How to repair hair damaged by chemical and heat styling

By Anne Mungai (@annemungai_)

Beautiful hair is often damaged by frequent heat use and chemical processes namely relaxing and coloring. This processes make hair smooth and shiny but in the long run, they strip oils off the hair, removing proteins and drying out the cuticle. The hair eventually becomes dry, frizzy, weak and full of split ends.

Split ends appear with a ‘Y’ shape at the end of the hair and if not trimmed, can split the hair into two halves resulting in weak hair

There are steps however to repair this.

Trim: This might be painful for most but it is necessary. Have regular trimming to get rid of all the split ends. This will protect the rest of the hair and make your hair appear bouncy with lots of body.

Moisturizing shampoos: Such shampoos ensure that oils and lipids are not stripped from the hair during hair wash. Moisturized hair is less likely to snap during styling.

Protein treatment: This product will help make the hair strong again to stand up against harsh heat and chemical processes.

Moisturizing treatment: This is also another form of treatment meant to restore moisture to the hair. It is advisable to alternate between protein and moisturizing deep treatment. What they will do, is that they will make the hair strong and moisturized as well.

Leave in conditioners and moisturizers: Using these products will help keep moisture to the hair and aid during styling. When hair is not moisturized, it breaks and this will not be helpful in maintaining length.

Remember that oils are not moisturizers

Oils: There are plenty of oils to help keep hair soft after moisturizing. Good examples of these natural oils is olive oil, castor oil or even coconut oil. Experiment with all these oils and see what’s best.  

Protect: Protect the hair from frequent chemical and heat styles by opting to braid or use weave between relaxers. This helps to ensure hair is not frequently being combed, styled or weakened.

Black hair needs a lot of moisture to prevent breakage and maintain length. Great hair is a product of the care given to it. No product will help grow hair, all they do is help care and prevent hair breakage.

photo:rollingout.com