Chemicals, such as relaxers, perms and hair dyes, can damage the hair. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration states that these substances can not only damage the hair, but the scalp as well. Often these chemicals change the structure of the hair, making it more porous; the top layer, or cuticle, of the hair shaft becomes uneven and no longer lays flat. Porous hair absorbs moisture easily and becomes frizzy; it also loses moisture easily and becomes dry and brittle. To manage chemically-damaged hair, you need to restore the cuticle layer and provide adequate moisture.
Step 1
Stop using chemicals. While this may seem like a no-brainer, many people continue to get chemical treatments even after their hair has been damaged. Consider changing your hairstyle and letting the existing chemically-altered hair grow out.
Step 2
Cut off the damage. Hair grows up to one-half inch every 30 days. To preserve your length and keep up with the rate of growth, cut one-half inch off your ends every month. Over time, you will remove all the damaged hair as healthy hair grows in.
Step 3
Stop using silicone and alcohol-based styling products. Silicone-based products seal the hair shaft. While this restores shine to hair, and reduces frizz, it also seals out moisture and can make the hair more brittle. Alcohol dries out the hair.
Step 4
Stop washing your hair every day. Shampoo can strip oils from the hair, making it more prone to breakage and damage. If you wash every day, switch to once a week, or less. If you have oily hair, "wash" your hair with a conditioner formulated for oily hair, between shampooing.
Step 5
Use deep conditioners or hot oil treatments. Apply the treatment once a month, per the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 6
Dry your hair by wrapping your head with a towel and squeezing or patting the hair dry.
Step 7
Stop using heat on your hair; let it dry. If you must use a dryer, use the lowest setting. Avoid heat styling or reduce the number of days you style with heat. Consider alternatives such as rollers instead of curling irons.
Things You'll Need
- Light conditioner
- Moisturizing shampoo
- Deep conditioner
- Plastic cap
- Towel
- Wide-toothed comb
- Detangler
- Rollers
References
- Hairfinder: The Special Needs of African-American Hair
- FDA: Hair Dye and Hair Relaxers
- "Textured Tresses: The Ultimate Guide to Maintaining and Styling Natural Hair";Diane DaCosta with Paula T. Renfroe;2004
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