Your hair can get easily damaged by an array of situations and factors, including heated styling appliances, harsh chemical treatments such as hair dyeing, and excessive brushing or combing. Damaged hair typically takes on a lackluster appearance, with poor shine, split ends and frizz. Several hair products, incorporated into your weekly hair-care routine, can help replenish your damaged hair’s texture, shine and moisture.
Shampoo
Shampoos help remove the dirt, oils and product buildup that can exacerbate damage and make your hair look limp or greasy. Use shampoos designed for use on damaged hair; they often are extra-gentle and might contain emollients and similar products to help condition and protect hair shafts. But don’t overuse them. Shampoo only when your hair actually is dirt, as excessive shampooing can further dry and damage your hair. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends washing hair only once or twice a week.
Conditioner
Daily conditioning helps with more than just detangling your hair. It also helps rehydrate hair shafts and smooth the cuticles on the shafts, restoring your damaged hair’s natural gloss. Cuticles typically become raised because of damage from heat-styling, backcombing or brushing and rough toweling, according to stylist Teri LaFlesh, author of “Curly Like Me.”
Hair Masks
Hair masks are formulated from rich conditioners and emollients and are designed to sit in your hair for extended periods. This allows a mask’s ingredients to penetrate hair shaft for more extensive moisturizing and repair than what can be accomplished from simple daily conditioners. “The Hair Bible” recommends letting hair masks sit in your hair for a minimum of 10 minutes for optimal shine and volume restoration.
Silicone Serums
Silicone serums are one of the best ways to smooth away frizz caused by dry or damaged hair. Cosmetic expert Paula Begoun calls silicone an “outstanding hair-care ingredient,” saying it can restore hair shafts’ shine and soft feel. Silicone serum also helps protect damaged hair from environmental elements, such as high humidity. Begoun calls silicone serums “your dry … damaged hair’s best friend.”
