A good hair day is an everyday dream! Irrespective of the hair color or texture, everyone wants the hair that looks perfect, like styled by a professional. But daily, our hair goes through a lot: pollution, climate changes, heat-styling, dying, and endless product testing. Your hair has probably had it all! So expecting flawless hair daily, without a proper hair care routine is a little too much.
Damaged hair is a combination of dryness, frizz, brittleness, dullness, and split ends. It is difficult to manage dry and rough hair, and if left untreated may cause hair fall. However dry and damaged hair treatment is easy with the use of the best damage repair products. Experts recommend using natural products for dry and frizzy hair to nourish, moisturize and strengthen the hair. But choosing the best-suited shampoo for dry hair and selecting damaged hair products starts by finding if you have dry and damaged hair.
Identifying Dry And Damaged Hair
Dry hair has a wide spectrum ranging from mild to severe, similar to that of dry skin. Identifying dry and damaged hair is important for proper rough hair treatment. Dry hair results when the hair doesn’t get or retain the moisture needed. Here are some cues to differentiate dry hair from damaged hair:
- Damaged hair has visible split ends and breaks easily when pulled
- Dry hair have a coarse, rough texture
- Truly damaged hair have dryness accompanied by white flakes of skin
- Damaged hair looks dry even after conditioning
- Dry hair needs moisture while truly damaged hair needs proteins
- Damaged hair does not hold hair colors and styles well.
When your hair shows signs of damage and dryness, it is a matter of concern, not to be ignored. More hair shedding can be a result of dry, damaged, and dead hair. Identifying damaged hair helps you to choose the best dry and frizzy hair products necessary for your damaged hair.
Signs Of Dry And Damaged Hair
Knowing proper signs of dry and damaged hair helps you follow a good hair care regime, correct handling of your hair, and thoughtful use of corrective products. You know that you have dry damaged hair if:
It’s tangled
Damaged hair gets easily tangled. The raised hair cuticles create more friction and grab onto other hair strands more aggressively than sleek, and closed hair cuticles. The lack of moisture on each strand can also add to the knotty, tangled hair situation. Careful gentle brushing, beginning from the hair ends, slowly moving upwards near the hair roots can help detangle hair with minimal damage.
It’s dull
Damaged hair lacks the natural oil, luster, and moisture content of the hair that coats the outside of the cuticle. Without this, the hair loses its moisture and shine. The look appears of the dull and dead hair.
It’s frizzy
The hair is protected by overlapping scales called cuticles which, on normal healthy hair, lie flat against one-another to strengthen the hair and give it a uniform, shiny appearance. When these cuticles are damaged or weakened, the core is exposed and vulnerable to snapping. When hair snaps off or breaks into split ends, the hair looks frizzy and dull.
It’s brittle and breaks easily
Brittle hair can feel like straw and break off easily. It’s one of the most difficult symptoms to manage, and it frequently occurs in overly processed hair like excessively blow-dried, straightened, or curled hair. The damaged hair has split ends that are brittle causing hair thinning.
It has dry ends
Dry hair ends develop split ends which can be caused due to a number of factors like the use of harsh chemical products, over heat application, or health conditions unable to secrete sebum. The dry ends lead to splitting and fraying of the hair shaft giving you damaged hair.
It grows slowly
When you want to have long luscious hair, but the hair doesn’t grow much even after waiting for long, it’s a typical damaged and dry hair symptom. The damaged hair with weak hair follicles, split ends, and brittle hair tends to grow very slowly.
Taking timely note of these dry hair symptoms is important to get ontime dry damaged hair treatments. Knowing signs, causes and best remedies can get you beautiful, healthy, and radiant hair locks.
What Causes Dry And Damaged Hair?
Each of our hair strands has three layers. The inner layer called the medulla is surrounded by the middle layer called cortex. The outer layer is the cuticle that protects your hair. When this layer gets damaged, your hair becomes dry and brittle and is at risk for further damage and breakage.
The external factors causing dry and damaged hair are:
Environmental Factors
The blowing wind can tangle hair around itself and cause the cuticles to scrape off. Pollution builds up on the hair fiber and causes it to snap. The sun not only dries out the hair, but leaves it crunchy and prone to breakage; particularly the UV rays are extremely damaging.
Heated Tools
Applying too much heat when styling is a major factor of dry, dull-looking, and brittle hair. Using heat on your hair too often can strip the hair of its natural moisture, change its core protein structure, and can even burn it permanently resulting in dead hair.
Chemical Styling
These make the hair appear smooth and healthy immediately after the process, but in the long run, the hair gets weakened and the cuticles no longer lie smoothly over one another above the hair’s cortex. This results in dryness, breakage, split ends, and damaged hair.
