How to Repair Severely Damaged Hair: Expert Tips and Tricks

If your hair is severely damaged, it can feel like a lost cause. But don’t despair – with the right care and attention, you can revive even the most brittle, frizzy, and split-end prone strands. Here’s exactly how to repair your severely damaged hair, according to the experts.

Get Regular Trims

Regular trims are essential for maintaining healthy, damage-free hair. Split ends will only continue to travel up the hair shaft, causing more breakage and damage. Your stylist can expertly “dust” the ends to remove split ends without sacrificing length.

Invest in a Nourishing Hair Mask

A deep conditioning hair mask packed with moisturizing and reparative ingredients can work wonders on damaged hair. Look for masks containing ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, and keratin to intensely hydrate and strengthen strands.

Handle Wet Hair with Care

Wet hair is extremely fragile and prone to breakage. Avoid brushing or combing wet hair, and instead use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle. Pat hair dry with a microfiber towel rather than rubbing vigorously.

Use Hair Sunscreen

UV rays can further damage and dry out already compromised hair. Protect your strands by using a leave-in hair sunscreen or UV-shielding styling product when heading outdoors.

Limit Chlorine Exposure

Chlorine in pools can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and damage. Wet your hair with fresh water before swimming, and use a deep conditioning treatment after.

Add in a Nourishing Hair Oil

Applying a small amount of hair oil, like argan or coconut oil, can help seal in moisture and smooth the cuticle for a healthier, shinier appearance.

Look for Bond-Repairing Treatments

Chemical processes like coloring and bleaching can compromise the internal bonds of your hair. Bond-repairing treatments help restore and strengthen those broken bonds for healthier, more resilient hair.

Don’t Overwash

Washing your hair too frequently can strip away the natural oils your hair needs to stay healthy and hydrated. Aim to wash just 2-3 times per week, and use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo.