We all want to look our best, and frequently, that means turning to heat tools. We blow dry our hair to add volume and smooth our tresses. Then, we use curling irons and straighteners to achieve our desired style. The problem is, at some point, our hair has had enough.
One day, you look in the mirror, and it hits you. You have heat-damaged hair. It’s dry, frizzy, no longer holds curl like it used to, and may even be (gasp!) breaking! Don’t worry, your hair can recover. Here are 5 tips for repairing heat-damaged hair.
Take a Break
When our hair stops doing what we want, we’re sometimes tempted to add even more heat in an attempt to tame it. Unfortunately, that will only make your hair more unmanageable and may cause worse damage that is more difficult to repair.
This is when you need to give yourself a little TLC. Make time to allow your hair to air dry. Let your hair rest as much as possible. And if you do need to style it, turn to alternatives like rollers and braids that help you shape your hair without heat.
Get a Trim
It takes time to repair heat damage, but getting a trim can help. You’ll get rid of split ends, and your stylist can help shape your hair so the damage isn’t as noticeable.
If your damage is really severe, you can even think about getting a new cut. Talk to your stylist about cuts that will hide damage and won’t require heat to maintain.
Pay Attention to Ingredients
When your hair is already damaged, you need to be extra careful about the products you use. Avoid ingredients like sulfates and polyethylene glycol (PEG) that strip moisture from your hair.
Instead, opt for products with natural oils and aloe vera to moisturize your locks. Viori shampoo and conditioner bars are always natural and never include harsh ingredients like sulfates and PEG. We recommend Hidden Waterfall to help restore moisture to your hair.
Add a Mask
Damaged hair requires a lot of extra moisture, so you’ll probably need to go beyond your usual routine. Hair masks are a great way to deeply condition and moisturize your hair. Plus, they’re sooo easy to whip up right at home!
You can make a simple mask out of two tablespoons of raw honey with one tablespoon of olive oil. Warm it up, apply it to damp hair, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing. Need more ideas? Check out our recipes for DIY masks to repair damaged hair here.
Nourish Your Hair from Within
Your hair is part of your body, so you need to give your body the nutrition it needs to promote new, healthy hair growth. Eat plenty of berries, leafy greens, beans, and sweet potatoes to provide your hair with plenty of vitamins.
Avocados, nuts, and seeds, like flax and chia, are excellent sources of the healthy fats your body needs to help your hair grow and restore a healthy shine to your tresses.
Heat damage can sneak up on you, and it can literally happen overnight. If you have heat damage, be patient, and try the above tips for at least a month. At that point, if your hair still isn’t improving, it’s time to consult a professional.
