How to Repair Chemically Damaged Hair: Tips and Techniques
Chemically damaged hair is a common problem, especially for those who regularly color, perm, or straighten their hair.
Chemical treatments can cause significant hair damage.
These could include dryness, breakage, and split ends.
Fortunately, several tips and techniques can help repair chemically damaged hair and restore its health and shine.
Head and Shoulders conducted a survey, revealing that 91 percent of U.S. women do something to damage their hair every day.
This article will highlight the key treatments options for chemically damaged hair.
Treatment Options
There are several treatment methods available to manage and repair chemically damaged hair.
Here are a few of the treatment options that you might consider.
Use a protein treatment
Protein is an essential building block of hair, and chemical treatments can strip the hair of this important nutrient.
A protein treatment can help restore the protein balance in the hair and improve its strength and elasticity.
Always look for a treatment that contains hydrolyzed protein.
It is a type of protein that is broken down into smaller molecules so that it can more easily penetrate the hair shaft.
Apply a deep conditioning treatment
Chemical treatments can also cause dryness and damage to the cuticle, the hair’s outer protective layer.
Using a deep conditioning treatment can help moisturize and repair the hair, leaving it soft and shiny.
Look for a treatment that contains natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut, or avocado oil.
Consider professional treatment options
If your hair is severely damaged from chemical treatments, consider professional options like keratin treatments or hair masks.
These treatments can help repair and strengthen the hair, leaving it soft and shiny.
However, talking to your stylist or a healthcare professional before undergoing any professional treatment is important.
This is because some therapeutics may not be suitable for all hair types.
Prevention
Here are some tips to prevent hair damage from regular chemical usage.
Trim regularly
Chemical treatments can cause split ends and breakage, making hair look dull and lifeless.
Regularly trimming hair can help remove these damaged ends and promote healthy growth.
Aim to trim your hair every six to eight weeks or as your hairstylist recommends.
Avoid heat styling
Heat styling tools, including flat irons and curling irons, can further damage chemically treated hair.
Avoid using these tools as much as possible; if you need to use them, use a heat protectant spray to minimize damage.
Additionally, try to let your hair air dry as much as possible rather than using a blow dryer.
Use a gentle shampoo
Harsh shampoos can further strip the hair of its natural oils and exacerbate the damage caused by chemical treatments.
Look for a gentle shampoo free of sulfates and other harsh chemicals.
Additionally, try to avoid shampooing your hair every day, as this can further dry out the hair.
Incorporate oils into your hair care routine
Natural oils like argan, jojoba, and coconut can be incredibly nourishing for chemically damaged hair.
Incorporating these oils into your hair care routine can help moisturize and repair the hair, leaving it soft and shiny.
You can apply these oils to damp hair before styling or use them as a leave-in treatment.
Choose the right hairbrush
Using the wrong hairbrush can cause further damage to chemically treated hair.
Opt for a wide-tooth comb or a boar bristle brush, which can help detangle hair without causing breakage.
Avoid using brushes with plastic bristles, which can be rough on the hair.
Protect your hair from the sun
UV rays can further damage chemically treated hair, causing dryness and breakage.
Protect your hair from the sun by wearing a hat or scarf or using a hair product containing UV protectants.
Eat a healthy diet
Eating a healthy diet can help promote healthy hair growth and repair.
Incorporate foods rich in vitamins and minerals, like leafy greens, nuts, and fish.
Additionally, make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Conclusion
Chemically damaged hair can be frustrating, but with the right techniques and a little patience, it is possible to restore its health and shine.
Prevention is key, so it’s important to limit harsh chemicals and heat styling tools and adopt gentle hair care practices.
Deep conditioning, protein, and regular trims can help repair damaged hair and promote healthy growth.
In addition, incorporating a healthy diet and lifestyle can also contribute to overall hair health.
While repairing chemically damaged hair may take some time and effort, the result is worth it.
Getting healthy, shiny, and strong hair looks and feels the best.
If symptoms persist despite these efforts, consulting with a stylist or healthcare professional may be crucial.
They can help you determine if additional treatment is necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you reverse chemical damage to hair?
Yes, with the right techniques and care, you can reverse some of the damage caused by chemicals to your hair, such as dryness, dullness, and breakage.
How long does chemically damaged hair take to repair?
The time it takes to repair chemically damaged hair varies depending on the extent of the damage and the individual’s hair type and health. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months for noticeable improvement, with consistent, proper care and maintenance.
How can I fix my chemically damaged hair naturally?
Some natural ways to repair chemically damaged hair include using coconut oil, honey, and aloe vera as deep conditioning treatments, avoiding heat styling tools, and adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle. Herbal rinses and hair masks can also help improve hair health and shine.
What are the main signs of chemically damaged hair?
The main signs of chemically damaged hair include dryness, dullness, split ends, breakage, and brittleness. The hair may also appear frizzy, difficult to manage, and lacking elasticity and shine.
Is chemical hair damage permanent?
Some chemical hair damage can be permanent, such as irreversible breakage or loss of hair due to chemical burns. However, with proper care and maintenance, several chemical damages can be repaired, and the hair can be restored to its healthy state.
WowRx uses only high-quality sources while writing our articles. Please read our content information policy to know more about how we keep our content reliable and trustworthy.