Isn’t it wrong that you consciously steer clear of toxins from your foods, but oblivious to the chemicals you use in your hair products? Do you know the amount of health risks you can cause to your body when you subject your hair to perms, dyes or relaxers? Many women say these chemicals have left their hair burned, dry, brittle and rough.
Unfortunately, there are even more health hazards these toxins can cause as they contain ingredients that can cause eye problems, skin infections and even cancers. Scared? Well, it’s better for you to be scared of these damaging chemicals than to experience the adverse effects and health risks that come with them.
The good news? With the right products and a few at-home practices, your chemically damaged hair can be remedied. So, whether you’ve been a fan of chemical perms or hair colours, with our advice, you can restore your damaged hair to its healthy-looking best.
Step 1: Say ‘No’ to chemicals
Since your hair has been compromised by chemicals, reconsider chemical treatments for now. Give your hair a break and steer clear of certain types of hair colour and bleaches. If you’re at the salon, talk to your stylist about kinder approaches to hair treatment such ammonia-free formulas. Likewise, discuss healthier alternatives to straighteners and waves. Temporary smoother solutions such as rollers with spray or lotion can produce curls with minimal impact on your hair.
Step 2: Stay away from heat
Direct heat from flat irons and straighteners can cause more damage in and of themselves. Even blow drying heat at the lowest heat can cause further breakage. So, with hair that is really damaged, avoid heat as much as you can. If you must use heat, use thermal activated products that can repair some of the damage. Find hair products that are naturally activated by heat and that are quickly absorbed by the hair when warmed.
Step 3: Embrace hot oil treatments
Applying a hot oil treatment adds extra moisture and nourishment to your hair strands. The heat opens up the cuticle so that oils can penetrate the hair and remedy it. You can use any natural oil such as avocado oil, castor oil or olive oil, or you can buy an over the counter hot oil treatment. Apply the oil to your hair and let it stay overnight. If you’re worried about staining your pillow, you can put on a plastic cap before going to bed. Rinse out with water the next morning.
Step 4: Deep conditioning is key
One of the best ways to bring back the beauty of your hair is by deep conditioning it. Using steam along with a good quality shampoo and conditioner will not only increase the moisture in your hair but also improve its appearance. If you do not have a steamer, you can use indirect heat from a hooded dryer or use a heated head wrap while deep conditioning.
The best conditioner for chemically damaged hair is olaplex. Olaplex allows you to permanently rebuild the structure, strength and integrity of hair that is broken down during the chemical process.
Step 5: Use reconstructing protein treatments
Reconstructing protein treatments are good for severely chemically damaged hair. They help rebuild dry, brittle hair by attaching directly to the follicles. This creates a barrier around the hair follicles, protecting them from further damage. It’s best if these treatments are applied by a professional.
However, if you decide to do them on your own at home, follow the product instructions carefully and use them only as often as it states to. Over-using protein treatments can be counter-productive, making your hair brittle and causing more breakage.
Read also: Olaplex Vs Keratin: Side By Side Comparison
Tips
If your hair is severely damaged to the extent that no amount of product seems to help, the best thing you can do to restore its health is to get a trim. Well, you don’t have to go bald; you can do a medium trim and treat the remaining hair as you wait for new healthy hair to grow. However, if you’re bold enough to go super short, a cute pixie cut or a short bob will do you justice.
Takeaway
After years of damage from heat and chemicals, it can seem as if there’s no hope for chemically damaged hair. But with these tips, you can begin your journey to healthier, stronger hair. Watch how to repair severely chemically damaged hair here:
