African braiding salon near me, How to Repair Damaged Hair, According to Experts
When choosing the ideal contemporary hairstyle for yourself—be it a rockabilly mullet, a blunt bob, or a mermaid-inspired mane—there is a fundamental principle that applies universally: damaged hair is undesirable. Even the most fashionable cut and color cannot compensate for poorly maintained hair. However, there is no need for concern; understanding how to repair damaged hair becomes straightforward once the underlying causes are identified.
Shab Caspara, a trichologist based in New York City and the founder of the hair-care platform Leona, emphasizes that an inadequate hair care routine can result in weaker, frizzier, and more brittle hair over time. She notes that common sources of hair damage include mechanical factors (such as brushing, hair ties, extensions, and general friction), chemical factors (like excessive bleaching or processing), and thermal factors (from the use of flat and curling irons). However, the sources of damage extend beyond styling practices alone. Bridgette Hill, another trichologist in New York City, points out that hair fiber damage often has internal origins intertwined with external mechanical factors. She identifies prescription medications, dietary habits, deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, age, hormonal changes, product usage, and styling practices as contributing factors to hair damage.
Hill expresses her concerns regarding the term “health” in relation to hair. She states, “Healthy hair is an oxymoron,” emphasizing that hair is neither a living cell nor an organ, and thus lacks a genuine health metric. Once hair strands emerge from the follicle, they transform into a delicate fabric composed of protein threads. Consequently, hair should be treated with the same care as one would afford to fine textiles. Nevertheless, Hill acknowledges that hair, when well-maintained and in its optimal state, should exhibit a suitable balance of hydration, elasticity, body, and movement, and should effectively respond to products tailored for its specific fiber type and texture.
Repairing Damaged Hair
While various products are available to mitigate damage from chemical treatments, experts assert that split ends and breakage in severely damaged hair cannot be repaired. The recommended course of action is to trim or cut the hair to eliminate split ends before further breakage ascends the hair shaft.
To reduce the appearance of mechanical damage, it is advisable to refrain from using even basic styling tools and to embrace your natural texture with products such as Vernon François Nourishing Water or Ceremonia’s Guava Beach Waves. Additionally, oils like JVN Complete Nourishing Hair Oil Shine Drops and Living Proof’s No Frizz Vanishing Oil can help tame frizz and enhance shine as the hair begins to recover.
Preventing Further Damage
“Wet hair is extremely delicate; it requires careful handling,” advises celebrity hairstylist Bridget Brager, who recommends using a wide-tooth comb or a wet brush. She suggests starting from the ends and working upwards, allowing the hair to air dry as much as possible before styling. This gentle approach is equally important during blow-drying. Hill recommends opting for a boar bristle brush or one that combines plastic and boar bristles, as metal brushes can be harsh on both hair fibers and the scalp. Consider using the Christophe Robin Special Blow Dry Hair Brush or Crown Affair’s The Brush No. 001 for a safer styling experience.
Another way to extend your style? Protect it while you sleep with satin or silk pillowcases, scarves, and bonnets. “Create a signature sleep style that allows oxygen to flow through the hair to the scalp, to prevent tangling and matting in the occipital point of the head while you sleep,” explains Hill, citing twists, pin curls, large braids, or the pineapple method as excellent sleep styles.
