We are all likely to be guilty of neglecting our hair at some point. This might be through using plenty of heat, hair dye or poor quality hair care products. However, you are not too late to try to revive damaged hair!
Damaged hair will eventually grow out, yet there are a few things that you can implement into your daily routine to help reduce the amount of damage to your hair, as well as hopefully reviving some of the already damaged hair. Set aside some time this week to give your hair the love it deserves!
Wash Your Hair Less Often
One very simple thing you can do to prevent unnecessary damage to the hair is to wash it less often. Washing your hair too often will dry it out and cause damage, so you should aim to only wash your hair two to three times a week if possible. Of course sometimes something will come up that requires a good hair wash, however trying to stick to this rule most of the time is advisable.
If your hair is visibly very greasy, or you have a dry scalp, you will need to wash it. Leaving grease in the hair for too long can actually inhibit growth in some cases as it has the potential to clog hair follicles, so you need to find a good balance.
When you wash your hair less often, you will use less shampoo and conditioner, meaning you will save money. You can use these savings to invest in some great quality products that will do wonders for your hair.
Use Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner
Shampoo and conditioner can be expensive, however good quality ones can really transform your hair. Spending more money on products with great ingredients is worth it, especially as you often need less of them so they last for a long time.
When buying shampoo and conditioners, avoid products with ammonium lauryl sulphate, sodium lauryl sulphate, parabens and formaldehyde, just to name a few! It is safest to opt for salon trusted haircare brands, like Wella, Olaplex and Redken. Talk to your hair stylist about the best options for you, but it is usually best to buy the products online afterwards rather than in the salon, as you will save a lot of money!
Bulk buying shampoo and conditioner in 1000ml bottles is often the most cost effective option. It might seem like a lot of money to spend on shampoo, but you will be shocked at how long it lasts!
Towel Dry and Brush Hair Gently
After you have washed and conditioned your hair, it is natural to come out of the shower, scrub your hair with a towel and then tie it in a towel knot on your head. You need to avoid doing this, as your hair is at its most brittle when it is wet. When you put the heavy weight of the towel on your hair and twist it, it will be pulling at the roots and damaging your hair. Instead, when you get out the shower, very gently rub it to remove the excess water and let it dry naturally if possible.
You also need to be very careful with how you are brushing your hair. Use a detangling hairbrush and start at the very ends of your hair to make it nice and smooth. Gradually work your way up without pulling too much. This might take a long time, but it is definitely worth it. This is where your hair is most vulnerable, so don’t rush this step. Remember, small brush strokes are the way forward!
Use A Heat Protectant and Dry On Low Heat
Now that your hair is nicely brushed out, if possible leave it to dry naturally. However, we know this isn’t always possible. So, make sure that you use a good quality heat protectant spray to minimise any damage. Spray it generously all over the hair and gently brush through. Don’t forget your fringe if you have one, as this is often the area we use the most heat on!
Make sure that you don’t go to bed with wet hair, as this can lead to hair breakage and even fungal infections in some cases! It is much better to dry it off with cool air before going to bed.
Once you have applied the heat protectant, dry your hair on a medium to low heat. This is especially important for damaged hair. Not only does using a lower heat setting reduce the amount of damage, but cool air actually helps to seal your hair follicles which in turn keeps your hair in the same place that you styled it.
Use Hair Serums
Good quality hair serums are fantastic products that can do plenty of wonderful things. As with the shampoo and conditioner, it is best to invest in good quality products. Serums can help to control frizz, make your hair nice and smooth, ease tangles, add shine and protect against damage.
Most serums will last you for months and months as you don’t need to use them everyday. Use them on hair wash days or special occasions when you want an added boost. They also help to lock in moisture, which is great for damaged hair. Be careful not to apply more than the recommended amount, as you will risk making your hair look greasy.
Some hair serums are designed to be applied to damp hair, whilst others are more suited to dry hair, so just check the instructions before applying. In most cases, it is best to apply serums to damp hair before styling in order to maximise the benefits.
Avoid Heated Styling If Possible
Where possible, limit any heated styling to once a week. This includes heated rollers, straighteners, curlers etc. There are now some great products on the market that style hair using only air, but you will have a similar look to if you would have used heat. These products are currently very expensive, however over the coming years as technology develops, it is likely they will be much more accessible.
There are a few ways to style your hair without heat at all, for example plaiting the hair or using the heatless dressing gown curls trick. If heatless styling isn’t currently an option or doesn’t work well for you, use the lowest heat setting possible on your straighteners or curlers and try not to leave the device on your hair for longer than it needs to be.
Use Gentle Hair Ties
Hair ties are something we use everyday without a second thought, however they can actually be quite damaging to the hair. If you twist ties around the hair too many times, it puts a lot of pressure on the hair which can cause breakage. Having your hair in a tight high ponytail might be convenient and look great, yet it can actually cause thinning in the area over time.
If you do need to tie your hair up securely, try using silk material ties or soft scrunchies. This will minimise damage and also still look great! For those of you who tie your hair up a lot, whether it be for work or because you like the hairstyle, make sure you give your hair time to breathe. Sleep with your hair down and leave it untied for as long as possible throughout the day.
Rethink Your Diet
Going in a slightly different direction, the foods that you eat can have an impact on how healthy your hair is. You should aim to eat a balanced diet with a good mix of nutrients to encourage healthy hair growth, with a particular focus on magnesium and biotin which can promote follicle hair growth. Biotin and magnesium supplements are simple to find, so incorporating them into your routine is a simple way to help your hair from the inside out.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! 8 simple ways for you to revive damaged hair and prevent further damage. Although these things might take a small investment when it comes to your money and time, it will be worth it in the long run. Once you have done these things a few times you will get into a good routine and it will be second nature.
We all deserve to have healthy hair, so give a few of these things a go and you should notice a big difference!