How to Repair Damaged Hair and Prevent Breakage

How to Repair Damaged Hair

Hair damage is a common problem that can be caused by heat, chemical treatments and other factors. If you have damaged hair, you may notice that it has lost elasticity or strength and has become dry, brittle or frizzy. You may also have noticed that it is more prone to breakage than normal and is more difficult to style. The good news is that a wide variety of products on the market today can help repair damaged hair and restore its natural beauty. In this article, we look at how you can repair damaged hair and how to prevent hair breakage. 

What is the cause of damaged hair?

The main causes of damaged hair are over-styling, over-washing, and using the wrong products. Over-styling your hair can cause split ends and breakage. If you're constantly running a brush through your hair, or if your comb is rough or sharp, this can cause damage. The same goes for curling irons and straighteners. They can cause damage if they're too hot or if they aren't used properly. Here are some other causes of damaged hair: 

1. Hair products and styling 

We've all heard that damaged hair is caused by heat styling, but what about the products we're using on our hair? Products like serums and conditioners can cause a lot of damage to your hair if you're not careful. If you use too much of it, your hair will become weighed down and greasy. The chemicals in your shampoo, conditioner and other products can be damaging to your hair. This is especially true if you have bleached blonde or chemically coloured hair. 

2. Over-brushing 

We know, we know. It's a little hard to believe that something as innocent as brushing your hair can damage it. But it's true! Brushing your hair too often can cause your strands to become dry and brittle. This leads to breakage and split ends, which are the main culprits behind damaged hair. When you brush, you're also brushing away natural oils that are produced by your scalp. These oils help keep your scalp healthy and moisturized so that it can produce more oil as needed. If your hair is being damaged by over-brushing, try using a soft-bristled brush or a wide-tooth comb instead and stick to brushing 2-3 times a day. 

3. Heat and lack of moisture 

Heat damages your hair by breaking down the natural oils that keep it healthy. When these oils break down, they leave behind a residue that coats your hair and makes it hard to style or manage. The best way to prevent this buildup is to use a heat protectant spray before you do any styling or drying with heat tools. 

If you're having trouble with your hair, it could also be because of a lack of moisture. Without enough moisture in your hair, it becomes more prone to breakage and frizziness. The best way to prevent this is by using a deep conditioning mask once a week or so. You can also try adding a leave-in conditioner to your daily routine. 

4. Towel drying 

If you're experiencing hair damage, the first thing to check is your towel-drying routine. Towel drying your hair can cause split ends and breakage. This is because when you towel dry your hair, the heat from the towel causes friction between the strands of your hair and can cause them to snap off. This can lead to a frizzy appearance, as well as damage that can make it more difficult for you to style your hair later on. 

5. Not having regular haircuts 

Not having regular haircuts is a cause of damaged hair. Your hair is constantly growing and breaking, so if you don't cut it regularly, it can become damaged. Split ends are also extremely common when you go for long periods without a trim. The ends are the most vulnerable to damage because they're exposed to the elements. If you want to keep your hair healthy, make sure you get regular trims! 

6. Diet 

Diet, stress, and even the weather can all affect your hair. One thing that you can do to prevent or repair damaged hair is to make sure that you are eating a balanced diet. You should be getting plenty of protein and iron in your diet as well as vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins will help keep your hair healthy by strengthening the follicle and preventing breakage. 

7. Tight hairstyles 

We all know that our hairstyles can make or break our looks, but we often forget that they can also make or break our hair. Tight hairstyles like braids or cornrows cause friction against your scalp and can damage your hair over time. Tight ponytails can also cause friction and damage to your scalp and hair if you wear them too tight or too often. 

8. Stress 

Stress is a major factor in damage to the hair. The body produces more cortisol and adrenaline during times of stress, which can cause hair to break off at the root. This is because stress causes a reduction in blood flow to the scalp, which means that your hair follicles are not getting enough nutrients or oxygen to grow healthy hair. 

9. Thyroid disorders 

Thyroid disorders are caused by an imbalance in the thyroid hormone, which regulates metabolism. This imbalance can lead to hair loss and thinning hair. The condition may also affect your hair’s appearance as it can cause dryness and breakage. If you think your thyroid may be the cause of your damaged hair, we recommend speaking to a medical professional. 

10. Eating disorders 

It can also be caused by eating disorders. Eating disorders are serious conditions that cause people to eat too little or too much food. They are often associated with anxiety and depression. People who have anorexia or bulimia tend to have hair that is brittle, dry and prone to breakage. 

Treating hair breakage

There is no universal answer to how long damaged hair takes to repair, as it depends on the condition of the hair and various other factors. Treating hair breakage can be a long, arduous process, but luckily there are several different ways to help repair damaged hair. Let's take a look at some of the most effective methods for treating hair breakage and how you can use them in your daily routine! 

