Hair is fragile and easily damaged, particularly if it is colored, permed or relaxed. Damaged hair is brittle, breaks easily and lacks shine. It can be frizzy, unmanageable and prone to flyaways. While you can cut off your damaged hair and start over, the right conditioners can help you make the most of your dry and damaged hair.
Ingredients
Conditioners, especially conditioners for damaged hair, should have ingredients that support the hair in various ways. Emollients--including coconut oil, shea butter and avocado--provide the hair with critical moisture. Humectants, like honey and glycerin, encourage the hair to absorb moisture from the environment. Finally, protein ingredients help to support and temporarily smooth the hair shaft, according to the website NaturallyCurly.
Types
If you have damaged hair, you need more than one kind of conditioner. You should use a daily conditioner designed for dry and damaged hair every time you shampoo or your hair gets wet, according to the website DailyGlow. Use a deep-conditioning hair mask at least once a week. A leave-in conditioner can help keep your hair moisturized throughout the day. You also can consider occasional protein or oil treatments to help your damaged hair look its best.
Function
After you wash your hair, work conditioner through the length of your hair. Detangle your hair with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb while the conditioner does its work. Use conditioner on its own if you've rinsed but not washed your hair. Apply deep conditioners through your hair, and leave them in place. Increase the effectiveness of your deep-conditioning treatment by covering your head with a plastic shower cap, then finishing your shower under steaming hot water before rinsing your hair with cool water, according to the website Long-Healthy-Hair-Advisor.
Considerations
Try natural home hair treatments to condition your damaged hair. Olive oil, coconut oil, mayonnaise and avocado can all benefit your hair, according to the website WomenFitness. Work a mixture of natural ingredients into dry or damp hair, then cover with a plastic shower cap. Leave in place at least 15 minutes, and wash out of your hair. Experiment with which ingredients work best on your hair.
Misconceptions
Conditioners can temporarily improve the condition of your hair and its appearance, but only a good haircut can get rid of split ends and breakage permanently. Continue regular trims to remove damaged hair gradually while using conditioning treatments to keep your hair as healthy as possible.
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