Chemically treated hair like that which is bleached, colored or straightened frequently suffers damage from processing. While some is inevitable, protective strategies help hair recover resiliency between salon visits.
Deep Hydration is Key
Dried out cuticles lack oil reserves for flexibility. Rich, intensive masks deposited with keratin, proteins and oils penetrate cracks to rebuild strength from within. Look for butters like shea and oils such as coconut, jojoba and avocado which actively hydrate as they nourish. Overnight treatments are most regenerative.
Bond Building Nutrients
Natural products with amino acids, fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins B5, C and E rebuild bonds broken during chemical processing. Hydrolyzed proteins and keratin bind to hair to enhance structure weakened by coloring and lightening. Silica also supports collagen production within the hair shaft itself.
Limit Heat Tools
Blow drying, curling and straightening with flat irons further compromise porous hair cuticles. Let hair air dry when possible and limit high heat settings during styling, instead opting to use diffusers or lower temperature tools.
Gentle Cleansing
Harsh sulfate-laden shampoos can over-strip hair of natural oils regenerated through conditioning treatments. Opt for sulfate-free cleansers sans alcohol, dye or mineral oil which can exacerbate dryness over time. Curl Quench Co-Washes offer an even gentler daily cleanse.
Trim Regularly
Split ends propagate further breakage up the hair shaft. Bi-monthly haircuts specifically targeting frazzled ends maintain healthy hair shaft integrity while maximizing length retention between trims.
Protective Styling
Use soft scrunchies, satin or silk pillowcases and scarves which are less abrasive than terry cloth. Avoid tight styles and braids which stress weakened hair, and routinely apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner high in oils to further safeguard hair health when worn down as well.
With diligence in reconstructing hair’s natural protective lipid layer and structure, you can restore suppleness and prevent damage from ever spiraling out of control again. Your hair will thank you!
Diet Plays a Role: Optimize hair growth by focusing on key nutrients. Protein plays a structural role in hair keratin production, so eat lean meats, fish, eggs, nuts and legumes. Iron supports blood flow to follicles – fortify diets with spinach, lentils and pumpkin seeds. Biotin, found in egg yolks, nuts and salmon, stimulates cell turnover. A diet rich in these building blocks enables optimal hair follicle function.
Hydration Matters: Hair is 70% water, so dehydration negatively impacts health and growth cycles. Drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily and limit caffeinated and alcoholic drinks known to remove moisture from the body. Staying hydrated on the inside delivers nourishment outward to strands.
Massage fingertips onto your scalp while shampooing. This stimulates circulation to follicles essential for nutrient delivery and waste removal that prevents shrinking hair cycles over time. Dermatologists recommend massaging for at least 5 minutes a day with a nourishing oil.
Heat Styling Hacks: Limit use of hot tools to control moisture loss and limit structural damage to strands. Keep temperatures below 350°F when blow drying and never sleep with curled or straight hair still on hot rollers. Consider letting hair air dry when possible or using heated styling protectant sprays and heat shields.
Supplement Strategies: Taking supplements to address underlying deficiencies can turbocharge results when combined with an optimized diet:
Biotin supplements are backed to improve hair and nail strength when taken under physician supervision. Its popularity stems from bioavailability to follicles.
Collagen peptides or powder added to smoothies deliver amino acids to support elasticity and discourage breakage. Keratin supplements contribute cysteine for disulfide bonds.
Iron supports oxygenation of follicles. Zinc maintains scalp health and sebum production, aiding shine. Vitamin D regulates androgen sensitivity and reduces shedding. Silica stimulates collagen for growth and thicker strands.
Proper trims are periodically needed to remove split ends from overprocessed hair no longer feeding the hair bulb. Regular haircuts promote new growth by removing damaged “dead weight”. Whip out the trimmers to support healthy growth cycles!
Master mind-body practices like meditation, yoga and adequate quality sleep also nourish the entire body for beauty within and affordable home maintenance outside the salon. With diligence, you can experience noticeable hair growth and improvement.
