How to Fix Damaged Top Layer of Hair at Home?
“Dry hair, “frizzy hair,” and “split ends “are all synonyms for damaged hair. If these words or conditions strike a chord with you, then you have damaged hair.
This is a clear indication that your hair needs special attention and care.
But fixing the damage caused to the top layer is a question that only experts can answer.
Friends and family suggestions do not always work, which is why we came up with this article to throw light on how to fix damaged hair.
Damaged hair consists of cracks in the cuticle that leads to the opening of the same.
Once the cuticles are split open, they are more prone to damage and disaster. This is why damaged hair appears frizzy, dry, and all that.
But with time and by taking proper care of the hair, one can improve its condition and restore the feel. Let us begin by knowing the causes of damage.
This will help us in adopting the right methods to fix the damaged top layer of hair.
What causes the damaged top layer?
Styling with Heat
Heat styling the hair is a popular trend among women. This also forms one of the biggest causes of damaging the hair.
Curling, blow-drying, and straightening the hair opens up the hair cuticle making the hair porous.
It is best to limit the use of hot tools, and whenever you have to do so, use a heat protectant serum first.
Chemical Treatment
Excessive use of chemical products leads to dry, brittle, and rough hair. Also, hair dyes, bleaching, and other products weaken the hair strands and cause them damage.
Nutritional Deficiency
Another major cause of hair damage is a nutritional deficiency in the body. It can cause the hair to fall and also affect the quality.
Some other hair damage causes include fungal infection, stress, tight hairstyles, poor hair care practices, pH balance, etc.
How to Fix the Top Damaged Layer of Hair?
Super-condition
Experts suggest deeply condition the hair as the top layer takes most of the abuse. By conditioning the hair, you can ensure that the top layer is smooth and silky.
You can opt for deep conditioning treatments like a hair mask once a week. This will leave your hair nourished and hydrated thus, enhancing its appearance.
Hair Oil
Oiling your hair should be at the top of your haircare regime. You can consider using coconut oil as it is nature’s excellent gift for your hair.
Olive oil is also a popular choice among experts as it has moisturizing properties that can replenish the hair.
Almond oil, on the other hand, hydrates the strands and helps to reduce the frizz. You can also use vitamin E and A enriched Argan oil as it will hydrate the hair and reduce breakage.
Oiling the hair is known to boost circulation in the scalp, improve thickness, and encourage hair growth too.
Opt for Low Heating Temperatures
Your curling and straightening devices can get really, really hot. To preserve the damaged hair, it is wise to use these styling tools as little as possible.
However, if you need to use them, ensure that the temperature is at the lowest possible.
Your hot tool will be required to pass several times over a section of the hair due to its low setting, but your hair will be grateful at the end.
Hair Serum
Since heat styling is among the top reasons for damaging the top layer of the hair, it is essential to use serums. They work to protect the hair from damage and control frizz caused by styling.
So, next time you want to do heat styling, make sure to apply serum to your hair and the ends.
Hair Care Routine
Setting the right hair care routine is the key to maintaining healthy hair. You will need to educate yourself to find out which shampoo and conditioner are the best.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, simple hair care regime tips can go a long way in maintaining its optimum health. Some of the tips are:
Shampoo correctly
You should always apply shampoo to the scalp. It is also essential to choose the right shampoo depending upon the hair type and texture.
Hair wash
One should keep in mind the type of hair and accordingly set a washing interval. For instance, if you have oily hair, you can wash it daily whereas, if your hair is on the drier side, it is best to wash it less frequently.
Use Conditioner
Using the conditioner correctly is the key here. You should remember to apply the conditioner only to the roots and avoid the scalp.
Choose the right products
Choosing the right product is an important tip to follow. Always opt for hair products that are free from sulfates and curated specifically for damaged hair.
Protect your Hair from Sun and Swim
Swimming is a great exercise for the body, but it can be extremely damaging for the hair. Since pool water contains chemicals, saltwater, and chlorine, they cause the hair to become fragile and damaged.
Thus, if you are headed to a pool or the beach, remember to protect your hair with a hair cap or hat to minimize the damage. Excess heat from the sun can also make the hair dry.
Wet Hair Care
Your hair is the weakest when wet. Hence, it needs to be handled gently as the potential for damage only increases if your hair is fine, curly, or fragile. Do not pull a brush or comb when it is wet.
Say no to vigorous rubbing, and instead dry your hair with a soft micro-fiber cloth or a soft T-shirt. A wide-tooth comb is the best tool for detangling the hair.
Hair Brushing Skills
While you may think that brushing the hair is a simple task, it isn’t. Several myths surround hair brushing.
Brushing the hair too much is known to be beneficial, whereas the reality is the opposite.
Brushing the hair excessively can do more harm than good. Detangle the hair only when it is needed, as dry ends can be at risk of snapping.
Healthy Eating
As the famous saying goes, “You are what you eat,” this stands true even for your hair health.
If you want to achieve shiny and smooth hair, then consume a diet that is packed with vitamins, minerals, proteins, and essential nutrients.
Consume plenty of water
To maintain your hair health, it is advised to consume plenty of water daily. Water helps to flush out the toxins from the body and keep your follicles in a healthy state.
Seal the Hair Bond
This is for all the colored-hair girls out there. It is important to ask your hairstylist to add special bond-preserving formulas to your hair color or lightener.
When hair color is applied, it tends to loosen the structural bonds of your hair. Once the hair bonds weaken, they become more prone to damage, dryness, and breakage.
Hair Trimming and Hairstyles
Hair experts suggest trimming the hair at regular intervals. You can opt for maintaining the hair at one length.
Hairstylists also suggest that cutting long, soft layers exposes the healthy hair underneath.
You can experiment with varying lengths, bangs, or messy texture too.
Home-Made Masks for Repairing Damaged Hair:
Honey & Milk
Treat your damaged hair with a mask made by mixing honey and milk. The keratin content in honey strengthens the hair and reduces the damage.
Milk is flooded with proteins, vitamin b12, iron, zinc, etc. Mixing these 2 ingredients and applying them as a mask can help support the hair structure and soften the hair.
Banana & Olive Oil
By using these two popular kitchen ingredients, you can make a wonderful hair mask. Since banana is rich in vitamins and minerals, it strengthens the hair and also balances the pH.
On the other hand, Olive oil has high amounts of vitamin E and healthy fats that help make the hair shiny. It also moisturizes the hair and heals the damage.
Yogurt Mask
The high content of lactic acid in yogurt works wonderfully to moisturize damaged and frizzy hair. It also helps to wash out dead cells that build on the follicles.
You can mix this wonder ingredient with others like coconut oil, honey, avocado, or lemon.
However, if you want to strengthen the hair and add shine to the locks, consider blending avocado and yogurt.
Conclusion
The damage caused to your hair once cannot be undone. However, you can take certain measures and precautions to prevent further damage and improve the quality of your hair.
By following an appropriate haircare routine, providing nourishment, and using the right products, you can give your tresses the care that they deserve.
Since hair damage is associated with the use of chemicals, dyes, heating tools, etc., one of the ways to protect your hair is to stay away from them as much as possible.
Instead, you can treat your hair with gentle products, home-made masks, protecting serums, and so on.
Following the above-mentioned tips consistently will give you the desired results and healthy hair.
Aida
Founder & Hair Beauty Specialist
I’m Aida and this is my blog where I write mostly about beauty and make up related stuff, but I like to spice it up a bit with lifestyle and photography posts. Or with whatever that comes to my mind. Hope you will enjoy the reading enough that we will ‘see’ each other more often!