Over Coloring
Over-colouring can significantly weaken the hair fiber, which then finds it difficult to retain fresh color due to repeated exposure to ammonia. Every time you lighten your hair, it lifts the fibers’ cuticles so that the new color can penetrate and cover the hair shaft. By repeatedly doing this, the cuticles weaken permanently giving you dry and rough hair.
Harsh Brushing
Brushing your hair roughly, especially when wet, will tear out the hair, both from the roots and from weak sections along the hair shaft. This results in dry and damaged hair causing hair fall.
Over shampooing
When you wash your hair too much with a harsh shampoo, the shampoo starts to strip away sebum which is the natural oils from your scalp. The sebum nourishes and protects your cuticles. Hence when it is stripped away, there is dry and brittle hair.
Frequent swimming
Chlorinated and salty water n harms the hair, as it acts incredibly harsh on the scalp and delicate hair strands. The beach water and pool waters can leave your hair dry, brittle and lusterless. For this, you should always rinse immediately with clean water after every dip and apply deep conditioning hair cream or oil which will lock the hair moisture and prevent excessive drying of hair.
Using Wrong Towel
The hair is in its most vulnerable state when it has been just washed with shampoo, hot water and is wet. Instead of using a harsh cotton towel to dry the hair, use a cotton T-shirt or a microfiber towel and dab your hair for drying. Rubbing the towel against the wet hair hampers the hair shafts causing frizzy, brittle and dry hair.
Internal Factors that cause dry and damaged hair can be:
Dry scalp
Lack of sebum secretion causes dry hair, as this natural scalp oil lubricates the hair fiber to keep it healthy. The hair roots are under the skin, hence dry skin and dry scalp give you dry hair. A dry scalp can peel, shed and cause dandruff which leads to damaged hair.
Age
The hair produces less sebum as you get older. This lower level of natural hair moisturization results in dry and rough hair. Increasing age also hampers the hair’s ability to retain secreted natural hair moisture.
Hormonal changes
Menstrual periods, pregnancy, and menopause all have hormonal changes in a woman’s body. These can lead to dry damaged hair causing hormonal hair loss.
Anorexia nervosa
It is an eating disorder leading to malnutrition causing unhealthy, damaged hair or worse complications like baldness.
Hypothyroidism and Hypoparathyroidism
When there is an imbalance of thyroid and parathyroid hormones the skin and scalp can become unhealthy, and dry which causes dry and brittle hair. Infact, brittleness, dryness and roughness of hair can be early signs of these thyroid conditions.
Menkes syndrome
It is a genetic condition that hampers copper absorption of the cells. This low copper absorption affects hair health causing dry damaged hair.
When you know the cause of your dry damaged hair, it is time to start a hair care routine with the best treatment for damaged hair using products with keratin (KA)+damage repair haircare range with all the essential ingredients.
Best Haircare Products For Dry And Damaged Hair
The best hair care products for dry and damaged hair can be chosen perfectly when you know that your hair is suffering from damage and the causative factor of this dry hair condition. The Moms Co. Recommends the following products to repair the dry damaged hair and get healthy, shinier and thicker hair:
NATURAL PROTEIN HAIR SERUM
It has the goodness of Moroccan Argan Oil, Wheat, Pea and Oat Proteins. It is a silicone-free serum that protects, repairs, smoothens hair, and helps prevent environmental and chemical damage and reduces split ends. This serum adds volume, shine to the hair and forms a protective coat around the hair to protect it from damage and breakage.
NATURAL KA+ DAMAGE REPAIR SHAMPOO
This natural shampoo repairs the damaged hair with its Keratin and Moroccan Argan Oil formula which nourishes and conditions hair, restores softness and adds a natural shine to the damaged hair. It uses gentle, low-lathering coconut-based cleansers that clean your hair without taking away the natural hair moisture.
NATURAL KA+ DAMAGE REPAIR HAIR KIT
Natural Keratin in this improves hair strength, reduces breakage and repairs the damage caused by heat, chemical, and environmental factors. The natural Moroccan Argan Oil nourishes dry hair and restores the natural softness, shine and silkiness to your hair. It helps improve the compatibility of your hair, preventing hair breakage and hair loss.
NATURAL KA+ DAMAGE REPAIR HAIR CONDITIONER
It is a toxin-free natural damage repair Keratin conditioner. Enriched with Keratin & Moroccan Argan Oil that repair hair structure, shine and manageability, it also has Shea Butter and Proteins that form a protective layer around the hair, making it softer, smoother and silkier. Keratin and Natural Pro-Vitamin B5 repair damaged hair and deeply nourish the cortex of the hair and reverses the harmful effects of chemicals, hair treatments and pollution.
