Excessive heat styling really can take a hit on your hair. Hair straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers may make you look great, but they entrail dryness, split ends, and breaking of the hair. Luckily, there are ways to repair this damage and get your hair back to its healthy shiny state.
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Understanding the Damage of Heat
Many heat styling products have temperatures over 400°F. The heat could weaken the shaft of your hair and therefore become easily breakable. After some time, much damage could be done.
Due to the heating, changes that could happen to your hair are frizziness, dullness, split ends, and brittle texture. Before you start repairing your hair, you will need to know how damaged it is in the first place.
How To Repair Heat Damaged Hair at Home
Immediate Steps to Take
Stop using the heat tool
First, give your hair a little break from your hot tools. This will, in turn, help prevent further damage. Stepping away from your straightener or curling iron is hard, but your hair is begging for a recovery time.
Trim the Split Ends
Split ends can give the impression that your hair isn’t healthy. Getting frequent trims will help keep these dead ends away. Cutting off split ends prevents them from traveling up the hair shaft. Trim your hair every 6-8 weeks by visiting a hairstylist.
Use a Gentle Shampoo and Conditioner
Use a sulfate-free shampoo and a hydrating conditioner. It’s rather obvious that sulfates are so that they tend to strip all the natural oils out of your hair, leaving it easily damaged. Products containing argan oil, coconut oil, or shea butter help nourish and repair hair.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
Weekly Deep Conditioning
A weekly deep conditioning can be a blessing for hair that has been damaged. Look for a protein-enriched deep conditioner combined with moisturizing ingredients; massage it into your hair and leave it on for at least 20 minutes before rinsing. It will heal your hair, restoring both moisture and strength.
Homemade hair masks
You can even make some at home for an extra dose of hydration. Here are a few simple recipes:
- Avocado and Olive Oil Mask: Take one ripe avocado and mash it. Add two tablespoons of olive oil to it. Apply the paste to your hair and shampoo after 30 minutes.
- Honey and Yogurt Mask: Mix two tablespoons of honey with half a cup of plain yogurt. Apply this mask to your hair and let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing.
Hot Oil Treatments
Hot oil treatments will repair and moisturize your hair. Warm up virgin coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil and gently massage it into your hair. Then, cover with a shower cap or a towel, and allow at least 30 minutes of sitting time before washing out the oil from your hair. The heat in the oil allows it to penetrate the hair shaft and deepens the hydration provided to it.
Unconventional Approaches
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera has healing properties. Massage pure aloe vera gel into your hair and scalp. Then, leave it on for half an hour, after which you can rinse it. Aloe vera will help soothe the scalp area by repairing all the damage to your hair.
Rice Water Rinse
Rice water is rich in vitamins and minerals and can be used as a hair-strengthening agent. After shampooing your hair, rinse it with rice water. Let it stay in the hair for 20 minutes and then wash with plain cold(normal) water. With this method, hair elasticity can be improved and breakage reduced.
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Apple cider vinegar will help to balance your hair’s pH and remove some products that may have piled up in the hair. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water. Use this as a final rinse after shampooing and conditioning your hair. It leaves the hair shiny, soft, and flowing.
Silk Pillowcases
Use a silk pillowcase because it will provide less friction while you sleep and give your hair a break from all that breaking. Unlike cotton pillowcases, silk pillowcases allow your hair to move around without much of a rub, minimizing tangles and frizz.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes
Healthy Diet
Your diet can make all the difference in your hair quality. Include foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals, including:
- Protein: Eggs, fish, and lean meats provide strength to your hair.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: They are found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, and their basic function is to help keep your scalp healthy.
- Vitamins A and C: They are found in carrots, spinach, and oranges, respectively. They allow the growth of hair and support its health.
- Biotin: This substance is present in nuts, seeds, and sweet potatoes that make your hair strong and grow it.
Stay Hydrated
Water drinking is as essential to overall health as it is for the health of your hair. Drinking enough water keeps your scalp and hair hydrated and well moisturized. This will avoid dryness and brittleness in your hair.
Manage Stress
Stress damages your hair. So try to do things that make you happy—exercise like yoga or meditation, or indulge in some hobby. Keeping stress under control can help reduce hair loss and increase hair growth.
Additional Tips
Use Heat Protectants
Always use a heat protectant spray when you return to using heat appliances. The majority of these products shield the hair from direct heat and consequently reduce damage. Look for protectants with silicones in them for an added layer of protection.
Lower Heat Settings
Always use the lowest heat setting of your styling tools that will get the job done. High heat isn’t always necessary to achieve the look you want. By using lower temperatures, you can minimize potential damage.
Dry your hair in the air whenever possible
Letting your hair dry naturally can reduce heat input. If you have to blow-dry, then use the cool setting. This method might take longer, but it’s much gentler on your hair.
Wide Tooth Comb
For detangling your hair while it is wet, use a wide-tooth comb. The hair becomes more fragile and can be easily broken at this time. A wide-tooth comb may help to detangle without causing further breakage.
Summary
Restoration of your locks from excessive heat styling is a patient matter. You will be able to restore your hair to its vigor provided you act promptly to prevent further damage, deep condition the hair, and try out some unconventional methods. Remember to make diet additions and lifestyle changes that help in growing your hair stronger. With constant care, shining hair full of vitality may be regained.
