How to Repair Damaged Hair

Understanding Hair Damage

Hair damage manifests in various ways, often resulting from exposure to heat, chemical treatments, environmental stressors, and mechanical friction. Recognising the type of damage is the first step toward effective repair.

• Heat Damage: Characterised by dryness, brittleness, and split ends. This occurs due to excessive use of styling tools like flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers without adequate heat protection.
• Chemical Damage: Often results from perms, relaxers, and hair dyes. It leads to a compromised hair structure, making strands weak, porous, and prone to breakage. The hair cuticle, the outermost layer of the hair shaft, can be lifted or even stripped away, exposing the inner cortex.
• Mechanical Damage: Caused by aggressive brushing, tight hairstyles, or friction from towels and pillowcases. This type of damage can lead to breakage, frayed ends, and a dull appearance.
• Environmental Damage: Sun exposure, wind, and pollution can strip moisture from the hair, leading to dryness, discolouration, and a rough texture.

When to Repair the Look of Damaged Hair

It's time to focus on repair when your hair exhibits one or more of the following symptoms:

• Excessive Breakage: Hair snaps easily, especially when wet or during styling.
• Split Ends: The ends of your hair appear frayed or split.
• Dullness and Lack of Shine: Hair loses its natural lustre and appears lifeless.
• Rough Texture: Hair feels coarse and dry to the touch.
• Frizziness: Hair becomes unmanageable and frizzy, even in moderate humidity.
• Loss of Elasticity: Hair stretches excessively when wet and doesn't return to its original state, or breaks rather than stretching.

Tools and Products Needed

Effective hair repair requires a combination of gentle tools and targeted products.

• Mild, Sulphate-Free Shampoo: Cleanses without stripping natural oils.
• Deep Conditioning Treatment/Hair Mask: Provides intense hydration and nourishment. Look for ingredients like hydrolysed proteins, ceramides, and natural oils.
• Leave-in Conditioner: Adds an extra layer of moisture and protection.
• Heat Protection Spray: Essential for anyone using heat styling tools. Creates a barrier to minimise thermal damage.
• Wide-tooth Comb: Detangles wet hair gently, reducing breakage.
• Microfibre Towel: Absorbs excess water without causing friction or roughing up the cuticle.
• Silk or Satin Pillowcase: Reduces friction on hair while sleeping.

Step-by-Step Guide to Repairing Damaged Hair

Follow these steps consistently to help improve the appearance and health of damaged hair.

Step 1: Gentle Cleansing

Wash your hair with a mild, sulphate-free shampoo. Focus on cleansing the scalp and gently work the lather through the lengths. Avoid vigorous scrubbing, which can exacerbate damage.

Step 2: Deep Conditioning

After shampooing, apply a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask. Distribute it evenly from mid-lengths to ends, ensuring every strand is coated. For enhanced penetration, cover your hair with a shower cap and apply gentle heat (e.g., from a warm towel) for 15-20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Step 3: Detangling with Care

While your hair is still damp, gently detangle it using a wide-tooth comb. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots, carefully teasing out knots without pulling.

Step 4: Leave-in Treatment and Protection

Apply a leave-in conditioner or a small amount of hair oil, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. If you intend to use heat styling, follow with a generous application of heat protection spray.

Step 5: Gentle Drying

Gently blot your hair dry with a microfibre towel to remove excess water. Avoid rubbing, which can cause frizz and damage the cuticle. Air-dry whenever possible. If using a blow dryer, use a low heat setting with a diffuser and keep the dryer moving.

Step 6: Regular Trims

Schedule regular trims every 6-8 weeks to remove split ends and prevent them from travelling further up the hair shaft. This practice is crucial for maintaining hair health and promoting growth.

Pro Tips for Hair Repair

• Lower Water Temperature: Rinse your hair with cooler water towards the end of your shower. This helps to close the hair cuticle, enhancing shine and retaining moisture.
• Diet and Hydration: Healthy hair starts from within. Ensure a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins (especially A, C, E, and B-complex), and minerals (iron, zinc). Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid Over-processing: Minimise chemical treatments like colouring, perms, and relaxers. If necessary, allow ample time between treatments and consult a professional.
• Protect from Sun: Wear a hat or use hair products with UV filters when exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
• Patience is Key: Hair repair is a gradual process. Consistency in your routine and patience will yield the best results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping Heat Protection: This is a primary cause of damage. Always use a heat protectant. Some hair treatments, like some Watermans Hair products, include heat protective ingredients as part of a multi-benefit formulation.
• Aggressive Brushing: Never brush wet hair vigorously. Use a wide-tooth comb or a wet brush designed for detangling.
• Going to Bed with Wet Hair: Wet hair is more vulnerable to friction and breakage. Ensure your hair is at least damp, if not fully dry, before sleeping.
• Over-washing: Washing hair too frequently can strip natural oils, leading to dryness. Adjust your washing schedule based on your hair type and lifestyle.
• Using the Wrong Products: Products with harsh sulphates, heavy silicones, or an inappropriate pH can aggravate damaged hair. Choose products specifically formulated for repair and moisture.

Aftercare and Maintenance

Once your hair shows signs of improvement, maintain its health with a consistent aftercare routine.

• Continue Deep Conditioning: Reduce the frequency to once a week or bi-weekly, but do not stop entirely.
• Use Leave-in Treatments: These provide ongoing protection and moisture.
• Protect from Elements: Continue to shield hair from excessive sun, wind, and chlorine.
• Regular Assessments: Pay attention to your hair's condition. If signs of damage return, reassess your routine and make necessary adjustments.
• Watermans Hair Products: Our range is formulated to support hair health and growth, complementing a comprehensive repair regimen.

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Find these ingredients in Watermans products

• Zinc — you will find this ingredient in our Hair Vitamins.

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Did you know?

• Hair is mostly made of keratin, the same protein found in animal horns and hooves.
• A single strand of hair can support up to 100 grams of weight.
• Hair grows faster in warm weather than in cold weather.