Hair damage can be caused by many factors, including using heating tools, chemical treatments, environmental elements, over-washing, and strain caused by pulling hair too tight. As a typically prized and visible asset, protecting your mane by taking steps to combat these pesky hair wreckers is important.

Heat Protection

Applying heat from tools such as curling irons, straighteners, blow dryers, and the like can help you achieve the right look, but they can also be responsible for drying out, even burning, your precious locks when used excessively. So, what’s a girl to do?

Luckily, many products on the market today help protect against things like heat damage. Like sunscreen, heat protectant products can be applied only to hair before styling tools touch your hair. It’s recommended you never style without it. You can also try setting the temperature to a lower heat and see if you can still get an excellent result. Better yet, give your hair a break and go natural with a good old-fashioned air dry. This may require some extra time and patience, but it can be a healthy alternative. Do this whenever possible and see the difference it makes.

Chemical Overload

Bleach, dyes, and perms can transform your look subtly and dramatically, but at a cost. Often harsh and damaging, chemicals can leave your hair feeling like a straw and cause your ends to break off. To combat this situation and keep your hair from going bad to worse, you can enlist the help of professional products, making your hair glow again. Treating your hair to a spa day with deep conditioning treatments can be just what you need to reverse chemical overload and restore a healthy mane. Remember, always allow your hair recovery time between chemical treatments.

Environmental Woes

Mother Nature, while typically an ally, can sometimes wreak havoc on your hair. While you’re out enjoying the sunshine (or snow), your hair is taking a beating from the elements. Sun, wind, and pollution all have differing effects, including dryness, brittleness, frizziness, scalp irritation, dullness, and clogged hair follicles. You can use fashionable and functional solutions like hats and scarves to protect against harmful UV rays, harsh windblown particles, and various air pollutants. These can be effective and stylish ways to protect your hair from the elements. Clarifying shampoo, leave-in conditioners, and nourishing hair masks are other ways to get rid of build-up and hydrate your hair, providing extra layers of protection against environmental damage.

Over-Washing

You like your head to feel clean and refreshed. Makes sense. Believe it or not, however, your hair doesn’t share the same sentiment. How much washing is too much, you may wonder. The answer can vary depending on hair type, chemical treatments, and lifestyle. A hair wash every 1-2 days is ideal for most people. For damaged or treated hair, it’s a good idea to spread the washings out every 3-4 days, if possible. Overwashing strips away natural oils, causing hair to become dry and brittle, and it can also dry out your scalp, causing itchiness and irritation. If you must have a refresh between hair washes, try a dry shampoo, which can absorb impurities such as dirt, oil, and grease. Many gentle products are on the market, including sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that can help retain your hair’s natural oils. Adjusting the frequency of your hair-washing routine and using a dry shampoo alternative can give you a fresh and ocean feel every day.

No Tight Ponytails

High ponytails, tight braids, and buns may create the playful, sophisticated, and chic look you aim for, but they can spell trouble for your hair. Too much pressure can cause tension and stress on your hair follicles, leading to breakage, pain, and discomfort. Although these hairstyles may be a more practical choice for many people, there are ways to work around it. Try loosening things up, opting for looser styles and gentle hair ties that don’t grip your hair too tightly. Switching it up and changing styles can give your hair a much-needed break from all the tugging and pulling, and you will have fun sporting a more versatile style. Be sure to unwind, remove all hair ties before bedtime, and use silk or satin pillowcases for extra special tlc.

Love Thy Locks

Hair is a wonderful gift and can be so much fun when trying different styles and products. Knowing some of the common causes of hair damage can help you take action to pamper and protect your hair regularly. From heat protection to chemical treatments, environmental elements, over-washing, and gentle hairstyles, there are many ways to nurture your hair so that it shines, flows, and grows for years to come.

Published by: Holy Minoza