Let's talk about dry and damaged hair. What can be done to fix it? Between regular root maintenance, bad straightening habits, and our addiction to blow-dry bars, we are all guilty of not being kind to our hair. This concoction of heat and color can make it look unhealthy at best, and straw-like and brittle at worst.
Whether your hair needs emergency measures or a little preventive care, we have identified the main culprits of hair damage and found solutions to suit every budget. Your future Rapunzel-length locks will thank you. Here is how to deal with the dry hair dilemma.
How does hair get damaged?
Excessive heat from styling tools, bleaching, chemical treatments, and environmental factors can all have a harmful impact on hair follicles, leading to split ends, breakage, and dryness. Spending too much time in the sun, combined with the drying effect of chlorine in swimming pools (which strips hair of its natural oils), is also a sure way to end up with sad, straw-like hair, which explains why your hair needs extra care after summer vacations.
There are many other risk factors to watch out for, such as brushing wet hair too much or regularly wearing a high ponytail.
How can straighteners and curling irons damage your hair?
Anyone who has ever heard the distinct sizzle of hair hitting a ceramic plate will not be surprised to learn that styling tools that can reach 200 degrees aren't exactly doing your follicles any favors.
Above a certain temperature, the keratin proteins in your hair begin to denature, which leads to the breakdown of the strands. Straightening also strips hair of its natural moisture and causes it to lose its elasticity, which promotes breakage and split ends.
How to repair heat styling damage?
Hair repairs itself naturally after a while, so by styling it less with hot tools, it has more time to recover. Avoid the temptation to over-wash it. Choose a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, which won't strip hair of its natural moisture, and follow up with a hydrating mask.
An effective solution for giving your hair the best treatment is, of course, to sleep on a pure mulberry silk pillowcase ;-)