Tips to Repair Dry, Damaged Hair


Hair gets dry and damaged easily. Sun, salt water, chlorine, heat, bitter cold, chemical treatments, bleach, harsh brushing, scorching hair dryers, hot curling or straightening irons, even poor nutrition or age can all dry and damage hair in a matter of months. If your hair feels rough, brittle, breaks easily, or lacks vibrant color and elasticity, your hair is too dry or has been damaged. But dry, damaged hair can be treated and repaired. Try these simple tips to repair your hair:

Wash it right. Make sure your weekly shampoo contains extra proteins and humectants to repair damaged hair. Also, use a leave-on conditioner every day before drying and styling your hair.
Get a protein boost. Protein treatments help moisten dry hair and repair damaged hair by filling in the damaged cuticle. But not all protein treatments are alike — some are mild and others intense, so choose carefully depending on how dry and damaged your hair is. Follow the instructions on the package and follow up with a moisturizing conditioner, as some protein treatments can harden the hair and cause it to become stiff.
Use a heat-activated moisturizing conditioner once a week. Apply generously to your hair and cover your head with a plastic cap. Sit under a hair dryer for 30 minutes or more, since the heat locks in the deep conditioner so that it penetrates the hair.
Wash your hair once every week to 10 days. No, this will not make hair filthy and oily. “Wash” your hair with conditioner instead — just use it like shampoo and lather generously. The conditioner will cleanse your hair and scalp without drying or damaging your hair. Rinse and gently comb for a softer, silkier look.
Condition every day. Leave some conditioner in your hair as your rinse.
Get more haircuts. As soon as you trim your dry, damaged hair, it will look healthier and less brittle and be ready to grow in strong. Be sure to trim at least ½ inch every 8 weeks.
Avoid hair dryers and hot irons. Hair dryers and curling or straightening irons fry the hair, especially when set to high heat. Try rollers instead, or if you must, use a hair dryer on the coolest setting.
Concoct a hair salad! Use oil and vinegar. First, rub olive oil into your hair and cover with a soft cloth. Let sit overnight, then rinse with white vinegar as your conditioner before you shampoo. The vinegar will reduce dandruff and add luster and shine to dry hair, and the oil helps repair damaged hair.
Add shine. Gloss your hair with a few drops of mineral oil.
Apply an egg wash. Separate eggs and mix the whites with water and a bit of honey. Moisten your hair with warm water and apply the mixture. Leave on hair for 10 minutes before rinsing.
Don’t hold the mayo! Sounds gross, but it works — spread mayonnaise on your hair overnight and cover it in a plastic cap. Rinse in the morning.
You can repair dry hair and eliminate the damage with ease. Simply change your washing and styling habits and use a few extra treatments to repair dry, damaged hair and restore its natural health, beauty, and shine.