The Best Way to Treat Damaged Hair

Stressed with damaged hair? Relax, you are not the only one. I have been there but after hectic research and countless trials and errors, I managed to understand the best way to treat damaged hair. The good news is I’m sharing the information and more with the hope that you will find a permanent solution to your problem.

Undoubtedly, with the different hair types ranging from course to fine Afro and fine blonde hair, it is difficult to understand the regimen that is suitable for your damaged hair. However, hair science explains the common factors about different hair textures leading us to common knowledge about the causes of damaged hair. It is likely your hair is damaged because of one or a combination of the following factors; dehydration, overexposure to the sun, application of excessive head, extensions, mechanical breakage, dying and use of color, frequent use of relaxers and swimming. I will not give you false hopes that a single product will bring back your healthy and beautiful hair.

However, if you give your hair the attention it requires, you will definitely transform it. Caring for damaged or healthy hair is a craft and it is easier done naturally. Steer clear of convectional products containing sulfates and parabens and instead go for products that are rich in botanical ingredients. Natural products are rich in moisture and they revitalize damaged hair to glorious new life.

Regimen building can be quite hectic. It’s not all about combining a variety of products. Considering a quick fix is not the best way to treat damaged hair. All the people with long, beautiful, healthy hair have one thing in common- they have invested time and exercised patience with their hair.

What About the Big Chop?

In your damaged hair research, you might have come across the ‘big chop’ idea. I can guess what crossed your mind- what’s the fuss about getting a haircut? The big chop is recommended for women with relaxed or heat damaged hair for a fresh start. It’s a very effective start because you get rid of brittle, breaking hair and begin a journey of growing hair that is rich in thickness, texture and visual appearance. This can be a perfect beginning for you if you are willing to start from scratch. However, you are like me and cannot consider cutting a single hair strand, you have to begin somewhere. Start by trimming off your hair. The truth dictates that you must get rid of extremely damaged hair, and split ends because they are irreparable.

Rehydrate- Damaged Hair is Dry hair

If you decide to try out rehydration, I would recommend you follow my procedure for concealing extra moisture religiously and I am confident you will add strength to your damaged hair. You have probably heard of the lOC method. It involves the systematic application of liquid, oil and cream/butter to your hair. The liquids add extra moisture to your hair that is later sealed in by the oil and cream. The method is effective for textured hair, curly hair, transitioning hair and course relaxed hair. It can be too oily for people with fine, silky hair. Therefore, they should avoid excessive oiliness by applying light oils only. Textured hair is prone to dryness and frizziness after shampooing and oiling.  However, there are several natural ways for preventing it from tangling and maintaining softness. For example, you can section it and make a few knots before going to bed.

What Will you Need?

A Hair Cleaner

Keep your scalp and hair clean to create an optimal environment for movement of hair products. The scalp holds a complex network of blood vessels that facilitate the movement of nutrients. Washing and gently massaging the scalp several times a week is sufficient. Use shampoos that are designed with plants and essential herbs to leave your hair feeling moisturized. Such shampoos are particularly important for excessively dry hair.

A water Based Leave- in Conditioner

You will begin your hair care method by adding a leave- in conditioner to clean hair. You can apply the conditioner on dry or wet hair. Wet hair works best because water is the best moisturizer. Leave- in acts as an additional moisturizer. Moisture adds elasticity and reduces breakage.

Spray Bottle

A spray bottle comes in handy if your hair is clean but dry and you do not feel the need to shampoo it again. It’s also useful when your hair is tucked in protective styles and you get pretty confused about how to moisturize it. In the bottle mix water and liquid oils. The mixture should be 70% water and 30% oils. You can use your favorite oils but I will recommend the best natural oils for this procedure. Use the spray bottle to wet your hair during the LOC method and during any other time.

Light Oil

Light oils are excellent because they work efficiently by penetrating the hair shaft. Hair consists of non-living tissue and an oil that cannot dig deep into the shaft is unlikely to bring any permanent changes. They add extra moisture to the hair, lock in moisture, improve texture and enhance the overall appearance of the hair.

Cream/ Butter

Use a good cream or butter to seal in the moisture. Although this is the last step, it is the most important because it allows your hair to retain maximum moisture. Butters and creams work by slowing down the process of moisture loss from your hair.

Related article; curly hair oils and routine 

I believe this is the best way to treat damaged hair because it adds maximum moisture to your hair. Be patient and you will begin to see results as time goes by.  Use natural, and essential oils that suit your hair the most. The first step is always the hardest!