When your hair is damaged, the hair follicles break and split. The first thing that gets damaged is the cuticle inside the hair shaft, and as this cuticle pulls away after separation from its outer layers, the shaft gets broken very easily. We harm our hair in many ways. It’s important we learn how to prevent hair damage if healthy hair is our aim. Here are some questions and answers to help prevent hair damage.
Will the Use of Chemical Dyes Damage the Hair?
Many of us use chemical dyes to color our hair not realizing the serious damage they can cause to our hair. Chemicals can rob our hair of its natural moisturizers and rip off the lipid layer of fat that protects the hair cuticle. This results in frizzy dull and dried looking hair.
How to Prevent Chemical Dyes from Damaging Hair?
If you can’t help but use chemical dyes for coloring your hair, you should take some preventive measures to prevent hair damage. Frizzy, dull and dried hair can look better through the regular use of conditioning shampoos and conditioners. The use of conditioners a day before you color your hair is very effective in protecting your hair. Rub hair serums through the length of your hair to help hair damage from occurring. The only other option is to stop coloring your hair using these harsh chemicals. Choose dyes that are close to your natural hair color and dye your hair in a darker color to prevent damage.
Can Exposure to Sun Damage Hair?
When we go out in the sun, many of us forget to cover our heads. The harsh ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause damage to our hair just like it can harm our skin. Our hair like the skin gets tanned and starts looking pale and begin to lose its original shine. The UV light also weakens the hair structure leading to breakage and hair loss. Every time you need to go out in the sun for long hours, make sure you wear a hat or use any other protective gear for your head or carry an umbrella to help prevent hair damage. More than black hair, its grey hair and blonde hair that gets damaged when exposed to sunlight.
Will Blow-drying Damage the Hair?
Blow drying is not a good way to dry your hair and it can cause lots of damage to hair. When your hair is wet, it is extremely flexible and when heat is blown directly on to the hair shaft, it results in hair damage. There will be a loss of cuticle that protects your hair and it will leave the hair smelling burnt, with breakable split ends. Allow your hair to dry naturally and if you do need to use a hairdryer in cases of emergency, then use the lowest setting and then increase the speed gradually. Apply moisturizers to your hair regularly to prevent your hair from drying. If there are too many split ends then cut them off regularly and allow room for new hair to re-grow.
Will Straightening Hair Cause Any Damage?
The hair straightening process is done using a heated ceramic iron that is directly used on the hair. This direct use of a ceramic iron can cause untold damage to the hair. You need to protect your hair from direct heat and this can be done by using a moist towel to wrap around the iron and then applying on your hair. Many people fail to realize that hair is not alive. It cannot be healed like other parts of our body. Once hair is damaged it remains damaged and only growth of new hair can replace this damaged hair.
Steps to Follow To Prevent Hair Damage
- Trim hair regularly. It helps to remove split ends
- Use high quality brushes and combs on hair. Wide combs are best. Don’t comb wet hair
- Never brush hair vigorously. Use gentle strokes
- Use deep conditioners for your hair twice a week
- Eat plenty of protein rich foods
- Massage your scalp regularly to increase blood circulation on scalp
- Exercise regularly as it is not only good for your body but also your hair
Following all these guidelines will help prevent hair damage and leave your hair looking strong and healthy.
