Multiple factors can make hair prone to damage. Some of the common causes of hair damage can be due to genetic reasons or other external causes. Damage to hair’s structure can be due to genetic as well as other external factors such as improper washing and drying, grooming and styling including blow-drying, straightening, and too-tight ponytails, and chemical/coloring services including hair dye, bleach, and perming. Extremely damaged hair develops cracks in the outside layer (cuticle). Once the cuticle lifts (opens), your hair is at risk for further damage and breakage. It may also look dull or frizzy and be difficult to manage.
Problem # 1 Damage due to excessive Dying
Whether you are following a trend or trying to hide your grey hair, dying your hair at home can have long-term consequences. Chemical dyes can quickly deplete your hair’s natural moisture, making smooth hair coarse to the touch. This further deplete your hair cuticle making it prone the damage.
Solution:
Stay in the shade: Experts advise choosing a dye that is three shades darker than your natural colour and opting for darker rather than lighter shades to limit damage. Unnatural colours are more difficult to maintain and require more frequent touch-ups.
Dye less: Dye less frequently. Extending the time between touch-ups can also aid in damage reduction. Wait 8 to 10 weeks — or longer! — between dye jobs if possible.
Seek Professional Help: It is recommended to dye your hair under professional supervision. You can consult your trusted salon or stylist for the purpose.
Tips:
- Reduce the frequency with which you wash your hair.
- Only shampoos designed for coloured hair should be used.
- Cool water should be used to rinse shampoo and conditioner. Hot water can cause the cuticle to open or lift, allowing the dye to wash away.
Problem # 1 Dry Frizzy Damaged Hair
Frizzy hair is difficult to manage, but it is not impossible. Frizziness is caused by dry, lacklustre hair. This is because dry hair tries to absorb moisture from the air, causing the cuticle, or outer layer, of each hair to swell up instead of lying flat.
Solution:
Hydrate by Oiling:
Oiling is the best remedy used from ages. It helps by increasing the tensile strength of the hair, reducing the frizziness and preventing breakage. The oil, by coating the hair, forms a protective layer for the hair shaft which makes it an excellent heat resistant. Massaging oil stimulates of the circulation of blood to the scalp which helps in fast regrowth of hair.
Maintain Hair washing schedule:
Wash your hair less frequently. You might be able to get away with washing only once or twice a week rather than every day. (A lot of people can.) As an added bonus, if you shampoo less frequently, you won’t have to blow-dry or heat-style your hair as frequently.
Try Mild Shampoo:
Use a gentle shampoo. There will be fewer drying detergents in products designed specifically to help dry hair.
Deep Conditioning:
Make use of a conditioner. Select a conditioner that is moisturising. It will keep hair cuticles flat, allowing natural oils to be absorbed.
Problem # 3 Split ends
Split ends happen when the ends of your hair become dry, brittle, and frayed. They may resemble the end of an unraveled rope. Exposure to extreme weather conditions, and hair care techniques such as blow drying, straightening, and curling may cause split ends. They’re also caused by chemical hair products.
Solution:
There’s no ultimate treatment to split ends. However, you can prevent hair splitting by opting certain remedies and taking cautions.
- Only shampoo your roots and apply a generous amount of conditioner to your ends.
- To avoid drying out your hair, consider washing it every other day. If necessary, use dry shampoo on your roots in between washes.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to the ends of your hair if it is dry.
- Use hair styling products sparingly, and try to wear your hair in a natural style whenever possible.
- Use heated tools sparingly. Before using them, always apply a heat protectant to your hair.
- Avoid using tight hair ties, which can cause hair breakage.
