I've been on a serious quest to repair my damaged hair. After about a year of abusing my strands with heat styling tools like the blow dryer, flat iron and curling wands, my hair has been at its weakest point EVER. My once healthy, shiny curls are now dry, damaged, and dull–and it's kind of depressing. Makes me want to shave my hair off and start all over. Well, not exactly but still, you get my drift.
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The scary thing is damaged hair doesn't have just one look. It all depends on what kind of damage you have whether it's color-treated damage, breakage, heat-damage, thinning, or brittle ends. Figuring out what you have is the key to repair. Here are a few tips to help you repair those damaged strands ASAP!
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Heat-damage
If you're suffering from heat damage, you might want to give the flat iron and blow dryer a rest to avoid breakage. To help replenish hair strength, use an ultra-nourishing treatment, like the Ouidad 12 Minute Deep Treatment Intensive Conditioner ($52). It might seem pricey but this stuff works miracles!
Dry & damaged
A number of things can cause dryness, like hair coloring, heat-styling, and even the weather. I recommend applying an intensive hair mask to your stands at least once a week. Shu Uemura Ultimate Remedy Extreme Restoration Treatment for Ultra-Damaged Hair ($68) left my hair silky soft just after one use.
Color-treated damage
The chemicals that come with coloring your hair can leave hair dull and brittle. To restore health and shine while restoring your color, look for a conditioner specifically for color-treated hair. Try Clear Deep Nourishing Treatment Mask Damage & Color Repair ($6).
Frizzy curls
Are your curls looking frizzy? Before reaching for a deep conditioner, try switching your shampoo to a sulfate-free cleanser, like Ouidad Ultra Nourishing Cleansing Oil ($25) that will cleanse, deeply hydrate, and smooth frizz.
Brittle ends
If you're struggling with breakage, you might want to consider getting a cut to help get rid of all those nasty split ends. Apply a leave-in treatment as often as you can too. I love Living Proof No Frizz Leave-In Conditioner ($24).
Hair thinning
If your hair is thinning or falling out, first consult with your doctor to make sure it's not a medical or hormonal problem. If it's just a result of damage, apply a scalp treatment, like Kerastase Intensive Scalp Treatment ($60) before washing your hair.
