Without proper care, hair can go from beautiful to unhealthy in very little time, usually becoming dry, brittle, or dull. It can also simply look dull or have a lot of split ends. Wondering how to get dry hair healthy again? Luckily, it is possible to experience healthy hair regrowth with the correct adjustments.
While there are some products you can use to encourage healthy hair growth, getting healthy hair is all about your overall health and knowing the right way to care for your hair. Read on to discover some valuable tips to make your damaged or dry hair healthy again.
What Makes Your Hair Unhealthy?
Your hair can become unhealthy for several reasons, including:
- Stress
- Diet
- Heat
- Over-washing
- Dryness
- Wearing tight hair ties
- Being rough with wet hair
- Improper care
- Hormonal issues
- Over-treating
If your hair health is suffering, it may be due to one or more of those reasons. So, do not only change one behavior for healthy hair. Try to address all areas in which damage can occur to your hair. For example, you may want to both minimize your use of heat on your hair and adjust your diet to improve hair growth.
12 Tips to Make Hair Healthy Again
While hair damage can be frustrating, it is not too difficult to make some changes to achieve healthy hair. The best healing technique for you will depend on what causes the damage to your hair. Here are 12 ways you can help your hair get healthy.
Minimize Stress
While stress may feel like a purely emotional experience, it can also take a severe physical toll on you. Besides damaging your hair, stress can hurt your skin and lead to heart problems, headaches, and diabetes.
So, if you notice hair loss or damage, it is a good idea to find a way to manage your stress. Taking up hobbies, going to therapy, and spending time in nature are all good ways to alleviate stress.
Change Your Diet
Not getting enough protein or nutrients can thwart your hair growth. Ensure you get plenty of protein, folic acid, zinc, iron, and antioxidants enriched foods.
An excess of hair loss or damage indicates that you are not getting enough to eat. Many eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, also lead to hair loss.
Moisturize
A lack of moisturization is one of the biggest issues that lead to damaged hair. Luckily, there are plenty of short and long-term ways to get moisture into your hair.
Try washing your hair with cooler water, only use shampoo on your scalp, use conditioner, and employ moisturization treatments.
Trim Regularly
Trimming hair regularly is an essential part of getting your hair healthy since it reduces split ends.
If left uncut, the split cuticle can expand up the rest of the hair shaft and lead to more dramatic hair breakage and weakness. A good general rule is to get a trim every six to eight weeks. However, you should talk to your hairdresser or barber for specific guidance.
Wash Less Frequently
Washing your hair regularly is a vital part of regular hair maintenance. However, washing daily can strip your hair of natural oils and make it dry.
As mentioned above, when you wash your hair, it is important to only wash with cooler water. Hot water can contribute to dryness and damage. When you do wash your hair, make sure to gently scrub your scalp to stimulate growth and exfoliate.
Avoid Heat
Heat, in general, is the enemy of healthy hair since heat sucks the moisture from your mane. That goes for all sources of heat, including weather, styling products, and water.
Always use a heat protectant when styling your hair, or just give your hair a break from curling irons, straighteners, and blow dryers. Ceramic styling tool options are also slightly better for your hair.
Minimize Processing
Processing your hair with curling, straightening, coloring, and relaxing products can all weaken your hair if you use them too frequently. Go for at least two months between treatments to protect your hair.
It is also vital to opt for professional services rather than attempting these procedures yourself. Those trained in styling processes are less likely to damage your hair than an amateur.
Change Your Hair Ties
Tying your hair up in a ponytail, bun, or braid can be a good move if you plan to engage in physical activity. However, if you use the wrong hair ties, your hair may become damaged.
Elastic hair ties pull at your scalp and hair cuticles, causing damage. Opt for soft fabric hair ties or scrunchies that are not too tight.
Dry Your Hair Differently
Your hair is at its most vulnerable to damage when wet. As a result, a lot of damage can occur if you regularly dry your hair incorrectly. The friction of rubbing your hair dry with a towel can damage the cuticle of your hair.
Instead, try gently dabbing at your hair with a towel or wrapping your hair completely. It is also best to avoid blow drying your hair as much as possible.
Brush Your Hair Less
Brushing your hair can be a good way to distribute natural hair oils and detangle it. However, if you brush too much, it can lead to breakage. Only brush or comb your hair when needed, such as before washing it.
Avoid brushing when your hair is wet since that is when your hair is most vulnerable. You will likely encounter the least damage when you use a brush made from natural fibers.
Protect Your Hair from the Sun
Your skin is not the only part of you that can be damaged by the sun. Those delicate follicles are also vulnerable. An excess of sun weakens and dries the hair, leaving it prone to damage. Wear a hat, use a sun parasol, or try some UV protection hair products.
Change Your Products
Certain products and ingredients can hurt your hair. Take a look at the products you use and see if they have any red flag ingredients. Ingredients to avoid include synthetic fragrances, parabens, mineral oil, sulfates, formaldehyde, and denatured alcohols. Dry shampoo, hairspray, and salt spray can cause build-up or dry hair.
Hair Care Products to Repair Damaged Hair
- Moroccanoil Treatment
- Oribe Hair Alchemy Fortifying Treatment Serum
- Pureology Strength Cure shampoo and conditioner set
- Augustinus Bader Leave-In Treatment
- Olaplex brand
- Living Proof Scalp Care Dry Scalp Treatment
- Twist by Ouidad Strengthen The Bond – Bond Strengthening Hair Mask
FAQs
We want you to have all the information you need on how to make your hair healthy again. Check out answers to common questions below.
What are the signs of damaged hair?
The signs of damaged hair include dullness, split ends, dryness, dandruff, frizz, tangling easily, and lack of growth. Everyone may not have all of these symptoms. However, if you notice one or of few of these, it is a good idea to start some damage control.
Can you grow back damaged hair long and healthy?
Yes! It can take some time. However, with diligent care and a few changes, your damaged hair can come back. Make sure to keep up with regular trims so the damaged hair can be cut away.
How long can it take to get your hair healthy again?
The length of time it takes for the hair to get healthy again will depend on the extent of the damage. It usually takes between six and twelve months for a full head of hair to grow out, as long as you make the necessary changes.
Will trimming hair make it healthier?
Getting rid of some of your hair may sound counterproductive to helping your hair grow. However, getting a regular trim is one of the best ways to maintain your hair health.
Without regular trims, split ends can develop and damage the hair. Go to the barber or hairdresser every six to eight weeks for the best results.
Experiencing damaged hair can be very frustrating. Luckily, there are several actions you can take to alleviate damaged hair. It can take a bit of time to get the hair of your dreams, but it is easy with a few life changes. Soon you can have the healthy hair of your dreams.
