Styling hair with hot tools goes way back; there’s just something about it that gives hair that sleek finish. While many women know about the risks of heat styling, the habit is so easy to get into, as is the habit of forgetting to apply heat protectant when you do. That happens a lot, even though most of us know that excessive use of hot styling tools sans heat protectants can have disastrous consequences on your strands.
If you’ve already crossed that bridge and your hair is suffering from heat damage, establishing a hair routine to restore your hair is a must. It’s so hard to know where to start, so we’ve got some tips here to make sure you begin the journey to stronger hair on a solid footing.
Five Haircare Tips For Fried Hair
#1. Back To Basics With A Trim
Despite what some product marketers claim, there are no quick-fix solutions. As much as you’d like there to be a magic wand you can wave to instantly restore your hair, that’s just not possible.
The only cure for breakage and split ends is to trim them off. A good analogy is to look at your hair like a string of yarn. Once its strands begin to unravel, the only way to stop it is to trim the string. Although it might sound like a drastic measure, it’s the best way to reset the clock on heat damage.
#2. Turn On The Moisture And Shine
Heat damage occurs when the heat sucks all the moisture out of your hair and causes the hair shaft to fracture. After your trim, the next step is to load your hair with as much water as it can handle. You can transform your hair from dull and lifeless and bring back vibrancy by using a moisturising shampoo and conditioner.
While you’re at it, why not opt for a sulphate-free shampoo that contains the combination of ingredients needed to replenish dry hair? A sulphate-free shampoo is gentle on your hair and scalp and doesn’t have surfactants and salts that can dry out your hair.
Round off the shampoo and conditioner treatment by adding an oil or hair serum to give your hair a proper sheen.
#3. Deep Conditioning Hair Treatments
Alternate your daily conditioner with a deep conditioner during the early stages of repairing damaged hair. A deep conditioner will boost the moisture available to your hair. Choose a product that revives your hair and repairs the damage without causing breakage.
Combining deep conditioning with hair treatments will intensify the recovery process.
Examples of hair treatments you can turn to include the following:
- Protein recharge treatment in the form of a leave-in conditioner that will nourish your hair and increase flexibility and strength while protecting against daily damage.
- Strengthening treatment containing ingredients such as Indian lilac not only makes your hair stronger but also hydrates, shines and nourishes your hair.
- Hair breakage prevention treatment forms a protective barrier around your hair strands and prevents UV and heat styling damage. This treatment also repairs split ends and strengthens weak hair.
#4. Take A Break From Heat Styling Tools
As tempting as it is to continue using your styling tools while simultaneously trying to repair damaged hair, it’s not a wise move. Instead, take a break and ditch the heat. Your hair will thank you later. Choose easy to manage hairstyling methods, loose braiding or gentle curl activating products if you prefer a wave-swept look.
Whatever you do, make a promise to lay off the hot tools for a few months and allow your hair to recover.
#5. Take A Pass On The Colour Job
Perhaps you’re thinking that now is the right time to sport a new hair colour while your hair is in recovery. Think again! Dyeing your heat damaged hair can exacerbate the condition. Instead of helping your hair recover its natural glow, colouring your hair may undo all the great work you’re doing.
If you just can’t live without changing your hair colour, opt for washout dyes that are less harmful to your strands.
Conclusion
It may take a few months of patience before your hair regains its natural strength and makes a full recovery from heat damage, but it will be worth it. The first step is to book that appointment and get a trim. Next, lavish your strands with moisture by picking the best sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner for your hair type. Finally, ditch your heat styling tools until your hair recovers and avoid unnecessary dye jobs. If you plan on using hot tools in the future, make sure you use a heat protectant.
Vinci Hair Clinic helps many people experiencing hair and scalp problems and are on hand to help you too. Book your no-obligation, complimentary hair consultation today!
