Treatment for Damaged Hair
With all the money and effort we spend on hair care products and treatments, it would be nice to think that they provided some benefit to the health of the hair. Although these investments do have an effect, it definitely isn’t beneficial. Harsh chemicals and heated styling tools cause damaged hair when used over time. Fortunately, this hair is replaced with new, healthy hair eventually, though it can take years. Until then, cutting back on the styling products and treating the hair gently can improve its appearance.
To prevent further damage, the exposure to drying wind, sun and chlorine should be limited. In addition, brush the hair regularly, but gently, to reign in strays and prevent tangles, which cause breakage when being yanked out by brush bristles. Certain hairstyles such as corn rows, pony tails and braids also tend to split and damage hair, as does rolling the hair too tightly in curlers. Avoiding these habits and following the steps below is the most effective treatment for damaged hair.
Brush properly.
The hair should be brushed from the scalp to the ends, so that the natural oils secreted from the sebaceous glands are evenly distributed throughout the hair. These oils, known as sebum, naturally condition and moisturize, and they can help repair dry, damaged hair.
Eliminate split ends.
Split ends, which usually appear at the ends of older hairs, should be eliminated by having your hair trimmed once every month to six weeks. When allowed to remain, the hair continues to split and causes even worse damage. Trimming slowly gets rid of the damaged hair while your healthy hair grows back.
Use a Gentle Shampoo.
Don’t use harsh, detergent-based shampoos on your hair. For the best results, use products made with natural ingredients or specifically designed for dry or damaged hair. Shampoo with aloe vera is especially effective in moisturizing and repairing the hair.
Don’t brush wet hair.
Hair is especially vulnerable when wet, and shouldn’t be brushed aggressively. If you must “get through” the hair before it’s dry, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to keep damage to a minimum. It’s best, however, to allow the hair to dry thoroughly before brushing or combing.
Use hot oil treatments.
The hot oil pack is one of the most effective damaged hair treatments. Use olive oil, safflower oil, wheat germ oil or avocado oil. Apply liberally to freshly shampooed, damp hair. Cover with a plastic shower cap followed by a warm towel, allow the oil to remain for about 30 minutes, and then rinse away thoroughly.
Following these rules will yields results quickly if you don’t go back to your old ways of coloring, teasing, and generally abusing the hair. Using gentle products, avoiding heat and harmful substances, brushing properly and applying hot oil is the best possible treatment for damaged hair. If you stick to this regimen, you’ll soon have the gorgeous head of hair you desire.
April 25 2010 11:41 pm | Featured and Hair