Dealing with damaged hair

What is hair damage?

The difference between healthy hair and damaged hair is all down to the layer that’s referred to as the hair’s cuticle. This is a protective layer on the outside of the hair strand that keeps the inner layer protected from external aggressors. In a healthy hair strand, this cuticle is uniform and sealed, meaning hair appears sleek and shiny. However, the cuticle of a damaged hair strand is jagged and uneven, leaving the inner layer exposed and hair looking and feeling damaged.

The key signs of damaged hair:

Dryness

The hair cuticle works to seal in moisture, a damaged cuticle means that hair cannot naturally retain moisture and therefore quickly dries out. Dry hair will have a rough, straw-like texture and may be difficult to brush, leading to further damage and breakage.

Dullness

Damaged hair lacks the natural shine of healthy hair. Product and pollution build-up on hair that has a damaged cuticle will leave it looking dull and lacklustre. 

Frizz

Damaged hair is desperate for moisture and will try and find it wherever it can, this means your hair will start to try and absorb moisture from the air leaving it looking frizzy.

Shedding

Damaged hair is more prone to breakage, so you may notice you’re finding more hair than usual on your hairbrush or in the shower.

Thin ends

Damage to hair ends can leave them looking thinner and lacking volume. Split ends are a key sign of hair damage and leave the ends of your hair looking sparse as well as adding to a rough, straw-like feel and appearance.

Difficulties with colour

Damaged hair is more porous, meaning it absorbs colour unevenly and your hair colour may come out patchy or a darker colour than you originally intended. Damaged hair also struggles to hold onto colour due to the damaged cuticle, so the colour may fade much more quickly. For best results when colouring hair, ensure any damage is treated prior to use.

How to repair damaged hair:

Protein is the building block for healthy hair and is vital in keeping hair looking and feeling its best. When the hair's structure is damaged, a protein treatment is great for supporting your hair to rebuild itself, as well as helping healthier, and stronger hair to grow, reducing future damage. 

Hair Repair vegan shampoo and conditioner is a daily use sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner packed full of healthy proteins and fats to rebuild damaged hair from within. Weak, brittle hair is rejuvenated, and hair is protected against future breakage.

For hair in desperate need of restoration, Urgent Repair damage recovery treatment works in just 20 minutes to deeply condition, and strengthen hair, sealing the cuticle and restoring bounce, shine and elasticity to extremely dry and damaged hair.

How to tell if your hair needs protein:

The easiest way to tell if your hair needs protein is a strand test. Simply take a single strand of hair and gently stretch it, if your hair barely stretches and snaps very easily, your hair needs moisture. However, if your hair is very stretchy and elastic, you are lacking protein. A protein treatment will really benefit your hair, making it stronger.