Follow these hair damage treatment tips!
Hair damage is often quite apparent: split ends, breakage, dry and brittle texture, excessive frizziness, difficult knots that are challenging to brush through, lackluster coloration, and other signs. “It’s easy to tell when you have damaged hair just by looking at your ends” explains renowned hairstylist and Dove ambassador Mark Townsend.
The cuticle of your hair is its protective layer, preventing damage and breakage. However, when aggressors such as heat styling treatments or sun exposure cause cracks in the exterior of the cuticle, it becomes weak and brittle.
As we age, our hair can be more vulnerable to harm. Noted stylist Sally Hershberger of the famous New York salon and founder of Sally Hershberger’s 24K Haircare line remarks that “our bodies go through hormonal cycles that influence how our tresses grow.” Having a renowned hairstylist who has experience with hundreds of clients is invaluable for advice about keeping your locks healthy as you age!
As you get older, your hair can suffer from thinning, breakage, and weak strands. Fortunately, with just a few modifications to your routine, it’s easy to safeguard against damage while nourishing locks for the best results – smoothness, luster, and unbeatable softness at any age! Read on below to discover how you can make this happen effortlessly.
Choose Silk Products
According to Townsend, investing in a silk pillowcase from Slip can make all the difference for your hair. These sumptuous and silky cases reduce major tangles which may occur at night while you rest. Not only do these luxurious pillows provide maximal comfort, but they also result in improved hair health over time – what’s not to love?
Hair elastics have the potential to cause havoc – breakage and tangles abound. Silk-finished ties, however, are incredibly kinder to your hair; you can confidently go for a run or attend yoga without worrying about any post-workout dents or snags in your tresses!
Brush Your Hair More Gently
When your hair is in a delicate state, be sure to avoid brushing it too vigorously. Take things slow and use gentle strokes when detangling your locks. Choose an amazing brush with flexible, forgiving bristles was crafted by an English hairdresser specifically for tackling breakage and snags (he made it for his wife while she was developing her mane after becoming ill). Not only does this tool produce wonders on knots but also provides a pleasant sensation upon the scalp!
Treat Your Ends
According to our Co-Fouder, hair serum is a must-have. “It can do it all! I’d recommend applying before you shower, 20 minutes prior if you plan on blow drying your locks–it’ll help protect against heat damage,” she suggests. She also recommends using a few drops as an everyday touch-up treatment for split ends; “you’ll see immediate results with added shine and reduced frizz.”
Skip Shampoo
According to Hershberger, one of the most common faults is washing hair too frequently. She states that shampooing removes essential natural oils from your scalp and strands, creating it dry and fragile – a recipe for split ends, breakage and frizz. Cut down on the frequency of washing your hair, and use shampoos with natural oil-based ingredients instead of harsh surfactants that will strip away all its moisture.
Apply Lots of Conditioner
Townsend encourages us to not shy away from conditioner, stressing that it’s a must in our haircare routines. Nourishing ingredients such as jojoba oil, avocado, coconut oil, monoi oil, sacha inchi and shea butter are excellent options for providing your locks with the proper hydration they need.
Use Lower Heat
Without a doubt, heat styling is detrimental to your hair. As Townsend states: “Many tools have temperatures set far too high and when people are in a hurry they increase the temperature even more – resulting in burnt strands of hair”. To avoid this problem from occurring, he recommends keeping all of your heating instruments at 350 degrees or below for optimum results.
Use An Air drier
According to Hersberger, when exposed continually to searing temperatures, the protein in your hair strands called keratin weakens and becomes brittle. However, reducing heat styling use from each day to just a few times a week can make an immense impact!
Use a Hair Towel
According to Townsend and Hershberger, a microfiber towel is your best bet for drying hair. “When wet, hair becomes highly delicate,” explains Hershberger. “The fabric of these towels is light enough that the strands don’t break or get damaged.” Similarly, Townsend adds: “Cotton towels are notorious for their small loops which can snag on your locks and cause further harm.” Make sure you switch to using a microfiber towel!
Moiturize
According to Hershberger, it’s essential that you apply a hydrating heat protectant before styling your hair with any form of heat. Not only does this shield your locks from the high temperature tools out there, but it will also add vital moisture for healthier looking hair!
Don’t Apply Too Much Hair Coloring
If you want to get highlights, double-processed hair, touch up your roots or cover grays with chemical treatments for color, then be aware: it can damage your hair. According to Townsend’s research, the coloring formula that deposits the dye into your mane has to open up and roughen up its cuticle which leaves it vulnerable and more prone to harm. Have no fear though! There is a viable alternative – temporary colors created by French Colorist Christophe Robin are gentle on any dark locks due to its ability not disrupt their cuticles while still providing deep vivid hues that will last through seven shampoos.
A great solution for managing greys is to incorporate this daily supplement into your routine. It contains high-potency B vitamins, including biotin, which are proven to help promote healthy hair growth and keep the pigmentation of your hair vibrant over time!
Make Regular Haircuts a Priority
According to the words of Hershberger, “Keeping your hair tidy and trimmed regularly is crucial for its health. Trimming minimizes split ends and aids in sustainably stronger growth.”
