Let's talk about hair damage. If you over-style your hair, spend too much time in the sun, or wrap your ponytail too tight, you may end up with dry and brittle ends. When left untreated, this damage can affect your hair's natural luster, making your favorite hairstyles look duller than usual. In addition, you may have to deal with long-term effects like unwanted frizz, thinning ends, and even bald spots.
We've all been there at some point. Hair damage is more common than you might think, and while it's not entirely reversible, it is preventable. We're here to walk you through everything you need to know about how to repair damaged hair.
Let's take a closer look:
Can You Repair Damaged Hair?
The short answer is no. Most hair damage is permanent, and the only way to fix the issue is to cut it off and start anew.
You can't physically splice together split ends, but some hair care products on the market contain potent nutrients that can help you achieve visually healthier-looking hair. For example, hair serum or oil can make split ends less noticeable, allowing you to flaunt your favorite hairstyles all day without worry.
The best thing you can do for your hair is to prevent further damage. Prevention is key to maintaining your hair's natural beauty, and with the help of natural remedies and hair care products, you can ease existing damage and improve your hair strength.
The stronger the hair, the less susceptible it is to damage.
How to Fix Damaged Hair
If you have hair damage, sometimes the easiest thing to do is cut it all off. However, it's not the only option -- with slight adjustments to your hair care routine and the help of high-quality hair care products, you can learn how to fix damaged hair and prevent future issues. If you're frustrated with your damaged hair, here is a list of solutions to consider.
Regular Trims
Grab a pair of shears or head to the salon every 6-10 weeks for a quick trim. If you already have split ends, cut them off so you can maintain the integrity of your hair. If you don't remove or treat your split ends, they will continue to creep up the hair shaft, resulting in uneven hair strands.
Use a Heat Protectant
Curling irons and straighteners can hit temperatures of up to 425 degrees, which is detrimental to your hair's integrity, especially if you don't use products to provide a barrier to the heat.
A heat protectant is a must-have for any hair care routine. The formulas of these products contain ingredients that protect against hair damage caused by hot tools, blow dryers, and extended exposure to the sun.
Use a Hair Mask
Is your hair dry, damaged, or in need of some extra TLC? Try a hair mask. These contain ultra-hydrating ingredients that help with moisture retention and the nutrients your hair needs to thrive.
We formulate our Leave-in Hair Mask with potent hair superfoods and essential antioxidants to combat damage and protect the individual hair strands from free radicals. Our proprietary formula assists with smoothing strands, boosting shine, taming frizz, and strengthening hair without weighing it down. Don't believe us? During our 12-week clinical trials, participants noted that The Leave-In Hair Treatment increased hair strength by 182%.
Keep Your Hair Hydrated
Hydration is key to fighting off damage and maintaining your hair's natural elasticity. With the help of nourishing and hydrating hair care essentials, you can avoid breakage and keep your dry ends hydrated. For the best results, look for hair care essentials formulated with vitamin E, almond oil, coconut oil, or castor extract oil.
What Does Damaged Hair Look Like?
Split Ends
Take a look at the ends of your hair. You have split ends if you notice they break into two or more strands. A few split ends are normal and nothing to worry about, but too many can impact your hair's visual appeal. If you leave split ends untreated, they can travel up each strand, leading to uneven hair strands.
Frizz
If your hair is frizzier than usual and you're seeing more flyaways getting in the way, it's a sign that you have some ongoing damage. While frizz is common for individuals with curly or wavy hair, it's not common for all hair types. Frizz is a telltale sign of damage to your hair cuticle.
If you feel like you're constantly fighting off frizz, consider our The Hair Oil, a smooth, nourishing formula that will help you achieve healthier-looking hair. During our clinical trials, The Hair Oil decreased participants' hair frizz by 53%.
Dull and Dry
Is your hair a shadow of its former glory? Is it dry, dull, and losing its shine? Declines like this happen when hair lacks nutrients or is overly damaged. Whether you've bleached your hair too many times or used the wrong products, the damage to your hair can build up over time until reaching a point of no return.
There are several reasons why the damage to your hair is increasing over time. Shampoo and conditioner, over-styling, exposure to pollutants, or prolonged exposure to the sun are all factors that can take a toll on your hair. Unfortunately, after prolonged use, they're hard to control.
Causes of Hair Damage
There are several reasons why the damage to your hair is increasing over time. Shampoo and conditioner, over-styling, exposure to pollutants, or prolonged exposure to the sun are all factors that can take a toll on your hair. Unfortunately, after prolonged use, they're hard to control.
Do Perms Damage Your Hair?
Perms disrupt your hair's natural shape and texture. When you get a perm, a hairstylist uses chemicals to alter your hair's natural form, often leading to frizz, flyaways, and damage.
If you want a perm, always seek professional help, as you can expose your hair to harmful chemicals and cause irreversible damage if done incorrectly. Don't let this discourage you from getting a perm, though!
Perms can be a fun and playful way to achieve voluminous curls. However, take the correct aftercare and maintenance steps to prevent damage or increase the longevity of your perm.
Does Dying Your Hair Damage It?
Yes. If you're getting your hair bleached and dyed every six weeks, it will start to weaken the individual hair follicles. Permanent dyes lift the hair cuticle, making it more fragile and sensitive to outside factors. If you're consistently dying your hair, it will become more fragile and susceptible to damage.
If you want to keep dying your hair, avoid bleach as much as possible, as this disrupts your hair's natural pH balance, leading to ongoing breakage.
You should also consider investing in high-quality, color-safe hair care products. These product formulas contain ingredients that combat dye damage caused and help to maintain the integrity of your hair.
If you're always getting your hair done and you see a noticeable difference in hair health, consider going all-natural for a bit! Taking a break from the dying, bleach, and colors is a great way to help your hair recover its strength.
Does Blow Drying Hair Damage It?
Yes. Blow-drying your hair on the hottest setting with little or no heat protectant often leads to unwanted dryness. Consider taking a break from the blow dryer every once in a while. Switch to towel drying or airdrying a few days a week to give your hair a break from the heat.
You can also adjust your blow-drying techniques to make them more hair-friendly. For starters, only blow dry your hair when it's at least 60% dry, and only use it on the cool setting (even if it doesn't feel as great!) Lastly, always keep your blow dryer at least six inches from your hair.
Augustinus Bader: The Expert in Sustainable Hair Care
At Augustinus Bader, we want to help you recover your hair health and learn how to fix damaged hair with good-for-you ingredients. Untreated damage and breakage will detract from your favorite hairstyles and negatively impact your confidence levels. While most damage isn’t reversible, you can prevent future damage with the right hair care routine and products.
Start shopping today to experience the Augustinus Bader difference.