Your hair can be damaged in a variety of ways. The most common include overuse of heating hair appliances (blow dryer, heating iron), hair styling products, combs, brushes, chemicals, poor diet and excessive sun exposure. Damaged hair becomes dull, frizzy, brittle and unmanageable. There are several ways you can improve the condition of your hair and prevent future hair damage.
Step 1
Take one 2,500mcg of a biotin supplement every day for one month to help internally fix damaged hair. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, can help strengthen your hair strands and slowly repair your damaged hair while preventing new hair from breaking. You can purchase biotin tablets at your local drug store or health food store.
Step 2
Get a hot oil treatment at a salon or purchase a hot oil treatment kit and apply it at home. Hot oil treatments work by coating your hair strands with oil, thereby moisturizing and strengthening them. When purchasing a hot oil kit, make sure you read and follow the directions before applying.
Step 3
Apply 2-3 tbsp. of coconut oil to your scalp and damaged hair. Coconut oil is rich in proteins and contains substances that can naturally moisturize your hair. Massage the coconut oil into your hair and scalp after taking a hot shower and leave it overnight until the next morning. Coconut oil will not stain bed or pillow sheets. Also, avoid using harsh styling products and use coconut oil instead to style your hair daily.
Step 4
Stop using conditioners and shampoos made with alcohol and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). These chemicals can cause further damage to your hair strands by making them weak and too dry. Instead, apply castile liquid soap to your scalp and hair. This natural all-around soap can moisturize, strengthen and clean your hair when used every day. You can purchase castile soap at any large health food store chain.
Step 5
Avoid using hair appliances that produce heat. These include blow dryers, curlers and hair straighteners. Applying too much heat to damaged hair will cause it weaken and fall off. Use an electric fan or let your hair air dry instead to prevent further damage.
Step 6
Talk to a professional hairstylist at your local hair salon. A hairstylist can assess your hair damage and offer you a new hairstyle in order to promote new hair growth. She might also advise you get a scalp treatment to help strengthen your hair.
Things You'll Need
- Biotin capsules
- Hot oil kit
- Coconut oil
References
- "Clinical Dermatology"; Thomas P. Habif, MD; 2003
- "The Book of Herbal Wisdom: Using Plants as Medicines"; Matthew Wood;1997
- "Hair Care: A Complete Solution to Your Hair Problems"; Shiv Dua; 2007
Member Comments