1. Change haircare routine 

First, you'll want to make sure you're using the right products for your hair type. If you have damaged or fragile hair, then it's best to use shampoos and conditioners designed for this kind of hair. You should also use a heat protectant when using styling tools like curling irons or blow dryers. You can use protective sprays and leave-in conditioners in between washes to help keep your strands soft and healthy looking. 

2. Use a conditioner 

If your hair has been damaged by colouring or heat, use a conditioner. This will add moisture to your hair, helping to repair it and prevent further breakage. Also, try not to wash your hair every day. More frequent washing can strip away natural oils that help keep the scalp healthy and moisturized, which can lead to breakage. 

3. Reduce stress 

We know it's not always possible to avoid stressful situations, but if you can, try to avoid them as much as possible. Stress can cause you to lose more hair than usual, so reducing stress is one of the best things you can do for your hair. If you're stressed out, take a few minutes every day to meditate or do something that helps you relax. It'll help your hair grow back strong and healthy! 

4. Dietary changes 

If your body isn't receiving the nutrients it needs, then it can't repair and grow your hair. A balanced diet includes plenty of protein, healthy fats, and vitamin B12. These are just a few of the vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy hair growth. Additionally, eating foods with high levels of antioxidants will help reduce inflammation in your scalp which can lead to breakage. 

Prevention

It can be hard to prevent damaged hair, but if you're careful and keep an eye on your locks, you'll be able to avoid the most common causes of damage. Here are a few tips: 

1. Invest in a High-Quality Mask 

A good hair mask can make all the difference when you're trying to repair your damaged hair. Whether you're trying to grow out your hair, or just want to fix the damage that comes with being a busy parent and working full-time, investing in a quality mask is always a good idea. 

2. Protect Your Locks From Heat 

The best way to prevent damaged hair is to avoid high heat. The more you use your flat iron or curling iron, the more damage you're doing. If you have to use these tools, make sure to use them on a lower setting and protect your locks with a heat-protectant spray or balm. 

3. Wash Your Hair Less 

It can be tempting to wash your hair every day, but it's not doing your hair any favours! The more you wash your hair, the more chemicals and styling products you're putting on it. This can lead to breakage and dryness. Instead, try washing your hair every other day, or even less frequently if you want. 

4. Turn Down The Heat 

Turn down the heat! If you're using heat tools on your hair, like irons or curling wands, try using them less often and at lower temperatures. 

5. Stock Up On Oil 

A good way to prevent damage to your hair is to stock up on oil and apply it regularly. Try using a few drops of argan oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil in your hands and then running your fingers through your hair. You can also use a comb or brush to distribute the oil evenly throughout your hair. 

6. Clean Out Your Shower 

Cleaning out your showerhead can be as simple as changing out the filter and replacing it with a new one. This will keep your water clean, so you don't end up with gunky buildup and mouldy smells in your home. 

7. Avoid Alcohol-Based Styling Products 

Alcohol-based products strip hair of its natural oils and can lead to drier and more damaged hair. Even if you don't use these products every day, they can still be the cause of your damaged locks. Use products with more natural ingredients and use products less frequently. 

8. Braids and Buns: Good; Tight Ponytails: Bad 

Braids and buns are great, but tight ponytails can be harmful. When you're putting your hair up, avoid wearing it in a tight ponytail, which can cause damage to your hair's elasticity. Instead, opt for loose braids or buns that aren't pulled too tightly. 

9. Know When to Seek Professional Help 

If you need some additional help in repairing damaged hair or want to prevent further damage from occurring then it may be time for you to see a professional hairstylist. They can offer expert advice on how to look after your hair. 

Recommended products 

Here are some of our best products for treating damaged hair: 

1. K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask 50ml

This product is great for strengthening and repairing damaged hair while also improving its elasticity. Use for 4-6 consecutive washes for the best results. 

2. Olaplex Hair Perfector No.3 100ml

This treatment isn’t just your average conditioner. It helps to reduce breakage and leaves you with visibly smooth and strong hair. 

3. Goldwell Dualsenses Rich Repair 1 Litre Shampoo and Conditioner Bundle

This bundle is perfect for restoring damaged hair. Used together they help to repair and hydrate your hair. 

4. Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Trio Bundle

This bundle works amazingly to repair your hair while also being free from sulphates. Use them together for the best results. 

There you have it! If you're looking to repair damaged hair, you've come to the right place. You don't have to let your hair get damaged any longer. The tips we've shared in this article are easy and affordable, so you can start repairing your hair today!