ended up looking like steel wool. The hair color that bleached out the moisture along with the dark roots. Those long, hot, salty days at the beach. Whether you mistreated your hair or just forgot about it during all the fun, what is on top of your head now is not exactly your crowning glory. Not to worry. Even intensely damaged hair can be repaired.
Restoring damaged hair is usually about moisture. Smoothing down the irritated scales on the hair shafts will repair damaged hair, returning it to its flowing, sassy condition.
Step 1
Trim away as much of the damaged hair as you can stand to cut. When hair splits at the ends, the damage can travel up the shaft like runs in a stocking, making the entire length of hair look dry and coarse.
Step 2
Make a home hair mask. Victoria Wurdinger at the website Hair Boutique suggests you mix together 1 cup of olive oil, 1 egg, and 1/3 cup of honey. Pour it slowly through your hair, making certain that it is well coated. Comb the mixture through and then let it sit for at least three hours.
Wrap your hair in plastic wrap or put on a shower cap to warm your scalp; this helps the ingredients work their magic and contain any drips. Rinse thoroughly.
Step 3
Shampoo your hair as infrequently and gently as you can. Use a moisturizing shampoo and deep conditioner. Wrap wet hair in an absorbent turban rather than towel drying it to avoid roughing up the damaged shafts. Use a wide-toothed comb for de-tangling.
Step 4
Give your hair a hot oil treatment once a week. Use a commercial hot oil pack or simply warm a half cup or so of coconut or almond oil. Immerse a commercial pack in hot water for five minutes to warm it.
Heat natural oils in the microwave for ten to 15 seconds on a very low setting, or on the stove for one to two minutes at the lowest heat. Make sure the oil is not too hot; then, massage it into your hair and let it sit for an hour. This treatment is less messy than the home mask, so it can be done more frequently.
Step 5
Apply a leave-in conditioner that has UV protection of SPF 15 or higher if you have to spend any time in the sun during daylight hours. Sunlight is more drying than you think, especially to already damaged hair. It can also fade your hair color.
Tips and Warnings
- Check to be sure that oils are only just a bit warmer than your skin temperature before applying to avoid burning your scalp. Braid your hair before you go to sleep if it is long enough. Secure the braid with a coated elastic.
- Never try to correct a bad process with another one at home. If you cannot stand to live with the damage, see a professional hairdresser.
Things You'll Need
- Sharp scissors
- Olive oil
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup of honey
- Plastic wrap or shower cap
- Moisturizing shampoo
- Deep conditioner
- Absorbent turban
- Hot oil treatment, or coconut- or almond oil
- Wide-toothed comb
- Leave in conditioner with SPF or higher
- Coated hair elastics (optional)
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