Dull and lifeless tresses, split ends and an overall fried and petrified look are all symptoms of overprocessed hair that's screaming for help. But why repair when you can prevent? Say goodbye to bad hair days brought on by tired and stressed-out locks, and even hair loss, with a few tweaks to your daily styling routine.
How to Fix Overprocessed Hair
Step 1
Start by using a shampoo and conditioner formulated for the hair style or texture you want. This will make hair more controllable and styling effortless, as well as reduce the need for hot tools.
Step 2
Wash and rinse hair with low-temperature water, as hot water dissolves the natural scalp oil. Scalp oil provides protection and natural shine to the hair shaft. Apply conditioner and rinse thoroughly because any residue can make hair dull and unmanageable. Johnny Lavoy, consulting hair expert for L'Oreal Paris and owner of Moda-Rey Salon and Spa in New York, advises clients to use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Sulfate-free products contain no harsh detergents that can fade or strip color and cause dryness.
Step 3
Apply a deep conditioner once a week. Damaged hair loses two essential elements: moisture and protein. Deep conditioning can restore both of these elements. The creamier and thicker the conditioner, the richer and more moisturizing it will be on hair, according to Mara Roszak, TRESemme celebrity stylist.
Step 4
Protect hair with a thermal protectant before using hot tools such as flat irons or curling irons. Pantene celebrity stylist Danilo tells clients to mist their hair with a heat protectant spray to ensure they are creating a healthy foundation to help avoid breakage and damage.
Step 5
Limit use of hot tools to a minimum to prevent damaging your hair. According to Rodney Cutler, owner of Cutler/Redken Salons, most of the damage women do to their hair is caused by poor coloring techniques and overuse of heat appliances.
Step 6
Use the lowest heat setting available when styling with hot tools in order to minimize the chances of burning your hair.
Treating Hair Loss
Step 1
Halt all chemical processing of your hair to prevent further hair loss. This will help maintain hair by not irritating the scalp and hair follicles.
Step 2
Maintain a diet rich in leafy greens like spinach and healthful meats like chicken, liver and fish to help hair follicles operate at optimum levels.
Step 3
Drink at least eight to 10 glasses of water per day to keep the body hydrated. Staying hydrated helps speed the transport of nutrients to hair.
Step 4
Adding vitamin and mineral supplements such as biotin, copper and zinc to your diet can strengthen hair. Vitamins B6 and B12 are also able to strengthen hair if incorporated into the diet on a daily basis.
Step 5
Apply products containing the medicine minoxidil to help maintain the hair you still have. Minoxidil works in about half of patients trying to keep existing hair, according to Dr. Joseph B. Neiman, clinical professor at State University of New York's School of Medicine in Buffalo.
Tips and Warnings
- "When blow-drying hair, direct the airflow in the direction of the grain of the hair, from roots to ends," recommends Nico Aceves, a stylist at Bumble and Bumble Salon in New York City. "This causes the hair to lie flat and reflect more light."
References
- Nico Aceves, Stylist; Bumble and Bumble Salon; New York City
- Johnny Lavoy, Consulting Hair Expert for L'Oreal Paris; Owner of Moda Rey Salon and Spa; New York
- Danilo, Pantene Celebrity Stylist
- Rodney Cutler, Owner of Cutler/Redken Salons; New York City
- Mara Roszak, TRESemme Celebrity Stylist
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