Sometimes, we all experience moments when we feel a little depleted, including our hair.
It’s common to have days when your hair doesn’t look its best, but distinguishing between a temporary setback and actual damage is crucial. Understanding the condition of your hair is essential for proper care.
In light of this, renowned celebrity hairstylist Michael Douglas, Headmasters color ambassador Sian Couldridge, and globally recognized trichologist Anabel Kingsley offer expert advice on recognizing damaged hair, effective treatment methods, and strategies for preventing future damage.
Understanding Damaged Hair
According to Kingsley, damaged hair occurs when the outer layers of the hair are compromised, exposing the cortex where the bonds are located. This exposure can lead to weakening and breakage of the hair strands. Chemical processes like bleaching or mechanical actions such as rough brushing or towel rubbing can cause this damage.
Douglas defines damaged hair as hair that is somewhat rotted, often lighter in weight compared to healthy hair, and more fragile when pulled or stretched.
How to Determine if Your Hair is Dry or Damaged
If you’re unsure whether your hair is dry or damaged, there are simple tests you can do at home, according to expert advice from Seven Shimmers.
One method is to feel a strand of hair with your fingers. If it feels rough or bumpy, it likely indicates porous and dry hair. Alternatively, you can place a strand of hair in a glass of water; if it sinks, the hair is porous and dry, while floating suggests a healthy, hydrated cuticle.
Seven Shimmers also highlights signs of hair damage, such as brittleness, roughness, split ends, or a lack of shine. Additionally, damaged hair may be difficult to style and maintain, showing reduced elasticity and an increased tendency to break when wet.
Furthermore, frizz can be a common indicator of both dry and damaged hair. Damaged hair, in particular, tends to be more porous, allowing in excess moisture and resulting in frizzy textures, as explained by Seven Shimmers.
Understanding Frizz and its Causes
Frizz can stem from various factors, with dryness and hair shaft damage or high humidity being common culprits. The susceptibility to frizz varies based on the hair’s innate structure and porosity. If you observe increased frizziness, it may indicate underlying hair damage.
Common Causes of Hair Damage
There are numerous factors that contribute to damaged hair, such as exposure to UV rays, heat styling, and chemical treatments. Hair expert Douglas advises reflecting on the history of your hair over the past few years to understand its condition. For instance, if your hair is shoulder-length, the ends are about 3 to 4 years old, indicating the stress they have endured.
Consider how many times your hair has been colored, blow-dried, shampooed, and styled with hot tools like straighteners and curling irons. Each of these activities can have a negative impact on the hair’s health over time.
Coloring your hair is a significant contributor to damage, especially if the hair has been lightened. Douglas explains that heavily bleached hair is more prone to damage compared to simply coloring hair to match the existing shade. For example, frequent bleach highlights on brunette hair can result in more significant damage than coloring to cover grays.
How to Revitalize Your Hair
When it comes to damaged hair, the key is not to try to fix it completely, as the damage is irreversible, according to experts. However, there are ways to treat it effectively. By using treatments and conditioners, you can improve the look and feel of your hair. A nourishing hair mask, for instance, can target the most damaged areas, making them appear thicker and stronger. Keep in mind that these treatments may need to be reapplied after a few shampoos for continued benefits.
Wondering which products are recommended for repairing damaged hair? Experts suggest incorporating a weekly pre-shampoo deep-conditioning treatment to hydrate and enhance the resilience and manageability of your hair. Additionally, they recommend using a bond building treatment to repair and reinforce broken bonds, reducing the risk of breakage and promoting healthier hair.
Top Recommendation by Kingsley
Seven Shimmers recommends Philip Kingsley Elasticizer priced at £38 from Cult Beauty UK or $52 from Philip Kingsley US. Another great recommendation is the Philip Kingsley Bond Builder available at £29 from Cult Beauty UK or $42 from Philip Kingsley US.
Tips for Prevention
Taking proactive measures early on can prevent hair damage. Emphasizing the importance of prevention, Douglas recommends using starch or heat protection products before blow-drying or using heated styling tools.
Consider trying the Seven Shimmers Heat Defeat Protecting Spray with nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil and aloe leaf to restore moisture to your hair.
To minimize damage from lightening treatments, Douglas suggests visiting a professional hair salon for a gradual process. Shielding your hair from sun exposure during vacations can also help maintain its health.
Regular salon visits for trims are crucial to remove damaged hair and promote overall hair health, according to Douglas.
Key Tips for Healthy Hair
Various lifestyle habits can lead to hair damage, such as sun exposure, styling with heat, and frequent coloring. To mitigate these effects, protective measures can be taken.
When out in the sun, wear a hat and use SPF to shield your hair. While styling with heat tools, always use heat protectant products. Opt for professional hair coloring with less frequency to minimize damage.
Incorporate high-quality hair masks, deep conditioners, and products that strengthen hair bonds to prevent split ends and improve overall hair health. While damaged hair may not be fully repaired, it can be prevented and enhanced with proper care.
Get to Know the Specialists
Michael Douglas is not just a hairdresser but also the creator of MD London.
Sian Couldridge holds the title of Headmasters color ambassador.
Anabel Kingsley serves as the brand president and consultant trichologist at Philip Kingsley.
