Trying to grow out and fix damaged hair can be frustrating. Whether it’s from heat styling, chemical treatments, or environmental factors, damaged hair can be dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. But with the right hair care routine, you can repair and restore your strands to their full glory!  

Here are some dos and don'ts of hair care you NEED to watch out for with damaged hair: 

5 Haircare DOs to Prevent Damage: 

#1. Use a Gentle Shampoo 

When it comes to washing damaged hair, it’s essential to use gentle shampoo. Look for a shampoo that’s formulated specifically for damaged or dry hair and avoid products with harsh chemicals like sulfates and parabens. Sulfates strip the hair of natural oil, which is essential to keep it moisturized and soft. Avoid sulfates, especially if you have dry, damaged, or dyed hair. 

#2. Condition, Condition, Condition 

Conditioning is crucial for repairing and restoring damaged hair. After shampooing, apply a deep conditioning treatment to your hair, focusing on the ends, where damage is often the most severe. Leave the conditioner in for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly. For even more intensive conditioning, use a hair mask once a week to nourish and repair your strands. 

Our Recommendation for Damaged and Thinning Hair: 

#3. Use a Wide-Tooth Comb 

When your hair is damaged, it’s more prone to breakage. To avoid breakage, use a wide-tooth comb to gently work out any tangles or knots in sections, starting at the ends and then working your way up to the roots. Using a wide-tooth comb makes it easier to detangle knots and have less friction than a normal or fine-tooth comb. 

#4. Use a Heat Protectant 

If you can’t live without heat styling tools, make sure to use a heat protectant before styling your hair. This will help minimize damage and prevent further breakage. Want to curl your hair with a heatless option? Check out this article: Lazy Girl's Guide to Achieve Heatless Curls 

#5. Trim Your Hair Regularly 

If your hair is damaged, it’s essential to trim your ends regularly to get rid of split ends and prevent further damage from traveling up the hair shaft. Aim to trim your hair every 6-8 weeks to keep your hair looking healthy and vibrant. Can’t decide if you’re in desperate need of a haircut? Check out this guide: 10 Signs You Need a Haircut ASAP 

5 Haircare DON’Ts to Prevent Damage: 

#1. Don’t Overuse Heat Styling Tools 

While heat styling tools can be useful for achieving the perfect hairstyle, they can also cause significant damage. Try to limit your use of heat styling tools as much as possible and opt for heat-free styling techniques like air-drying, braiding, or hair rollers. 

#2. Don’t Use Hot Water When Washing 

Hot water can be incredibly dehydrating to your hair, causing it to become dry and brittle. Instead, use lukewarm or cool water when washing your hair to minimize damage and keep your hair looking healthy and vibrant. 

#3. Don’t Brush Your Hair When Wet 

When your hair is wet, it’s much more vulnerable to breakage. If you need to detangle your hair, use a wide-tooth comb or a brush specifically designed for use on wet hair. 

#4. Don’t Over wash Your Hair 

While it’s essential to keep your hair clean, over washing can be damaging and strip away natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. Aim to wash your hair no more than once every other day, or even less frequently if your hair is particularly dry or damaged. 

#5. Don’t Use Harsh Chemical Treatments  

If you have damaged hair, it’s best to avoid harsh chemical treatments like perms, relaxers, or bleach. These treatments can cause significant damage to your hair, exacerbating dryness and breakage. If you must use chemical treatments, make sure to do so sparingly and seek the advice of a professional hairstylist. 

Repairing damaged hair can be a long journey, but with these hair habits, you can restore your hair to its natural health. Good luck!