Your hair is one of the first things people notice when they meet you, and a sleek and well-maintained mane can boost both your confidence and people’s perceptions of you. Excessive hair damage that’s left untreated will lead to breakage of the hair shaft, according to Anthony Dickey’s “Hair Rules!” guidebook. Defend your head with a combination of styling and product treatments to reduce damage and breakage.
Shampoo Less
Shampoo only when your hair is actually dirty. It’s often unnecessary to shampoo daily, and excessive washing will only dry out your hair and increase problems like frizz and hair shaft damage. When you do shampoo, use products labeled for use on damaged hair. Such products are often gentler and formulated with conditioners.
Avoid Lime-Based Relaxers
Relaxers, commonly used to achieve sleek and straight hair styles, often contain lime which erodes hair and directly leads to hair breakage, according to KidsHealth.org. If you use relaxers, opt for lime-free versions.
Reduce Heat Styling
Heat-based styling, from hair straighteners to blow driers, damage hair over time and can encourage split ends and other forms of breakage. “The Hair Bible” suggests reducing your reliance on heat styling as much as possible. When you do use heat, set your styling appliance at the lowest setting possible.
Get Trimmed
Regular hair cuts and trimming snip off the broken, split ends and can help restore your hair’s smooth and flawless look. Depending on your hair style, you may need regular trims every four to six weeks. Consult your stylist, as this varies according to your hair growth rates and how you wear your style.
Use Deep Conditioners
Daily conditioning with a standard conditioner can be helpful, but true restoration is only possible with deep conditioners designed to sit in your hair for an extended period of time. Such products penetrate the hair shaft and help moisture and protect hair to limit the symptoms of existing damage and prevent future damage. For added benefit, try a deep conditioner enhanced with keratin, a protein found in hair that helps with hair composition and elasticity, according to Centre-Clauderer.com.
