Hair Repair - 101
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Repairing damaged hair is a common concern, especially for women as we age and our hair becomes thinner and more fragile. Fortunately, there are several products that actually do work to address this issue. Here are some options:
Deep Conditioning Treatments or Hair Masks: Invest in a good deep conditioning treatment or mask to use once or twice a week. These treatments penetrate the hair shaft to provide intense hydration and repair damaged areas. Choose products with ingredients like coconut oil, avocado oil, or protein complexes. Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Hair Mask is a good option.
Leave-in conditioners are a must to provide ongoing hydration and protection, helping to prevent further damage. Apply after your regular conditioner (that’s right, you need to be using both). I like Ag Leave On Conditioner - Fast Food and Verb Leave-In Mist.
Natural oils like argan oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil can work wonders for damaged hair. These oils help to seal moisture into the hair shaft, reduce frizz, and improve overall hair health. Apply a small amount to your hands and then run your fingers through your ends to distribute, avoiding the roots. My favourite is Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil.
Hair is made up of protein, so incorporating protein treatments into your routine can help strengthen and repair damaged strands. Look for products containing ingredients like hydrolyzed keratin, silk protein, or wheat protein to rebuild the hair's structure and elasticity. They will be marketed with words like “repairing” or “restructuring”. Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate is amazing.
If you use heat styling tools like flat irons or curling irons, it's essential to use a heat protectant product to reduce the risk of damage and breakage. One of my favourites is Chi 44 Iron Guard.
Harsh sulfates in shampoos can strip the hair of its natural oils and contribute to dryness and damage. Switching to a sulfate-free shampoo will help maintain moisture levels and prevent further damage. I adore Amika Normcore Shampoo and Conditioner.
Remember to take care of your scalp too. I like to use a clarifying product like Biolage Purifying Scalp Concentrate every couple of weeks to prevent product build-up.
While products can help repair and protect damaged hair, sometimes the best solution is a good trim. Regular trims help prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft, keeping your hair looking and feeling healthier overall.
Remember, consistency is key when it comes to repairing damaged hair. Incorporate these products into your routine regularly, and be patient as you wait for results. It may take some time to see significant improvements, but with the right care, you will see results.