You want to know a weird fact about me – I’ve been chemically treating my hair since I was 10 years old. That’s almost 23 years of chemical treatments, 1-2 times every year. It isn’t the healthiest choice but it’s something I voluntarily choose to do to achieve my version of ‘Becky with the good hair.’ With so many years of pumping chemicals into my hair also comes damage, but I’ve learned that with a little TLC (and the right products) I can also pump life, moisture and shine back into my locks! Here are a few tips and tricks for repairing damaged hair.
1// Space out your washes. I understand that this could be hard for some but your hair thrives on its natural oils. My hairstyling schedule typically goes like this:
- Day 1 Hair (Freshly washed): Straight or pulled back into a low, loose bun
- Day 2 Hair: Styled straight
- Day 3 Hair: Tight girls
- Day 4 Hair: Leftover curled hair
- Day 5 Hair: Left over curled hair day 2 with some volumizing spray – the Living Proof Volume Blast is my favorite!
- Day 6 Hair: Spray in some dry shampoo and do a variation of this awesome blowout trick
- Day 7 Hair: Finger comb and hope for the best. If I want to get creative, sometimes I’ll do a side braid into a ponytail.
I know not everyone can go a whole week between washes but you should seriously consider at least going three days to help your hair dance in its oils, this reduces split ends.
2// Use repairing treatments and masks. Since I only wash my hair once a week I make sure to feed my hair with plenty of nutrients during each wash. After I condition I slap on a few drops of the Chi Silk Infusion Silk Reconstructing Complex for 3-5 minutes, then rinse out. It leaves my hair smooth and silky. I also apply Infusium Leave-In Spray for extra moisture because I have really dry hair and could always use a little something.
3// Towel dry without the towel. The materials used for towels can be rough on the hair shaft and can cause breakage, not to mention unwanted frizz. A stylist once told me to either invest in a hair towel or use a cotton tee to dry my hair. The cotton is actually way gentler on the hair and reduces frizz. I’ve noticed a difference since I did the switch.
4// Heat Protection is Key. Unfortunately I’m not one of those people that can air dry my hair before styling, if you can pull that off I highly suggest you go that route to protect your locks from too much heat. Since I’m not given that luxury heat protectant sprays and serums are my friend. I put four pumps of this before I blow dry and spray with this before I flat iron. Both products leave my hair silky smooth and help manage frizz while protecting from all that heat.
5// Get a trim. This is an obvious tip but one that I personally don’t follow. Since I chemically relax my hair straight every few months (4-6 months between each session), I only cut my hair then which is too much time in-between trims. To reduce split ends, try getting a trim every 2-3 months for healthier hair.
[BONUS] I thought I’d share a few reader suggestions, too! Leave it to Instagram to crowdsource!
Reader Suggestions:
- “I use Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Hair Mask and concentrate it on the ends of my hair for an added layer of moisture.”
- “Ceaderwood and lavender essential oil – sprayed on after shower and before bed.”
- “Arbonne’s hair revitalizing mask. It’s made with pure and safe ingredients.”
- “I like an at-home remedy of a teaspoon apple cider vinegar with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 3 egg whites. Leave on for 15 minutes and wash out. It leaves hair super moisturized!”
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