Coloring your hair and styling it with blow dryers and curling and straightening irons can damage your hair over time, causing breakage, split ends and dryness. While the only way to absolutely save damaged hair is to cut off the damaged portions, there are some things you can do at home to restore luster and moisture to your hair. Preventing hair from additional damage is also an important part of repairing dry, brittle, lifeless hair.
Step 1
Use shampoos and conditioners specially formulated for dry or damaged hair. Women's Healthcare Topics recommends using hair care products that contain amino acids, collagen and other protein extracts.
Step 2
Use low heat settings when using hair dryers, curling irons, straightening irons or other hair styling tools. High heat is more likely to further damage hair. Let your hair dry naturally if you can to prevent further damage from styling tools.
Step 3
Apply special treatments to your hair. Protein treatments and heat-activated conditioner can help moisten damaged hair. Daily Glow suggests using a heat-activated moisturizing conditioner once per week.
Step 4
Comb wet hair with a wide-tooth comb. Hair breaks easily when wet and requires special care to prevent breakage. Rubbing the hair vigorously with a towel can also break hair. Blotting the hair gently is a better alternative.
Step 5
Wash hair infrequently. Daily Glow recommends washing hair with shampoo every week to 10 days. Use conditioner between washings to clean the scalp and hair.
Step 6
Trim your hair frequently. Frequent hair cuts will help remove the damaged hair and prevent split ends from ruining the look of your hairstyle.
Step 7
Use clarifying shampoo after swimming in salt water or chlorine. Both of these substances can make hair brittle. If you can't immediately shampoo the hair, rinse it thoroughly after swimming and wash and condition it as soon as possible.
Tips and Warnings
- If you normally brush your hair when it's dry rather than comb it, look for brushes that have smooth bristles that flex easily. Avoid buying brushes that contain sharp tips on the bristles. If you would like to take a more natural approach to repairing damaged hair, open your kitchen cabinets. Daily Glow suggests applying olive oil to your hair before you go to bed and rinsing the hair with white vinegar in the morning. The treatment may be helpful in repairing damage and adding shine to your hair.
- Avoid hair styling products that offer extreme holds. Flexible hold products will allow the hair to move and prevent additional damage or breakage.
Things You'll Need
- Shampoo and conditioner for dry hair
- Protein treatments
- Heat-activated moisturizing conditioner
- Wide-tooth comb
- Clarifying shampoo
- Olive oil
- White vinegar
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