How to repair your damaged hair easily
What is the structure of hair
Hair is stimulated in the follicles located in the intersection between the deep layers of the dermis and the hypodermis. Hair bulbs are another term for these follicles. The hair bulb follicle is the live component which is positioned beneath the epidermis. There are roughly 100,000 hair follicles on the human scalp.
The non-living component above the scalp's surface is the hair shaft. The protein keratin is found in the shaft, which keeps hair strong and flexible. The sebaceous gland, which generates sebum and functions as a natural lubricant for the hair, is the most significant gland surrounding the hair shaft.
The hair shaft is made up of three layers;
1) Medulla: This is the innermost section of the hair shaft, which is made up of air gaps and a thin core of cells. This practically invisible layer is the pith or marrow of the hair, and it's the softest and most brittle.
2) Cortex: The cortex of the hair shaft is the thickest hair layer, lying between the hair cuticle and the medulla. It consists of long keratin fibers that are linked together by hydrogen bonds, giving hair its strength, flexibility and elasticity. It also holds the majority of the pigment in the hair, which gives it its color. Melanin is the pigment found in the cortex.
3) Cuticle: The hair cuticle is the outermost layer of the hair shaft. It is made up of layers of dead cells that create scales that reinforce and protect the hair shaft. It shields the delicate inner layers from harm. A healthy cuticle will be smooth and flat, allowing moisture and bounce to remain in the hair.
What is a damaged hair
You can find damaged hair by seeing and feeling a hair. Split ends aren't the only sign of hair damage. You may have noticeably breakage and split ends, dry, brittle hair, and a dull and stagnant appearance.
Hair damage can happen in several ways. Hair is porous but is protected from being waterlogged by a lipid-coated barrier. When someone strips their hair of natural oils and moisture, this lipid layer is lost, leading the hair to become very porous. Hair damage and change in the texture can be caused by grooming habits, hair treatments, excessive brushing and environmental exposure. This causes the hair to break and be damaged. The outer cuticle lifts and gets worn when hair is extensively damaged, and the overlapping cells no longer lie flat. The hair shaft becomes weak and prone to splitting and breaking as a result of this.
Major causes of hair damage
Heat styling
Straightening, curling or blow-drying your hair with heat can open up the cuticle and make the hair porous. Hair damage is most often caused by high temperatures. If you need to style your hair for an important function, blow dry it by using a heat protectant serum and dry it from about six inches away. Also before beginning to heat style your hair, make sure you partially dry it with a soft cotton t-shirt.
Bleaching
Bleaching can cause hair to become dry, brittle and dull. It also wipes out the elasticity of your hair. Bleaching is a method of lightening the color of your hair by a shade or two. The method involves dissolving the pigment melanin, which gives hair its color. Use sun protection and hydrating products for your hair to prevent further bleaching damage. Protect your hair from chlorinated water as well, especially the water in swimming pools. It has the potential to dehydrate your hair.
Chemical dyes
Dying your hair can cause hair loss. The pigments in the hair colors can rob moisture from your hair, leaving it dry and harsh to the touch. Split ends and breakage are common in dry hair. Hair colors in the three tones closest to your natural hair color are the best choices. Because unnatural colors necessitate numerous touch-ups and your hair is continuously exposed to the dye. In between the dyeing sessions, avoid getting too many treatments such as straightening, curling or hair extensions. Allow a few weeks between treatments if possible.
How to care for damaged hair
1) Use a heat protectant
Always use a heat protectant on your hair before attempting to create voluminous curls or a sleek blowout. If you have heat damaged hair, this should be the initial step in the heat style procedure.
2) Lower the temperature of your heat styling tools
High temperatures can cause high damage to your hair. Excessive heat, no matter where it comes from, can harm your hair. Use the lowest heat setting on any product and use it.
3) Do not comb wet hair
When your hair is wet it is in its most fragile state, so the risk of hair damage is high. Proceed with the hairstyling in wet hair with utmost caution. Unless it's a brush specifically built for the job, never try to brush wet hair with a brush.
4) Apply hair masks
Hair masks are a type of conditioning treatment. They are high in reparative and moisturizing components including vitamins, oils and organic elements. They are also thicker than normal conditioners, so they remain in place when applied to wet hair. This allows these ingredients to penetrate deeper into the hair surface and patch in the gaps and nicks that appear on the damaged hair's surface.
5) Go for bond repairing treatments
The procedure of chemical treatments is one of the reasons why damage happens when you color or lighten your hair. Hair color and other chemical treatments can loosen the structural links of your hair to perform properly. Your hair is more prone to breakage, dryness, and damage once the hair connections are disrupted. You can prevent bond degradation by using specific bond preserving products in your hair color and lightener.
6) Use leave-in conditioners
Leave-in treatments are essential for restoring dry, frizzy hair and preventing future damage, even if you condition or apply a hair mask. Leave-in conditioners detangle, soften, and smooth your hair, whether it's curly, straight or anywhere in between.
7) Trim your split ends
Keep your hair supple and strong with strengthening shampoos, conditioners and leave-in treatments to avoid split ends in the first place. Get frequent trims to prevent split ends from getting out of hand. Trimming your hair regularly can keep your hair healthy, strong and unfrayed without losing much length.
8) Hydrate your hair
Dry and rough hair is one of the leading causes of hair damage and breakage. When your hair lacks the proper amount of moisture, it becomes brittle and fragile. If you have dry hair, use a moisturizing shampoo, conditioner and mask. It's the simplest way to keep your hair strands from drying out.