You realize -- or someone has told you the upsetting news -- that your hair is severely damaged. Hair becomes damaged for a number of reasons, mainly chemical or environmental influence. Finding a conditioner to counter these effects, and to bring your hair to a path of recovery, can be daunting. You may want to try an entirely new hair care line geared towards damaged hair, in addition to getting a haircut to refresh the ends. A good conditioner, however, is what can bring immediate relief.
Key Ingredients
Conditioners can be fortified with vitamins. Vitamins A and E are known to help repair damaged hair, because they assist in creating a protective sheathing around your hair fibers. In addition, vitamin B7, or biotin, promotes hair growth, which will help phase out the old damaged hair and bring on healthy locks. Conditioners also may contain oils that promote the undoing of damaged hair. Oil helps increase your hair's elasticity and makes it feel softer. Look for conditioners with jojoba, coconut or avocado oil.
At-Home Conditioning
By now you have probably realized that your daily conditioner is not enough. Add a deep moisturizing or hydrating hair mask to your routine. Begin by using two times a week. Using more than that could result in limp hair. Shampoo your hair and rinse. Apply the mask to your scalp and run it gently through to the ends. Wrap your head in a warm towel and let the oil penetrate for 10 to 20 minutes. Follow with shampoo and conditioner.
Salon Conditioning
Sometimes severely damaged hair needs the attention of an expert. Consult with a hair stylist, who might suggest various conditioning treatments as well as a refreshing cut. Though you may not want shorter hair, the cut will help your hair grow healthier without the damaged ends. Salon conditioning treatments will soothe and calm the damage by treating the scalp as well as the entire hair shaft. Deep conditioning treatments at a salon may take more than one effort to see results.
Product Lines
Some product lines make specific treatments for severely damaged hair. These can be found in grocery stores and beauty supply stores, or your stylist might recommend one. You will find that, as of November 2010, they range in price from $6 to $58, depending on such factors as ingredients, line and perhaps reputation. Some popular deep conditioners are: In(fus)ium Conditioner, Kerastase Oleo Relax, L'Oreal Nature's Therapy Mega Moisture Hair Treatment, and Biolage Age Rejuvenating Intensive Masque. Be sure to follow directions as directed.
Other Conditioning Considerations
Once you have settled on a conditioning regimen to revive your hair, consider other aspects to prevent further hair damage. Note how much your tresses are exposed to damaging elements such as chemicals, sun and smoke. Heat and heating tools can also perpetuate the damaged state: use lower heat, and use it less frequently. Diet can also affect the maintenance of healthy hair. Drink lots of water and limit caffeine and alcoholic beverages, which dehydrate your body and affect the health of your hair.
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