Damaged hair diminishes the number of good hair days a person can have. Over-processing, washing too often, using high heat to dry and curl the hair, too much exposure to the sun, swimming in chlorinated pools and an unbalanced diet are all damaging to hair. Frizzy and dull hair is frustrating to work with, but there are things you can do to improve its condition.
Shampoo and Condition
If your hair isn't dirty, don't wash it. When you wash it too often, you strip it of its natural oils that keep it healthy and shiny. Before washing your hair, gently brush through it to remove tangles. Use protein-enriched shampoo and conditioner for your hair type. For chemically processed hair, use products that are extra mild. After applying the conditioner, give it time to penetrate the hair shaft--often only a couple of minutes--then rinse thoroughly to prevent the residue from making the hair appear dull.
Blot-dry Wet Hair
After you wash your hair, don't rub it vigorously with a dry towel. Instead, gently blot the hair with an absorbent towel and allow it to air dry as much as possible. If you use a hair dryer, use the lowest effective setting. Hold a blow dryer at least 10 inches from the scalp to prevent blasting the hair with high heat that is damaging. As soon as the hair is dry, stop using the dryer. Over-drying the hair makes it brittle.
Use a Wide-Toothed Comb
After washing your hair, use a wide-tooth comb to get rid of tangles. Start a few inches from the bottom of the hair and remove the tangles closest to the ends of the hair. Work your way up until you finish at the hair by the scalp.
Only brush your hair when it needs to be brushed. Contrary to old-fashioned belief, brushing the hair causes breakage and split ends.
Head Massage
Massage your head as often as possible--at least once a week--for two to three minutes. This stimulates the area and helps improve circulation, increasing blood flow to the roots of your hair. You can self-massage or go to a professional massage therapist.
Protect Hair from the Elements
When you go outside, cover your hair with a scarf to protect it from the sun. Use a conditioner or spray with SPF to prevent the sun's rays from drying it out even more.
Deep Condition
Deep-condition your hair frequently. Look for professionally packaged hot oil treatments or massage a tablespoon of olive oil into the hair and leave it on for approximately half an hour before washing.
Silicone Serum
Silicone serum may improve the luster of your hair. Rub a drop or two of the serum into your palms and rub your hands together. Gently rub this over your hair to help smooth the cuticle for shine.
Cutting and Frequent Trims
Cut your hair to the shortest comfortable length to get rid of as much of the damaged hair as possible. As it grows out, have your hair trimmed frequently. This helps eliminate the damaged ends that leave the hair looking frizzy and dull.
Healthy Diet
Eat a balanced diet, which includes proteins and all of the vitamins essential for overall good health. Add a daily multivitamin supplement to nourish new hair growth from the root.
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