How to Repair Damaged Hair

How to Repair Damaged Hair

Hair extensions are not a quick-fix to achieving beautiful hair. Yes, they can enhance the beauty of your own natural hair, but if your natural hair is not in good condition then hair extensions can actually have a detrimental, damaging effect on your hair. If you’re planning on having hair extensions fitted it’s a good idea to make sure your hair is in tip-top condition first:

• Wash hair less often – Washing your hair strips away its natural oils, so if you wash it every day you may find it becoming more and more greasy to compensate. Try to wash hair less often to allow the natural oils to do their job. If your hair becomes too greasy between washes use a little dry shampoo to absorb some of the grease and freshen your hair up. Persevere and eventually your hair will become less greasy and the cuticles will become stronger.
• Choose your shampoo carefully – Many shampoos contain chemicals such as sulphates which can actually damage hair. Where possible try to use natural based products on your hair as they’re much kinder to it.
• Condition regularly – Invest in a good quality conditioning hair masque and use it once a week to give your hair a deep, nourishing treat. Don’t forget to condition with your regular conditioner each time you wash your hair too.
• Don’t brush hair when wet – Your hair is at its weakest when wet so try not to brush it until it’s around 50% dry. Use a wide-toothed comb to gentle coax any tangles and knots out of your hair. A leave-in conditioner will make your hair easier to comb when damp. It’s also wise to invest in a natural bristled brush as these are kinder to your hair.
• Avoid too much heat – Turn down the temperature on the shower slightly as hot water can cause damage to your hair. If you have to blow-dry your hair then use a lower setting and remove the concentrator nozzle. Try to avoid hair straighteners and curling tongs if you’re trying to strengthen damaged hair. If you really must use straighteners then ensure they’re ceramic to reduce the amount of times you need to run them over your hair.
• Have a trim – If you have split ends it’s advisable to get your hair trimmed. Even if you’re trying to grow it you should get half an inch or so trimmed off to get rid of dead ends. This should go some way towards stopping the damage from spreading further up the hair cuticle.
• Avoid hair dye – If you’re trying to strengthen and repair damaged hair then it’s wise to avoid dying your hair unless it’s absolutely necessary. Hair dye contains harsh chemicals that can weaken the hair cuticle and lead your hair to become brittle and damaged.
• You are what you eat – Your diet affects your hair so it’s worth watching what you eat if you’re trying to strengthen your hair. Hair is made of protein so eating plenty of meat, eggs, nuts etc will give it the nutrients it needs. Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish are also important for healthy hair. Vitamins B6 and B12 play a vital role in improving the condition of your hair as well as your overall wellbeing so stock up on red meats, cheese, spinach and bananas.

Your hair won’t magically become healthy overnight, but if you follow the tips above you should see results in a few months. After that your hair should be well on its way to becoming strong enough for bonded hair extensions!

For more information visit: Foxy Hair Extensions 

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