Is your hair dry, dull and lifeless? Weak or brittle with split ends? If you answered yes to these questions, your hair is suffering and it is most likely damaged! Many times as black women we get so caught up in keeping up with trends, and do so many extreme styles to our hair that we forget to actually take care of it. Our hair requires special love and extra care. Over processing and intensely styling our hair can leave it extremely damaged and struggling to hold on to dear life! So how do we fix this problem?
Mend What's Damaged:
14 Steps to Repair Damaged Hair
Try to avoid using heat - this promotes breakage and split ends. Use a thermal protector if you do style your hair with heat.
Avoid relaxers and perms. Chemical treatments weaken hair.
Trim your hair regularly to prevent split ends and breakage. If your hair is extremely damaged you may want to consider going to a salon and getting the damaged ends cut off, so you will be able to grow back healthy beautiful hair.
Wash your hair at least twice a week. Use Moisturizing Shampoos and Conditioners. Refer to my co-washing post for tips to take your hair washing routine to the next level.
Deep Condition or use a hot oil treatment once a month! To amp up your deep conditioning, use heat. Steam helps oils deeply penetrate into your hairs shaft instead of coating it.This will keep your hair moisturized.
Use a Protein Treatment. Protein smooths the cuticles of your hair, creating smoother strands and stronger hair. Try using a egg which is the best protein for your hair.
Use a leave-in-conditioner to help seal in moisture and allow for easier styling.
Use a T-Shirt to dry your hair instead of a towel. Wet hair is weaker and softer. the
grooves of the towel act as aggressors to the cuticle of your hair. Using a T-shirt will absorb excess water but prevent your hair from frizzing making it easier to style.
Moisturize your hair in between washes.
Cover your hair with a silk cap at night! I know this is so not sexy, but silk helps prevent breakage and split ends. For double protection use silk pillowcases.
Do not apply grease to your scalp this clogs your pores, instead use a light oil such as olive oil.
Don't comb your hair to often, constantly tugging on your hair creates split ends and irritates the cuticles. Instead comb your hair out with your fingers.
Don't forget to take care of your ends. They are the oldest parts and your hair and need extra TLC. Seal your ends with Shea Butter, then apply a plastic cap and leave on for 10 minutes.
Most importantly incorporate a good diet into your daily lifestyle and drink LOTS of water to cleanse your body of toxins!
Our hair needs extra TLC! Listen to your hair and take the extra steps to take care of it so you can grow healthier beautiful hair.
SOUND OFF! What are your tips for repairing damaged hair? Have you or do you currently use any of these tips? How do they work for you? Let me know in the comments below!