Introduction

It’s no wonder that when our hair feels dry and looks damaged it can really affect our confidence. We know it’s not your fault though; life gets hectic and we don’t always have time to take care of our hair properly. Being stressed, exposure to the sun and heat styling are just a few of the factors that our hair is challenged with everyday. Luckily there are a few basic rules of thumb you can incorporate into your routine in order to help your hair live up to its full potential!

What Causes Hair Damage?

It’s important to understand what damages our hair so we find solutions!

It’s important to understand what causes our hair to become dry, damaged and brittle, before we apply the solutions to fix it. This will help to prevent further damage and ensure that you’re giving your hair the extra TLC that it needs. Once you’ve understood the cause of your damaged hair, you can begin tailoring your approach to fixing the problem and addressing specific concerns.

1. Excessive Heat Styling

Modern day heat styling tools have made it so easy for us to get sleek, straight hair or bouncy curls, but not without a cost to the health of our hair. When you use thermal styling tools on your hair, the excessive heat may dry out your hair and scalp, which can lead to a number of complications. Dry hair is far more prone to breakage and split ends. You should consider avoiding heat styling tools altogether, although we know this is a big ask, so consider an attempt to minimize their usage. When in need of them, be sure to use a heat-protectant spray or leave-in conditioner in your hair to protect it from the heat.

2. The Effects Of Stress On Our Hair

Stress is something that we all carry in our minds in some form or another. While stress is a primarily mental battle, it can still have some very physical effects on our body. The health of our hair can be significantly affected by excessive stress. Practicing mindfulness, meditating, yoga and physical exercise can be amazing stress-relieving techniques. These activities can help you deal with your stress and possibly reduce it, and in doing so help your hair’s health get back on track.

3. Extreme Weather And The Sun

Winter’s weather can wreak havoc on your hair!

You may think that summer is the biggest culprit here, but winter’s weather conditions can wreak just as much havoc on your hair. In summer, the sun beats down on our hair and can cause damage, while in wintertime the cold, dry air can also lead to negative effects on our hair. It’s important to wear hats when going into direct sunlight and to wear your hair in protective hairstyles like buns, twists and braids in summer and winter, in order to protect your hair from the elements.

How To Repair Damaged Hair

Now that you know a few of the main reasons for damaged hair, we can talk about the steps you can take to get your hair thriving again. These simple, proactive tips can help prevent your hair from becoming dry and damaged so that you can experience happier hair days.

1. Trimming And Styling

Although the myth of cutting your hair to help it grow faster doesn’t actually work, regular trims play a crucial role in removing split ends and maintaining overall hair health. When you get your hair cut, it’s important to tailor your hairstyle to one that suits your unique lifestyle. For example, if you’re someone who’s a busy bee then you should consider a shorter, more low-maintenance hairstyle. If you want to take it a step further, there are certain hair styles such as loose ponytails and braids which can also help protect your hair from damage, and which never really go out of style.

2. Choosing The Right Products

One of the most important, yet often overlooked, aspects of hair care is matching the correct products to your specific hair type and concerns. If you are experiencing issues with dry and damaged hair then it’s vital that you use products that are specifically formulated to repair and restore damaged hair. You should be looking for products that contain biotin, keratin and naturally-derived ingredients that will give your hair nourishment and hydration. Many commercial hair care products contain potentially-harmful chemicals such as parabens, sulfites and synthetic fragrances. These chemicals may strip your hair of its natural oils, and this increases the risk of damage.

3. Foods That Boost Hair Health

Eating a balanced diet is essential for healthy hair.

The health of our hair starts from the inside-out. Hydration and eating the right diet plays a big role in the health of our hair. Having enough protein in your diet is essential for optimal hair growth, as well as consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, vitamins and minerals. When we eat these nutrient-rich foods on a regular and consistent basis, we are giving our hair follicles the building blocks they need to provide optimal hair growth. 

4. Deep Conditioning Treatments

If you have damaged hair, it’s highly likely that it will be dry and brittle as well. It’s important to restore moisture to your hair and use products that can provide your scalp and locks with deep hydration. Keep an eye out for products that contain ingredients like shea butter, argan, almond and avocado oil, and cocoa butter. These plant-based ingredients can be exceptionally nourishing and help to restore the moisture balance you need for healthy hair. If your hair needs serious hydration quickly, we recommend using a leave-in conditioner once a week to replenish your locks. 

5. The Power of Plant-Based Oils

There is a whole world of natural ingredients that can work wonders for your hair. Coconut, jojoba, tea tree and rosemary oil all have magical properties that can benefit the health of your hair. Many of the plant oils we get from mother nature are lightweight and closely resemble the natural sebum produced by our scalp. This sebum is essential for optimal hair growth, and this is why plant-based oils not only provide powerful nutrients and hydration, but they also help restore and maintain balance of your hair, inside and out.

DIY Remedies

There are many DIY recipes you can try for yourself at home using everyday household ingredients that can be extremely beneficial for your hair! They can be really fun to prep, and they help create a spa-like experience at home that is kind on the wallet and can be tailored to your preferences. Here are a few of our favorite DIY remedies for damaged hair! 

1. Avocado And Honey Hair Mask

The Avocado and Honey Hair Mask is a wonderful remedy for dry and damaged hair, combining the rich nutritional content of avocado with the moisturizing properties of honey. To create this hydrating mask, mash a ripe avocado and mix it with 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of olive oil until a smooth texture has formed. Apply the mixture to damp hair, paying attention to the ends and damaged areas, then cover your hair with a shower cap and leave the mask on for 30-45 minutes. Finally, rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water and shampoo as usual!

2. Greek Yogurt And Aloe Vera Mask

The aloe vera plant.

Aloe vera is both soothing and nourishing for damaged hair, and this mask combines aloe vera with another one of our favorite DIY beauty ingredients, greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is rich in protein, making it the perfect companion for a hair mask with aloe vera in it. To create this mask, mix 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt with 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel and 1 tablespoon of honey in a bowl until you get a smooth consistency. Apply the mixture to clean, damp hair, ensuring even distribution. Keep the mask on for 20-30 minutes. Finally, rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water and shampoo your hair properly. 

3. Coconut Oil And Egg

This DIY remedy combines the deep conditioning properties of coconut oil and the protein-rich benefits of eggs. To make this mask, whisk one egg in a bowl and combine it with 2 tablespoons of warm, liquid coconut oil, and mix well. Apply it to your hair and make sure you completely cover your hair from the roots to the ends. Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave the treatment on for 20-30 minutes. Afterward, rinse your hair with cool water to prevent the egg from cooking and shampoo as you normally would.

Conclusion 

Your hair is not just a style accessory, but a blank canvas of endless possibilities. By following these tips and understanding the causes of damaged hair, you can get your hair care game back on track. Making these aspects of hair care part of your everyday routine is the easiest way to get hair that is beautiful and vibrant. Embrace better formulas, keep your hair hydrated and protected from stress! Let the hair magic begin, and may your locks be forever fabulous!