Who doesn’t like beautiful, soft, shiny hair? But cosmetic procedures like dyeing, bleaching, curling, and hair straightening and the chemical and heat treatments these entail can disrupt the complex structure of your hair. So can vigorous brushing and even overexposure to the sun. And let’s face it, damaged, hard-to-manage hair can be quite a nightmare. Let’s take a look at some signs which indicate that you have damaged hair and natural treatments that might be able to help.
4 Signs Of Damaged Hair
Hair has no nerve connections and since you don’t feel pain you might not realize it when you cause damage to your crowning glory. However, the visible signs of hair damage are unmistakable:
1. Brittle Hair
Brittle hair is a common sign of damage. Weakened hair can break and give you split ends. And harsh chemical treatments are a common cause of brittle hair. But brushing your hair roughly, using an inappropriate comb (for example, a fine toothed comb on really curly hair) or teasing hair can also lead to breakage. Braids and hair extensions can cause damage too. Sometimes, brittle hair can indicate medical issues like an eating disorder or hypothyroidism, so do check in with a doctor if you have brittle hair and the common causes for it don’t apply to you.1
2. Sun Bleached Hair
You may already know that your skin needs protection from the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun, but did you know overexposure to the sun can damage your hair too? The UV rays of the sun fray the outer layer of the hair, known as the cuticle, which protects the inner layers. Exposure to the sun can also break down melanin, a pigment that gives hair its color, which in turns dries out hair and causes it to lose strength and become brittle. 2
3. Dull Hair
Hair damage can remove the protective layer of fat that coats the cuticle and gives your hair a glossy sheen. And chemical treatments are a common culprit when it comes to stripping your hair of natural moisturizers, leaving you with dull, dried out hair.3
4. Dry Hair
The scales of the cuticle (the outer layer of hair) overlap tightly on healthy hair and protect the inner layers from environmental factors. But when hair is damaged, the scales can separate and this can dry out your hair.4
7 Natural Treatments For Damaged Hair
Protecting your hair from the sun, harsh chemicals, and heat can help keep it healthy. But if you’ve got damaged air, some natural treatment might also be able to help:
1. Coconut Oil Massage
A major component of coconut oil is lauric acid which is really good for your hair. One study found that it can penetrate the hair shaft and reduce protein loss from damaged and undamaged hair both as a pre-wash and post-wash treatment. So, massaging some warm coconut oil into your hair can do it a world of good.5
2. Olive Oil Massage
Olive oil is often called liquid gold and it certainly lives up to that name where your hair is concerned. It’s rich in vitamin E and fatty acids omega 3, 6, and 9 which nourish hair follicles. The oleic acid in it can restore and rejuvenate both your hair and scalp. Massaging some warm olive oil into your hair can not only improve elasticity and shine but also moisturize hair and reduce frizz.6
3. Avocado Hair Mask
Avocados contain phytosterols, vitamin E, and monounsaturated fatty acids which work really well at conditioning stressed-out hair. Scoop out avocado pulp and mash it so it becomes a creamy paste. Now mix in some unsalted butter and an egg yolk. Apply this mixture to your hair and scalp and leave it on for an hour or two. Rinse off for smooth, shiny hair. You can also apply a mixture of warm avocado and olive oil to condition your hair. 7
4. Egg Protein Wash
You might already know that eggs are a wonderful source of nutrients for your body. It’s not only rich in protein but also vitamins and minerals. And this makes it great for your hair as well. You can combine a couple of egg yolks with some olive oil for a protein-rich treatment. Leave the mixture on for twenty to thirty minutes and rinse off with cold water to strengthen hair. And do remember to condition after this treatment so that you don’t have any problems detangling your hair.8
5. Banana Hair Mask
Bananas are rich in natural oils, vitamins, and protein. These can enhance strength and shine as well as help protect the natural elasticity of your hair and prevent breakage and split ends. Puree a couple of ripe bananas with a couple of tablespoons of honey and a tablespoon of olive oil to make a conditioning mask. Wet your hair with warm water and apply the mask. Make sure you leave the mask on for at least fifteen minutes. You can cover your hair with a plastic shower cap or warm towel so the mask really soaks in. Rinse off afterward.9 10
6. Honey Wash
Honey is a humectant and can help retain moisture. This makes it an excellent conditioner.11 You can add a teaspoon of honey to a cup of warm water and apply to wet hair. Wash off after ten minutes to experience the amazing conditioning powers of honey. A mixture of honey and coconut oil also works really well as a strengthening shine booster when rinsed off after ten minutes.12
7. Yogurt Conditioner
Yogurt has moisturizing properties which make it a natural conditioner. It also contains proteins which nourish and strengthen your hair.13 Whisk an egg yolk with some plain yogurt and massage it into your hair. Leave it in for fifteen to twenty minutes and rinse to get well-conditioned, stronger hair.14
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