In today’s modern age, the global market size of the hair care industry comes in at a whopping $77 billion U.S. dollars. By 2028, this number should increase to over $112 billion. What do these numbers show? That people care about their hair more than ever before!
If you’re on a journey to repair damaged hair, you are clearly not alone. But with so many different products and techniques out there, what really works and what doesn’t? All of this information can make your damaged hair repair journey seem super overwhelming.
1. Invest in Top-Quality Hair Care Products
Two of the most important hair care products in your regimen are your shampoo and conditioner. If you invest in these two products alone, you’re off to the best start on your hair repair journey.
One of the best ingredients to look for in a shampoo is keratin. It’s a type of moisturizer that closely resembles the natural keratin found in your hair. The minute particles penetrate the hair shaft, helping to soften and volumize the hair.
Make sure your shampoo also contains essential vitamins such as B5, vitamin E, and D3 which support a healthy scalp, and hair follicles, while strengthening your hair strands.
Conditioners that contain natural oils, such as peppermint oil, argan oil, coconut oil, or shea butter are a brilliant option for adding extra moisture back into the hair, especially if it’s very coarse.
2. Moisturize With a Hair Mask
You want to keep this general rule of thumb in mind when fixing damaged hair: hydration is essential.
The best way to add hydration back to dry, damaged hair is with regular hair masks. They are extremely nourishing and repairing and help to boost the softness and shine of your hair.
Always opt for a hair mask that includes hydrating, botanical ingredients. Some of the best include rosehip oil, keratin, and amino acids designed to protect your hair. Use a hair mask instead of your conditioner every second wash for a few weeks/months until you notice an improved difference.
3. Add a Hair Oil to Your Routine
If you’re looking to soften dry, brittle hair, or even detangle unruly hair to prevent further damage, hair oil is one of the best things to add to your hair care routine.
Opt for a hair oil that contains a good amount of fatty acids and vitamin E. Some of the most effective hair oil options include argan oil and coconut oil. Apply to damp hair and leave it to work its magic.
4. Avoid Overwashing Your Locks
If there’s one thing that strips your hair of moisture it’s overwashing. Everyone has different hair types and will need to wash their hair according to how greasy their scalp is.
Overwashing means shampooing your hair every day, or every other day. Yes, going about your day with greasy hair is not always ideal, but your scalp will thank you for the break. When your hair is damaged, the last thing you want to do is strip it of healthy, natural oils — this is what happens when you wash it too often.
If you wash your hair every day, try to cut out one wash a week until you’re down to about 3 washes per week.
5. Take a Look at Your Overall Health
Ever heard the saying ”you are what you eat?”. Well, this applies to the health of your hair, too. If you’re looking to improve hair damage, take a look at what you’re putting in your body.
How much water do you drink throughout the day? Do you eat a healthy, balanced diet? Are you a smoker? Do you drink a little too much alcohol? Not only this, but it’s also important to invest in vitamins that support healthy hair, such as zinc, magnesium, and biotin, or opt for regular vitamin therapy for the boost your hair needs.
6. Let Those Locks Loose
Another common cause of hair stress and damage is tying your hair up in tight up-dos a little too regularly. If you’re aiming to repair your hair, try and let it loose for a while in order for those hair strands to repair themselves.
Remember to avoid tying your hair up when it’s wet (most especially) and when you’re going to bed. Those precious hours throughout the night are a good time to let your hair ”breathe”.
7. Avoid Using High Heat for a While
It’s no secret that heat and hair do not always see eye-to-eye. In other words, exposing your hair to high amounts of heat, multiple times a week is not doing it any favors.
In order to repair damaged hair, take some time away from heat tools for a little while. This includes your hair dryer, curling irons, flat irons, etc. If you have color-treated hair this is even more important.
If you do need to quickly blow-dry your hair, opt for the lowest heat setting possible. Or, allow your hair to air-dry halfway through, then finish it off with a quick blow-dry.
8. Show Your Scalp Some TLC
Healthy hair not only depends on how you treat it, but it also depends on the health of your scalp. If you want to transform damaged hair, it’s time to show your scalp some love, too.
A build-up of hair products (like dry shampoo), as well as dirt and general pollution, can clog the pores in your scalp, which leads to scalp irritation and inflammation. Ultimately, this affects the health of your hair, too.
Give the dry shampoo a skip for a little while and invest in a scalp scrub. Use it weekly in order to loosen debris and give your scalp some breathing room.
9. Invest in a Silk/Satin Pillowcase
If you’re lucky enough to get a solid 8-9 hours of sleep per night, think about the amount of friction your hair undergoes as you toss and turn. That’s why a silk or satin pillowcase can do wonders for protecting your locks while you sleep.
These materials are super gentle on your hair and skin, help to reduce frizz, and friction, and are amazingly breathable, which helps to keep your hair cleaner for longer.
10. Get Your Hair Professionally Colored
If you have damaged hair but still want to brighten up your blond or enrich your brunette, it’s best to stick to the pros for this job. While DIY hair dying might save you some money, it’s not recommended for damaged hair.
If you’re looking for a hair refresh, book yourself a hair appointment with a professional hair colorist. They have the best skills and knowledge of how to color your hair without causing further damage.
Looking For Expert Help to Repair Damaged Hair?
If you’re on a mission to repair damaged hair, look no further than Colair Beauty Lounge & Med Spa. We offer a range of services to help you restore hair health, whether it’s a professional trim, color, hair treatment, or vitamin therapy.
Take a look at our range of hair treatments and pricing on offer and start your hair health journey with us today.