Unfortunately, the heat and chemicals contained in cosmetic products make curly hair brittle and brittle. One of the main characteristics of damaged hair is the lack of shine. If your curls are dry and full of split ends, don't despair; with a little patience and the right care, the hair can be strong and shiny again.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Solution Measures to Repair Damaged Hair
Step 1. Cut it out
Split ends cannot be repaired, although some product labels state otherwise. As if that weren't enough, the damage will increase as the fracture will slowly rise towards the healthy part of the hair. The only solution is to cut off the split ends; so the more you wait, the worse it gets.
- You should trim your hair every 6-8 weeks. If you don't want to go to the hairdresser, buy a pair of professional scissors (or use a very sharp pair) and get help from a family member or friend.
- Ask your hairdresser for advice on how long your hair should be cut. If you are trying to grow them, ask him to remove only the most damaged tips. You should rely on his professional opinion, his sole intent is to make you look your best.
Step 2. Take a break from chemicals
You should avoid dyeing, straightening or curling your hair with chemicals to avoid damaging it further. It might seem like a big sacrifice, but even a short break can give great results and speed up the hair's healing process.
- If you are in the habit of dyeing your hair, there are several options that do not contain chemicals. Natural colors are less aggressive. If your color is red, you can try using henna or indigo to darken them or lemon juice to lighten them. If you want to experiment with one of these three options, please follow the guidelines below:
- Dry your curls naturally for a period;
- If you don't like the result, instead of starting ironing them again with the straightener, try braiding or twisting them. Another solution could be to use a hat or a headband to match your outfits;
- If you just can't stand the idea of keeping your curls natural, consider buying a wig. You can choose from different looks, colors, styles and lengths.
Step 3. Use a hair mask
Making a mask serves to restore and enclose the moisture in the hair it needs to become soft again. Damaged hair requires hydration. You can choose from a wide range of masks in perfumery or at the supermarket or you can use some of the ingredients you already have at home to make your own.
- If you want to try your hand at preparing a moisturizing and nourishing DIY mask, search among the products you have at home and use for example aloe vera, honey, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil or butter shea. Each of these commonly used ingredients has excellent moisturizing properties. Most likely you already have some at home or in any case you can buy them at a good price at the supermarket.
- Mayonnaise, banana and avocado are also good for nourishing the hair; you can incorporate them into your weekly beauty routine.
- You can mix two or three of the ingredients listed to make a very effective mask in just a few minutes. For example, you can use coconut oil combined with honey and banana.
- Apply the mask to wet hair and then put on a shower cap to trap the moisture. Alternatively, you can use a plastic bag or cling film, the important thing is that the ingredients of the mask are able to penetrate deeply into the hair.
- You can leave the mask on for the whole night or more simply for half an hour or an hour.
- If you prefer to leave the mask on overnight, don't use it too often, otherwise your hair may feel heavy. The recommended frequency is once a week.
Step 4. Repair your hair with a hot oil treatment
You can buy a specific product in perfumery or you can use one of the oils you already have at home; for example, coconut oil is great for treating damaged curly hair.
- Pour the oil into a container. The ideal is to buy a squeezable bottle for a few euros in perfumery or at the supermarket. Alternatively, you can use a glass cup, bowl, or jar.
- Immerse the container in boiling water to heat the oil.
- When the oil is hot (but not hot) apply it to your hair.
- Put on a shower cap and then wrap a scarf or towel around your head to retain heat. Alternatively, you can use a thermal cap.
- Make sure the oil isn't too hot before applying it to your hair. Do not heat it in the microwave or on the stove.
Step 5. Repair your hair with a protein treatment
You can create a barrier around the follicles and protect the hair shaft from further damage so that over time your curls become visibly healthier. Protein temporarily repairs damaged hair by wrapping around the shaft and filling small cracks.
- If your hair is really badly damaged, you may need a restorative treatment. However, after the situation has improved, it is best to use a simple nourishing mask.
- Keep in mind that protein treatments should only be used occasionally. While they are great for repairing and protecting hair, using them too often can produce the opposite result and damage it. The reason is that hair is made up of proteins.
Part 2 of 3: Preventing Further Damage
Step 1. Change products
If the ones you use routinely contain harmful chemicals or aren't specific for curly hair, they could ruin it further. Consider switching to products based on natural ingredients formulated for the well-being of curly hair.
- Avoid products that contain sulfates because they strip your hair of its natural oils and make it frizzy.
- Choose products with a moisturizing action.
Step 2. Shampoo less frequently
The hair should be washed every other day at the most; shampooing two or three times a week is more than enough, especially if you have very dry hair. The conditioner can also be used more often, there are no contraindications, just rinse the hair well after use.
- When you shower without washing your hair, wear a shower cap to protect it from moisture.
- On days you don't shampoo, you can wet your hair and apply conditioner. Let it sit while you soap your body.
