Heat damaged hair often feels dull and rough to the touch. There are other signs of damage as well, including split ends and a broken shaft. If you have naturally curly hair, you may notice a sagging of the curls, which tend to become smoother. Although the damage caused by heat can hardly be completely resolved, it is possible to discipline and strengthen the stem with targeted and constant treatments.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Finding a Quick Solution
Step 1. Get into new hair care habits right away
It is always best to intervene as soon as possible and treat hair damage as soon as the first signs appear. If you postpone the treatment, it will become more and more difficult to repair the stem. In some cases it is necessary to resort to drastic solutions, such as making a clean cut.
Hair care doesn't just include targeted treatments, it also incorporates good habits like avoiding styling with heat
Step 2. If you have dry or electric hair, use a clarifying shampoo
Clarifying shampoos help tame and smooth out a dry or frizzy shaft. If you can't find this product, opt for a mild shampoo instead, then rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar.
- Don't wash your hair more than twice a week. Avoid hot water, prefer cold or lukewarm water instead.
- If you have severely damaged hair, don't use clarifying shampoo, as it may make the situation worse. If in doubt, ask your hairdresser for advice.
Step 3. Strengthen your hair with a protein based conditioner
Protein-based conditioners allow you to fill in the small tears and small tears that affect the stem, in order to strengthen it. The repair is not permanent and only lasts until the next wash. However, this product allows you to strengthen the hair and make it more resistant to possible damage.
- Try using a leave-in conditioner when you get out of the shower. This product helps create an adequate hydrolipidic film, keeping the hair hydrated throughout the day.
- Follow the instructions carefully. Do not let the conditioner work longer than indicated, otherwise it could weaken the hair.
Step 4. Use intensive conditioning to make a nourishing mask
To start, dampen your hair, then apply intensive conditioning. Collect them in a soft chighon and cover them with a shower cap. Wrap a warm towel around your head, leave on for 10-20 minutes and rinse.
- Look for ingredients like keratin, olive oil, protein, or shea butter.
- If you're in a hurry, apply intensive conditioning to your hair after rinsing off the shampoo. Leave it on for three to five minutes and rinse it off.
- The mask can be done once or twice a week.
Step 5. Regenerate your hair with a warm oil treatment
Heat some olive oil on the stove and let it cool down to room temperature. Apply it to clean hair after blotting it with a towel. Slip them under a shower cap and wrap a warm towel around your head. Leave on for an hour and wash off the oil with cold water. If desired, remove any residue with shampoo.
- This treatment can be done one to three times a month.
- The amount of oil to use depends on the length and thickness of the hair. You need enough to soak them well.
- For an even more nourishing treatment, leave the oil on overnight.
Step 6. Perform these treatments for three months before re-examining your hair
How often a treatment needs to be done varies by product, so read the label carefully. In most cases they can be done once or twice a week. If you don't see any progress after three months, chances are it's impossible to repair the damage. In this case it is good to contact a hairdresser to make a cut.
Keep in mind that the effectiveness of a treatment varies depending on the hair. A treatment that works wonders for one person doesn't necessarily work for another
Step 7. As a last resort, cut your hair
The cut depends on the extent of the damage. In theory, all hair that has been damaged should be cut. If the damage extends to the roots and you don't want to shave your hair, go for a layered cut. This will prevent damage from extending further and further along the shaft.
- Make a targeted cut. Go for a sophisticated bob or a short cut. If you want to make a trendy cut with a rebellious look, opt for an undercut instead.
- If you don't want to over-trim your hair, you can trim it every four to six weeks until the damaged hair is completely eliminated. It will take longer, but this helps prevent the tips from opening, which can make the damage worse.
Part 2 of 3: Style Hair Carefully
Step 1. Brush the hair starting from the ends
If they are full of knots, never brush them from root to tip. Instead, proceed by treating a small section at a time and start from the ends. To start, brush the ends of the strand. When you see that you can move the brush smoothly, without being blocked by any knots, brush them from the middle of the length to the ends, then, finally, from the roots to the ends.
