Damaged hair is a common struggle for many people, and it’s no surprise given all the styling, chemical treatments, and environmental stressors it goes through. If your hair is looking lifeless and frazzled, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Most of us have been there at some point. The key is to stop the damage in its tracks and start giving your hair the care it desperately needs.
Luckily, we’ll share some practical tips to help you repair and rejuvenate your damaged hair. Ready to give your hair the love it deserves? Read on to find out how you can turn things around and get your hair back to looking fabulous!
What causes damaged hair?
Damaged hair can be caused by a variety of factors, many of which are related to our daily routines and environmental exposures. Here are some of the most common culprits:
- Heat styling: Frequent use of traditional hair dryers (so why not try using an ionic blow dryer like Laifen Swift?), straighteners, and curling irons can weaken hair strands-You will find breakage and split ends.
- Chemical treatments: Hair coloring, perming, and relaxing involve harsh chemicals that can strip hair of its natural moisture and protein-Your hair becomes brittle and prone to damage. Read up to treatments for hair that feels like straw.
- Over-washing: Washing hair too often can strip away its natural oils, leaving it dry and vulnerable to damage. So, read up to how often you need to wash your 4c hair.
- Poor hair care practices: Using the wrong type of shampoo and conditioner, brushing wet hair aggressively, or using rubber bands can all contribute to hair damage.
- Environmental factors: Sun exposure, pollution, and harsh weather conditions can all take a toll on your hair. After exposing to them, your hair will become dry and weak.
- Diet and health: Poor nutrition and health conditions can affect hair strength and growth-Your hair will become more fragile and damaged.
- Stress: High levels of stress can lead to hair thinning and loss, as well as an overall unhealthy scalp environment.
How long does damaged hair take to heal?
Here’s a general table to give you an idea:
| Type of damage | Healing time | Tips for recovery |
| Mild heat damage | 1-3 months | Reduce heat styling, use heat protectants, deep condition weekly |
| Moderate heat damage | 3-6 months | Cut back on heat tools, regular trims, intense conditioning treatments |
| Severe heat damage | 6-12 months | Minimize all heat, frequent deep conditioning, protein treatments, trims |
| Chemical damage (e.g., coloring, perming) | 6-12 months | Avoid further chemical treatments, use nourishing masks, deep conditioning |
| Split ends | Immediate with a trim | Regular trims, use leave-in conditioners, minimize heat styling |
| Dryness/Dehydration | 1-3 months | Hydrating shampoos and conditioners, leave-in conditioners, oil treatments |
| Environmental damage | 1-3 months | Protective hairstyles, hats/scarves for sun, hydrating products |
| General weakness/brittleness | 3-6 months | Protein treatments, gentle handling, avoid tight hairstyles |
Fixing damaged hair at home or salon: What’s different?
Deciding going to the salon or just at home to fix your damaged hair by reviewing the table given here. And you will see the home remedies for your damaged hair in the following chapters. From my perspective,just try the ways at home if your hair condition is not so bad.
| Aspect | At home | At the salon |
| Cost | More affordable | Can be expensive |
| Convenience | Can be done on your own schedule | Requires an appointment and travel time |
| Products | Limited to over-the-counter products | Access to professional-grade products |
| Expertise | Self-applied; may lack professional knowledge | Performed by trained hair professionals |
| Equipment | Basic tools like combs, brushes, and home dryers | Advanced equipment like steamers and infrared lamps |
| Personalization | Limited to personal knowledge | Customized treatments based on hair analysis |
| Time | May take longer due to lack of professional speed | Faster due to expert techniques |
| Effectiveness | Results vary; may take longer to see improvement | More effective with immediate results |
| Aftercare Advice | Relies on online research and instructions | Personalized aftercare plan provided by stylist |
| Comfort Level | Comfort of your own home | Professional setting with extra pampering |
How to fix heat damaged hair?
- Fixing heat-damaged hair at home starts with cutting back on heat styling. Put away your straighteners, curlers, and blow dryers for a while to let your hair recover. Instead, focus on hydration and nourishment.
