How to Save Damaged Hair: Revive and Protect Your Strands
If you're dealing with split ends, frizz, or dull, brittle hair, you're not alone. Damaged hair can feel overwhelming, but with the right care and products, you can restore its strength, shine, and softness.
Whether the culprit is excessive heat styling, chemical treatments, or poor haircare habits, this guide covers everything you need to know about fixing damaged hair.
What Does Damaged Hair Look Like?
Wondering if your hair is damaged?
These simple tests can help you identify the signs of damage and guide you toward the right care routine:
1. Hair Ends Test
Take a close look at the ends of your hair:
- If the ends are lighter in color than the first half of your hair’s length, your hair is likely damaged.
- Spot any split ends? This is a classic indicator of hair damage that needs attention.
2. Hold Test
Tie your hair into a ponytail for a few minutes and then remove the hair tie:
- If your hair holds the shape of the ponytail (a kink or bend remains), it’s a sign of damaged, less elastic hair.
- If your hair flows down naturally, it’s healthy and resilient.
3. Texture Test
Feel the texture of your hair and check how it tangles:
- If the hair near your roots feels smooth but the ends feel rough, your hair is showing signs of damage.
- Pay attention to tangling: Healthy hair tangles less, especially near the roots, while damaged hair tangles more toward the ends.
4. Flyaways Test
Look at the crown of your head and observe the flyaways:
- Flyaways can indicate new hair growth or hair breakage.
- To determine the difference, run your hands through your hair.
- If you notice excessive shedding, thinning, or breakage, the flyaways are likely a sign of damage rather than new growth.
Perform these quick tests at home to assess the health of your hair. Damaged hair often feels weak and looks lifeless. By identifying these signs early, you can adjust your routine to prevent further harm.
What Causes Damaged Hair?
Understanding the causes of hair damage is the first step toward recovery. Here are the main culprits:
- Bleaching: Breaks down hair's disulfide bonds, leaving it dry and prone to breakage.
- Hair Coloring: Permanent dyes can dehydrate hair, especially when used frequently.
- Heat Styling: Flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers can fry strands if used excessively or without protection.
- Tight Hairstyles: Braids, ponytails, or buns that pull too tightly cause mechanical stress on your strands.
- Rough Handling: Over-brushing, towel-drying aggressively, or using the wrong tools can weaken your hair.
- Overwashing and Hot Water: Strips natural oils, leaving hair dry and brittle.
Best Products to Use for Damaged Hair
Damaged hair needs the right care, and using targeted products can help repair and prevent further issues. Here are the must-haves:
1. Scalp Reset ShampooA healthy scalp is the foundation of strong hair. The Scalp Reset Shampoo is a gentle yet powerful cleanser that removes buildup without stripping your hair. It’s perfect for keeping your scalp clean and your strands nourished.
2. Amino Glow Conditioner
Conditioning is crucial for damaged hair! The Amino Glow Conditioner is infused with ceramides and amino acids, which help rebuild your hair’s protein structure. The result? Stronger, thicker, and healthier-looking hair with every use.
3. EverBond 50+ Hair CreamSun damage is one of the leading causes of hair breakage and dullness. While your skin has SPF, what about your hair? Enter EverBond 50+ Hair Cream—a game-changing formula with SPF 50+ and EverBond repair technology. It repairs your hair while protecting it from UV damage, so your strands stay repaired and healthy long-term.
With just these three products, you’ll notice a drastic improvement in your hair’s strength, shine, and overall health.
For Curly or Permed Hair:
4. SunShield 50+ SerumFragile curls need extra protection. The SunShield 50+ Serum offers SPF 50+ to shield your curls from sun damage, reduces frizz, and adds intense shine. It’s the ultimate defense for maintaining glossy, hydrated, and bouncy curls.
Take control of your hair health with these specialized solutions and watch your strands transform!
Dos and Don’ts for Repairing Damaged Hair
Dos:
- Use Lukewarm Water: Protect your hair’s natural moisture by skipping hot water rinses.
- Switch to Satin or Silk Pillowcases: Prevent overnight frizz and tangles.
- Detangle Gently: Use a wide-tooth comb, a flexible brush or a detangler spray to minimize breakage.
- Apply Heat Protectant: Always shield your hair before using heat styling tools OR avoid heat styling altogether!
- Try Heatless Hairstyles: Embrace your natural texture with no-heat curls or low-maintenance buns.
Don’ts:
- Avoid Over-Brushing: Excessive brushing can weaken the hair shaft.
- Skip Hot Showers: High water temperatures strip away natural oils.
- Limit Heat Styling: Reduce the frequency and always use the lowest heat setting possible.
- Say No to Overwashing: Wash your hair 2-3 times a week to avoid stripping essential oils.
- Avoid Tight Hairstyles: Opt for looser styles to reduce tension on your scalp and strands.
Can You Fix Extremely Damaged Hair?
Yes, but it takes time, patience, and a good routine. Severely damaged hair may require regular trims to remove split ends and prevent further breakage. Use protein treatments, deep conditioners, and gentle hair care practices to restore strength and hydration. Avoid heat styling, chemical treatments, and overwashing as your hair recovers.
By following these haircare tips and using products tailored to damaged hair, you can repair your locks and keep them healthy for the long term. Whether you’re dealing with dry ends, heat damage, or chemical overprocessing, making the right changes today can bring you closer to the luscious, strong hair you’ve always wanted.