If you live for platinum blonde locks, are constantly switching up your color, or heat style your hair every day, there’s a good chance you’ve experienced over-processed hair. So what can you do if your hair has become dry, dull, frizzy, crimped, or hard to style? Here are six tips to revive over-processed hair.
Get a Trim
The first thing you should do if your hair has become over-processed is schedule a trip to the salon. That’s because over-processed hair can never be completely repaired. But getting a trim will remove the most damaged parts of your hair and make breakage less likely. Plus, since you’re chopping off all the split ends, your hair will look better afterwards. You should plan on returning to the salon every six weeks while your hair is recovering.
Drop the Heat
If you’re used to curling, straightening, or blow drying your hair on a daily basis, it can be hard to quit. But the last thing your hair needs when it’s already over-processed is more damage from heat. So set aside time to air dry your hair instead of blow drying it. And embrace no-heat styles. (We have some great ideas here). If you absolutely must use heat tools, try to give your hair a break for a few days in between, and always use a heat protectant spray.
Try a Mask
Hair masks restore moisture to dry locks and help smooth your cuticles. Try using one every week to condition your hair. If you buy a hair mask, look for natural, nourishing ingredients like avocado, aloe vera, olive oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter. Or you can make your own mask at home. Check out this post to learn how to make DIY hair masks for dry and damaged hair.
Ditch Harsh Products
Styling products that contain alcohol draw moisture from your hair. And ingredients like sulfates strip your hair of natural oils. Try to avoid using any products that will further dry and damage your tresses. Instead, opt for nourishing ingredients like rice water, natural oils, aloe vera, and bamboo to help revive your hair. And consider turning to low-maintenance styles like braids while your hair is growing out.
Stretch Out Your Sessions
The best way to revive your over-processed hair is simply to take a break from what damaged it in the first place. But we understand that your hair is part of your identity, so if bleaching, coloring, straightening, or curling your hair is essential to your own signature look, we get it. But be mindful that your hair will continue to sustain damage, so make sure you seek out a reputable stylist, and try to put a little more space between your sessions. Aim for at least 8 to 12 weeks between appointments.
Watch How You Wash
There really is no need to wash your hair every day, and doing so can strip your hair of natural oils. So if your hair is overprocessed, make sure to skip two or three days between washes to help it stay hydrated. If you find that your hair is more oily than you’d like, try using a gentle dry shampoo between wash days. And be sure to condition after every wash.
Remember, Viori bars are formulated to be gentle on all hair types. We recommend trying Hidden Waterfall or Terrace Garden for over-processed hair.