- Use a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask once a week to restore moisture and strength. Ingredients like keratin, argan oil, and shea butter are particularly effective.
- Additionally, using natural oils such as coconut oil can work wonders. Warm a bit of coconut oil, apply it to your hair (especially the ends), and leave it in for at least 30 minutes before washing it out.
- Switching to a sulfate-free shampoo will also help prevent further drying out your hair. Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner every time you wash your hair. When you need to detangle, use a wide-tooth comb and be gentle, especially on wet hair.
How to fix extremely damaged hair?
- To fix extremely damaged hair, the most effective method is to undergo a restorative treatment using a combination of protein and moisture.
- You can choose a deep protein treatment to rebuild the hair’s structure and strength. Follow up with a rich, hydrating deep conditioner or hair mask to restore moisture and elasticity.
- You can apply the protein treatment according to the product instructions, usually once every 4-6 weeks, and the deep conditioner weekly.
How to fix damaged hair without cutting it?
One effective way to fix damaged hair without cutting it is by incorporating a weekly hot oil treatment into your hair care routine.
- Heat a small amount of natural oils, such as argan oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil, until it’s warm (not hot).
- Apply the oil evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the damaged ends. Massage the oil into your scalp to promote circulation and absorption.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave the oil in for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for deeper penetration.
- Rinse with a sulfate-free shampoo and follow up with a moisturizing conditioner.
How to fix chlorine damaged hair?
To fix chlorine-damaged hair, use a clarifying shampoo followed by a deep conditioning treatment.
- Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove chlorine and other impurities. Those shampoos are designed to strip away buildup from hair products and chemicals like chlorine.
- After rinsing the shampoo, do a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask to restore moisture and nutrients.
- Leave mask on for the recommended time, usually around 20-30 minutes, to allow it to penetrate deeply.
- Rinse out the conditioner with cool water to seal the hair cuticle and retain moisture.
This method will help repair and rejuvenate your chlorine-damaged hair and restore its softness and shine.
How to fix perm damaged hair?
To repair perm-damaged hair, focus on replenishing lost moisture and strengthening the hair.
- Get a hydrating hair mask formulated for damaged hair.
- Apply the mask generously to clean, damp hair. Cover all the strands especially the ends.
- Leave the mask on for at least 20-30 minutes to allow it to deeply penetrate and repair your hair.
- Use cool water to lock in the moisture.
- For ongoing care, incorporate a hair serum to provide continuous hydration and protection.
This routine will help restore the health and shine of your permed hair without weighing it down.
How to fix bleach damaged hair?
To fix bleach-damaged hair, try using a deep conditioning treatment designed to repair and strengthen damaged hair.
- Put in the treatment generously to damp hair, and you should coat all the damaged areas thoroughly.
- Let it sit for at least 20-30 minutes to allow the nourishing ingredients to penetrate deeply into your hair.
- Afterward, rinse it out with cool water to help seal the hair cuticle and lock in moisture.
- Follow up with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to maintain the moisture balance.
Using this treatment once a week can help restore your hair’s health.
Best products for damaged hair
I’ve got you covered with some awesome products to help bring your locks back to life! Here are my top four picks:
- Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector: This little bottle is a game-changer. It repairs and strengthens your hair from within, leaving it feeling soft and looking shiny. Use it once a week and you’ll see the difference.
- Laifen Swift Ionic Blow Dryer: This hair dryer is a must-have. It dries your hair super fast while minimizing heat damage thanks to its ionic technology. It’s lightweight and easy to handle. You can explore it on laifentech.com and get a big discount after signing up as a registered customer. More models for you include SE, SE Lite, Swift Special right now.
- SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Protein Power Treatment: This deep conditioner is packed with natural ingredients that moisturize and repair your hair. It can restore strength and elasticity to damaged strands.
- Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray: This leave-in conditioner is like a magic potion for damaged hair. It detangles, smooths, and provides heat protection. It smells amazing and leaves your hair feeling silky soft.
