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How to Fix Damaged Hair

Top Treatments That Actually Work

By Jacktone OtienoPublished about a year ago 5 min read
How to Fix Damaged Hair
Photo by Curology on Unsplash

Damaged hair can leave you feeling frustrated, with dry, brittle strands that seem impossible to manage. Whether it’s from heat styling, chemical treatments, or environmental factors, your hair takes a toll over time, losing its vitality and shine. But don’t despair—there are effective treatments that can restore your locks to their former glory. In this guide, we’ll explore how to fix damaged hair with treatments that actually work, focusing on hydration, strengthening, and repairing your hair from the inside out.

1. Deep Conditioning Treatments

Deep conditioning treatments are the cornerstone of any damaged hair repair routine. These rich treatments infuse your hair with moisture, softening brittle strands and helping to restore elasticity. Look for masks that contain nourishing ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, and keratin to rebuild damaged hair and lock in hydration.

One of the most effective deep conditioning masks is the Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector, which works to rebuild broken bonds in your hair from chemical damage. Regular use of deep conditioners or masks can drastically improve hair texture, making it smoother, shinier, and more manageable.

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How to use: Apply the deep conditioner once a week to clean, damp hair. Leave it on for 10-30 minutes to let the ingredients penetrate deeply into the hair shaft, then rinse thoroughly.

2. Protein Treatments for Strength

Damaged hair often suffers from a lack of protein, which weakens the structure of the hair. Protein treatments help strengthen the hair by filling in gaps in the hair shaft, making it more resistant to breakage. If your hair feels limp and lacks bounce, incorporating a protein treatment can help bring it back to life.

Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment is a popular choice for severely damaged hair. It provides intense protein to fortify and repair hair, making it particularly effective for hair damaged by bleaching, coloring, or excessive heat styling.

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How to use: Apply a protein treatment once every 4-6 weeks, depending on your hair’s needs. Overusing protein can make hair brittle, so it’s essential to balance protein treatments with deep conditioning to keep hair hydrated.

3. Hot Oil Treatments

A tried-and-true method for reviving dry, damaged hair is the hot oil treatment. Oils like coconut, argan, and jojoba are packed with essential fatty acids and vitamins that nourish and moisturize hair, leaving it softer and shinier. Hot oil treatments work by sealing moisture into the hair shaft, preventing further damage and improving texture over time.

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How to use: Heat your chosen oil (such as coconut or argan oil) until warm but not too hot. Apply the oil generously to your hair, focusing on the ends. Wrap your hair in a towel or shower cap and leave it on for 20-30 minutes, then shampoo and condition as usual.

4. Leave-In Conditioners and Serums

Leave-in conditioners and serums are vital for daily protection and hydration. These products provide a layer of moisture and help protect your hair from heat, pollution, and UV rays. Look for leave-in conditioners that contain silk proteins or hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and create a protective barrier around your hair.

It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product is a cult favorite for repairing damaged hair. It’s lightweight, won’t weigh your hair down, and helps detangle while providing moisture and protection against heat damage.

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How to use: Apply a leave-in conditioner after every wash while your hair is still damp. Use a small amount, focusing on the ends, and comb through to distribute evenly. Leave-in conditioners can be used daily for added hydration and protection.

5. Trim Regularly to Remove Split Ends

Although it may seem counterintuitive, trimming your hair regularly is one of the best ways to manage damage. Split ends can travel up the hair shaft, causing more breakage and leaving hair looking dull and frizzy. By trimming your ends every 6-8 weeks, you prevent further damage and keep your hair looking healthy.

While treatments can help repair some damage, there's no way to completely heal split ends once they’ve formed. A quick trim is the best solution for keeping your hair looking fresh and vibrant.

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How to manage: Visit your stylist regularly for trims or do a mini trim at home by snipping off just the damaged ends. Keeping your ends fresh prevents further breakage and helps your hair grow healthier.

6. Avoid Heat Styling

Heat styling is one of the leading causes of hair damage, causing dryness, breakage, and split ends. If you’re serious about fixing damaged hair, reducing your use of hot tools is essential. When you do use heat, always apply a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from high temperatures.

For those times when you need to use heat tools, CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray is a great product that provides a protective layer to minimize damage.

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How to protect: Try air-drying your hair whenever possible, or use no-heat styling methods like braids or overnight rollers to create curls and waves without damage.

7. Repair from Within: Hair Vitamins and Supplements

Sometimes the best way to repair damaged hair is from the inside out. Hair supplements containing biotin, collagen, and keratin can help improve hair health by strengthening hair follicles and encouraging growth. Adding vitamins like Vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids to your diet can also boost hair strength and shine.

Supplements like Nutrafol and Viviscal have been shown to improve hair density and reduce breakage, making them a great option for those looking to repair damaged hair long-term.

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How to use: Take hair supplements daily as part of your routine. Be patient—results typically take 2-3 months to become visible, but the improvement in hair health is well worth the wait.

Conclusion

Repairing damaged hair takes time and commitment, but with the right treatments, you can bring your hair back to life. Whether you’re using deep conditioners, protein treatments, hot oils, or simply avoiding heat styling, these top treatments for damaged hair are sure to help restore strength, hydration, and shine.

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By following these steps and incorporating these powerful products into your routine, you’ll be well on your way to healthier, stronger, and more beautiful hair.

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