- By doing some research you will find that there is a shampoo-free way to take care of your curls.
Step 3. Use conditioner regularly
People with curly hair should never miss this step. The conditioner must have time to penetrate the hair, so leave it on for at least three minutes. The simplest solution is to wash your hair right away and let the conditioner work while you soap.
Step 4. Use a leave-in conditioner
You should choose one formulated for curly hair to get the best possible result, but you can use any one instead; the hair will still be softer and more disciplined. Apply leave-in conditioner before other styling products, such as curl reviving cream or heat protection serum.
Step 5. Use a wide toothed comb
Before combing your hair you should start untangling the knots with your fingers, after which you can use the comb starting from the tips and gradually working up towards the roots. The advice is to remove the knots while you are in the shower, after applying the conditioner; Alternatively, you can use a leave-in conditioner on rinsed, towel-dried hair.
Step 6. Protect your hair with oils
In addition to performing a warm oil treatment from time to time, you can incorporate the oils into your usual beauty routine. Pour a few drops of oil into the palm of your hand and then distribute it on the lengths and ends, as if it were any other styling product.
- Hair can be damp or dry, depending on how often you wash it and on its needs and characteristics.
- The oils help nourish and protect the hair. Use them regularly both to repair them and to protect them from further damage.
- Many hair product lines include a blend of restructuring oils. This is a good solution if you want to avoid buying, dosing and manually mixing different oils; however, be careful, as in many cases these products contain chemical additives and other ingredients that can be harmful.
- You don't have to spend a lot to buy branded products, just use natural oils.
- For example, coconut oil is excellent because it activates processes that allow hair to be restored to normal health conditions. Many people use coconut oil for cooking, so it can become an affordable solution due to its multiple uses.
- Argan oil is also widely used for hair health.
Step 7. Use a curly hair cream
Its job is to reduce frizz and better define the curls. Not all products are the same, do your research and choose a cream that does not contain alcohol or sulfates.
- Many people with curly hair have found that mixing two or more cream or gel products results in a better result.
- You can try mixing oils, creams and gels to find the best formula for your curls.
- Keep in mind that not all curls are the same, so it's important to test different products to find the ones that work best for you.
Step 8. Let your hair dry naturally
When you let your hair air dry you get a double benefit: you don't damage it with heat and you get more defined and less frizzy curls, so you are happier when you look in the mirror. As if that weren't enough, you save time and effort; in practice you get a triple advantage.
Step 9. Limit the use of heat
From time to time you may want to change your look and use the blow dryer and straightener to straighten your hair. On those occasions, don't forget to apply a heat protection product. If you use styling tools only infrequently and take care of your hair in the many recommended ways, your hair shouldn't be damaged. However, the rule of not stressing them with heat too often remains essential.
Step 10. Limit chemical treatments
If you feel the need to chemically dye or iron them, choose one or the other solution. By imposing several chemical treatments on your curls you will end up burning them, so if you don't want to regret it, opt for just one process.
Part 3 of 3: Protect Curly Hair
Step 1. Beware of accessories that can ruin your hair
When collecting them, do not use rubber bands or clothespins that can cause them to knot or break. Choose accessories that treat your curls in a delicate way.
Step 2. Protect curls from heat
When you want to use a blow dryer or straightener, limit the amount of time your hair is exposed to heat and don't forget to apply a heat protection product before starting.
- Let the hair dry partially in the air before using the styling tools. For example, let them dry naturally while you dress or make up, then style them as you wish with the blow dryer.
- Make sure your hair is perfectly dry before straightening it with the straightener. Using it on still damp hair could burn it as the water evaporates.
- When using styling tools, it is essential to apply a product to the hair that protects it from the intense heat. You can choose between a spray or a serum, according to your preferences. In general, silicones are enemies of hair health, but in fact, those contained in heat protectors create a more effective barrier against heat, so they help you to keep curls in good condition.
Step 3. Protect your hair from the sun
When spending your time outdoors, wear a hat or scarf to keep your hair in the shade. If you don't want to use a hat, buy a sunscreen product for hair.
Step 4. Use a silk pillowcase or scarf overnight
Sleep with your head resting on a silk pillowcase or with your hair wrapped in a silk scarf to reduce friction that can cause it to become frizzy. Your hair will stay protected and tidy and you will have much less trouble styling it the next morning.
Advice
- Don't yank your curls.
- Do not use too many cosmetic products to prevent their residues from accumulating on the hair. If you want to remedy the frequent use you have made of it in the past, use a purifying shampoo.
Warnings
- Curly hair is not all the same, so choose the products that best suit your specific hair. For example, consider whether they are thin or thick, dry or fat.
- Be careful not to heat the oil too much to avoid burning your scalp or face. As a precaution, it is best to use hot, but not boiling, water.
