Men and women expose their hair to a myriad of damaging processes. Hair is colored, permed, straightened, flatironed, curled and dried with hot air. This over-processing results in hair that is dry, thin, rough and vulnerable to split ends. According to "Hair Care" by Zoe Diana Draelos, these damaged ends are subject to static electricity. The hair shafts repel each other, especially at the ends, creating a frizzy and tangled look. Although it is not possible to repair the damage, methods are available to improve the look and feel of the hair.
Step 1
Trim the hair every three weeks. Dry hair splits very easily, and split ends exaggerate the negative appearance of over-processed hair. Frequent trims keep the split ends under control.
Step 2
Brush hair only when it is dry. Wet hair is elastic and brushing stretches the hair, resulting in additional breakage.
Step 3
Sleep on a satin pillowcase. Cotton pillowcases absorb hair oil and tangle the hair. Satin allows the hair to retain natural oils and slide without tangling during sleep.
Step 4
Mix a homemade dry-hair protein shampoo. "Hair Care" by Dr. Renu Gupta suggests mixing 1 tbsp. each of baby shampoo, castor or olive oil, glycerin, and cider vinegar. To this mixture add 1 tsp. of protein powder. Mix well and apply to the hair. Leave the shampoo on for up to 20 minutes and then rinse thoroughly.
Step 5
Use an oil treatment before and after shampooing, as suggested by "Hair Rules!" by Anthony Dickey. First, apply 2 oz. of castor or olive oil to the hair and then sit under a hood dryer for 15 minutes. Shampoo out the oil, apply a conditioner for dry hair, and then rinse. Apply a few drops of jojoba or almond oil to the palms of the hands and rub the palms together to distribute the oil. Finally, rub the palms along the ends of the hair to add a light touch of oil. Repeat the treatment twice a week.
Step 6
Blow-dry the hair on the cool setting only. Avoid excess heat because it dries the hair, increasing the damage.
Tips and Warnings
- Protein powder can be purchased from health food stores or stores that provide weight training supplements.
Things You'll Need
- Satin pillowcase
- Baby shampoo
- Castor or olive oil
- Glycerin
- Cider vinegar
- Protein powder
- Jojoba or almond oil
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