Understanding our Crown
Hair damage can cause a lot of distress for many of us. Our hair is our crown, something that tells a lot about ourselves, our health and our lifestyle. To see it deteriorate can be understandably stressful.Â
When it comes to hair damage, it’s not all doom and gloom. If you get to understand your hair, you can develop routines to care for it and reverse the damage. Eventually, you’ll see your hair become healthier and even more beautiful.Â
How does Hair Damage Happen?
Hair damage can be caused by a number of things. The most common are:
- Frequently using heat to style your hair
- Overuse of chemicals like relaxers or dyes
- Completely neglecting your hair
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Keep in mind that hormones and overall physical and mental health (stress) can greatly affect your hair. If you like to know more about this, let us know in the comments section and we’ll break it down for you in another blog. And as usual, please consult your doctor if you suspect your hair damage may be caused by the above. For now, we’ll look at the common reasons your hair is damaged and how to reverse this damage or prevent further damage.
Damage by Heat Styling
Heat damage is more common than you think and most of the time, people don’t notice until it’s too late. Heat damaged hair may look dull, thin and dry.Â
To test for heat damage, wet a section of your hair then pull one strand from that section. Carefully pull the strand from both ends. If the hair stretches about one-third of its normal length then shrinks back to normal, then your hair might be dry but not heat damaged. If the strand only stretches a small amount, doesn’t stretch at all, or breaks when you stretch it, then you’re dealing with heat damaged hair. Reversing heat damage may take a while but with these steps, you may be able to restore your hair health.
- Use a protein treatment. Your hair is made up of the protein keratin. Deep conditioning protein treatments will help patch up your hair cuticle and offer much-needed protection.
- Refrain from using heat styling methods. If you need to stretch your hair, you can braid it overnight then undo the braids once you wake up the following morning.
- Ensure your hair is moisturized. Use protein-based moisturizers and oils to keep your hair moisturized and prevent breakage from dryness.
Damage from Chemicals
Relaxers and dyes basically denature the natural state of your hair in order to achieve the desired look. These chemicals strip away the natural oils, leaving your hair dry and brittle. Damage by chemicals can be extreme to the point of permanent hair loss, so extra care is needed to prevent this. If you’re thinking of texturizing, replacing or dying your hair, it’s a good idea to have a professional do it!
To care for chemically damaged hair…
- Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Keeping your hair hydrated can prevent further damage to it since your hair’s natural oils have been stripped away.
- Try protective styling. Since your hair is very delicate in this state, simple protective styles that won’t manipulate your hair like wigs and big braids (that are not too tight!) and buns can help prevent further damage. Remember to care for your hair even when in a protective style to prevent dryness and further damage.
Damage by neglect.
Just like your body, your hair needs some TLC to thrive. Neglecting your hair can lead to hair damage that in the worst cases, you may have to cut it off and start afresh. We understand that neglect can come from a lack of understanding of what your hair needs. And to this, we have the perfect solution.Â
We offer tailor-made hair care advice fit for all hair textures and lifestyles. By taking our hair quiz, you will get to know the basics of your hair and get recommendations on the best products, treatments and routines that will make your hair healthier.Â
Our technology was developed by hair care experts who are passionate about giving you the information fit for you in a world saturated with hair care advice. With Glisen, trust that you’re in the right hands.Â
What hair care issues do you have? Let us know in the comments section of this blog or have a chat with us on your hair portal at www.glisen.me.
