Whether it’s regular root maintenance, everyday straightening or bleaching that’s caused your hair to become a bit frazzled, brittle and dry, you can help to repair it by switching up your products and treating it with a little more respect. If your hair is seriously straw-like, we’d recommend going and having a good amount of it snipped off, but if it’s just in need of a good helping of TLC, a trim and the below treatment should be just fine.
Switch to sulfate-free shampoos
Although they create a satisfying, bubbly lather, sulfates in our shampoos aren’t that great for our hair; particularly when it’s color treated. Sulfates strip the hair of its natural (and essential) oils, leaving it dry, more prone to heat and environmental damage, and they also strip the color from color-treated hair much more quickly than sulfate-free formulas would. The best way to avoid them is to avoid shampoos with ‘sodium laurel’ or ‘laureth sulfates’ listed in the ingredients list. While we’re on the topic of cleaning our hair, it’s important to not overdo it; over-cleansing our hair removes its protective oils, and leaves it dry, vulnerable to damage and brittle. Try to only shampoo your hair a couple of times a week, and if you’re in need of a little de-greasing between washes, use a dry shampoo to soak up any excess oil.
Use protein-rich treatments
Heat damage = keratin loss. To add the lipids (oil) and keratin back into your hair and reconstruct broken hair strands, keratin-rich products will help to restructure and strengthen your hair – therefore creating a stronger canvas for styling. Look for treatments and masks with the word ‘keratin’ on the packaging. Protein treatments are also great for pre-coloring or chemical treatments as they ensure that the hair is stronger throughout the coloring/chemical process.
Opt for styling products instead of tools
It’s no surprise to any of us that using curling barrels and straightening irons that reach up to 220 degrees isn’t all that great for our poor hair follicles, but there are alternatives that are heat-free and even good for our hair. For loose waves and curls, loose plaits or twisting your hair downwards when slightly damp and tying with a band at the ends are great heat-free options, and styling creams and texturizing sprays are also great for a more undone, city-girl kind of look.
Will you be taking any of these tips onboard?
Jess Hall