Do not brush or comb wet hair. Detangle them before washing, then brush them again once they are dry
Step 2. Opt for soft and relaxed hairstyles during the regeneration process
Doing a crop can protect your hair from damage from the surrounding environment. You can choose from soft braids, ponytails and buns. Secure them with a fabric covered elastic or bobby pins. Avoid tight braids and high ponytails. If you feel the roots pull, then the hairstyle is too tight.
Making tight harvests damages the stem even more. Remember that your goal should be to minimize damage during the repair process
Step 3. Dry your hair using a t-shirt
An old but clean shirt will do just fine. You can also use a microfiber towel, while avoiding regular towels. Being too aggressive for the hair, it will only make it even rougher. If you have nothing else available, gently pat a regular towel dry to absorb excess water, then let your hair air dry.
If you have curly hair, try wrapping your hair in a long-sleeved t-shirt and remove it after drying
Step 4. Avoid or limit styling with heat
Do not use tools such as curling irons, straighteners, hairdryers and hot curlers. Instead, let them air dry. If you want to curl them, try a method that doesn't require the use of electric tools, such as flexible curlers or braids. You may also be able to straighten them out using thick curlers.
Step 5. When using a power tool, set it to low and protect your hair with a heat protector
Apply a water-soluble heat protector to wet hair. Dry them completely before styling them with the iron or flat iron. Avoid setting them at temperatures above 160 ° C.
- Before blow-drying your hair, make sure it's damp (rather than wet) to limit your exposure to heat.
- Do not style them with power tools more than once a month.
Step 6. Avoid permanent ironing, bleaching or dyeing
All these treatments will damage the stem even more. If you try to chemically straighten, bleach, or dye your hair, you'll need to treat chemical damage as well as heat damage. Let them breathe and take them natural for a few months.
If you need to color them, opt for a soft semi-permanent color, which does not do the same damage as a permanent color
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Further Damage
Step 1. Avoid products containing ingredients that help dry them out even more, including parabens, silicones, and sulfates
Difficult to remove, silicones tend to accumulate on the hair, while parabens and sulphates make them even more fragile and dry. All of this would only slow down the repair process. Avoid other ingredients as well, including sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl ether sulfate, alcohol, and peroxide.
If you can't avoid these ingredients, make sure they are at the bottom of the list to make sure the concentration is low
Step 2. Protect your hair from sunlight
Irons and plates are not the only ones responsible for heat damage. Even prolonged exposure to the sun can damage them. If you spend a lot of time outdoors working, hiking, or sunbathing, cover your hair with a hat, scarf, or hood. You can also use a specific product to protect them from UV rays.
Other atmospheric agents can also damage hair. If it's cold or windy outside, cover them well
Step 3. Brush your hair and put it in a soft bun before going to sleep
Brush them to remove all knots. Sleep on a silk pillowcase, or wrap them in a silk scarf. If they are particularly long, put them in a soft bun.
Step 4. Drink lots of water
Aim to drink about eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. It doesn't necessarily help repair damage, but it ensures your hair grows strong and healthy.
If you tend to forget to drink, get used to accompanying each meal with a glass of water
Step 5. Eat a healthy diet rich in proteins, vitamins and nutrients
Avocado, carrots, kale, and spinach are just a few types of fruits and vegetables that are good for your hair. Protein is also very important, especially as it allows hair to grow strong and healthy. Protein can be obtained by consuming lean meats and low-fat dairy products.
- Chicken, fish, and nuts are excellent sources of protein.
- Flax seeds, salmon and walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
- If you are allergic to these foods or prefer not to eat them for other reasons (for example you are vegan), you can always try a food supplement.
Advice
- Look for products containing argan oil, coconut oil, or coconut milk.
- Don't overdo any treatment or diet. The too crippled!
- Be aware that not all damage is reversible. Some treatments, such as using a nourishing conditioner, can only soften the hair, but not cure it.