ANTI HAIR FALL 3-STEP PROTEIN KIT
This Protein and Moroccan Argan Oil hair fall kit with protein shampoo, conditioner, and serum. It strengthens, repairs and protects hair, adding volume, and shine to the dry, damaged hair. The Coconut-based cleansers gently cleanse your hair and save them from the harmful effects of high-lathering, chemical-based shampoos, while silk and wheat proteins strengthen hair and reduce hair fall. The beetroot extract assists in better blood circulation to the scalp and helps to nourish hair from within and reduces itchiness.
NATURAL ANTI-HAIR FALL COMPLETE CARE KIT
This kit helps strengthen your hair with the power of Natural Proteins and oils like Amla, Bhringraj and Coffee. Its a perfect solution for hair strengthening, thinning hair, hair breakage, and split ends. It is enriched with Murumuru Seed Butter which nourishes and strengthens hair and helps hair retain moisture. Amla and Bhringraj oils reduce hair fall.
All these products are completely natural, sulfatefree, and paraben-free, being the best choice for repairing and reversing any hair dryness, hair loss problem and acting as the best treatment for damaged hair.
Best Hair Care Ingredients For Dry And Damaged Hair
Keratin
Keratin is a protein that makes up your hair, skin, and nails. It is a protective protein that helps strengthen the hair to prevent it from breakage, heat damage, and frizz. Keratin traps water for hair hydration which is important for strong, shiny, voluminous, and healthy hair.
Moroccan Argan Oil
Moroccan Argan Oil, popularly known as the ‘liquid gold’, is highly moisturizing and rich in vitamins A, E, omega 3s and essential fatty acids. It provides nutrients that moisturize, repair and, protect hair shafts to be stronger, healthier, and thicker-looking. Linoleic acid, the key content of argan oil moisturizes the hair, and tocopherols protect hair from UV rays damage. Moroccan argan oil helps tame your frizzy hair, treating the dry split ends and acting as an ideal hair conditioner.
Wheat Proteins
Wheat proteins are capable of infusing easily into the thin hair strands, adding up to the proteins of hair follicles. This strengthens the hair and increases hair volume. Wheat proteins can lock the water and moisture to form a protective coat around the hair reversing dry damaged hair.
Marula oil
Marula oil nourishes the hair from the roots, acts as a natural hair conditioner without a greasy effect. It does not clog the scalp, but has water locking properties and maintains the scalp’s natural pH balance. The antimicrobial properties solve any scalp issues like itching and dandruff. It coats the hair shaft imparting a hydrating and moisturizing effect that prevents frizzy, dry, and brittle hair.
Almond oil
Almond oil strengthens hair structure by infusing nutrients and moisturizing the hair follicles. It has the capability to protect damaged hair against harsh brushing, heat styling, and coloring due to its rich fatty acids content making hair smooth, silky; and avoiding brittleness and breakage.
Moringa oil
It makes the hair stronger and shinier. Moringa oil has zinc which is important for good hair health and boosts keratin production. It reduces split ends, prevents graying of hair, and rejuvenates dull and dry hair with its rich essential vitamins and minerals contents. Moringa oil protects against hair damage due to pollution.
Aloe vera
The proteolytic enzymes in the aloe vera repair dead skin cells of the scalp, reducing any itching and dandruff formation. It is rich in vitamins A, B12, C, and E. Aloe vera offers UV radiation and sun damage protection.
Shea butter
Shea Butter is rich in vitamins A and E. It replenishes lost oils to the scalp and hair, moisturizing and soothing dry hair. It works as a sealant keeping in all the moisture on the hair, giving hair a healthy, shiny softness. Shea butter reduces dry itchy scalps and fights frizzy hair.
Murumuru seed butter
Murumuru seed butter can deeply penetrate the hair cuticle and provide nourishment. High saturated and monounsaturated fats in it repair dry damaged hair follicles. It retains hair elasticity and moisture while softening and strengthening the hair. Murumuru seed oil protects dry hair from environmental changes.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil has the ability to repair dry damaged hair. It penetrates deep into the hair shaft and prevents protein loss, in turn preventing hair breakage, brittle hair, and hair fall. It is a natural hair conditioner, that tames the frizzy dry hair, and makes the dull hair look shiny and luscious.
Beetroot
Mineral-rich beetroots have vitamin A, vitamin C, Iron, Magnesium, Folate, Potassium, and antioxidants. The carotenoids in it help in better blood circulation in the scalp and nourish the hair follicles from within.
Olive oil
Olive oil is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants and acts as a great moisturizer preventing hair dryness. It reduces itchiness, fights dandruff and unclogs the clogged hair follicles. The omega 3s and 6s fatty acids keep hair from breakage and prevent dry hair.
Look for these natural ingredients in your hair care products to get maximum benefit in the treatment of damaged hair.
Home Remedies For Treating Dry And Damaged Hair
Home remedies can help the dry hair treatment if done regularly. These home remedies are easy to try, with easily available ingredients:
Hot oil massages
It is a popular home remedy for the treatment of dry damaged hair. You can use coconut, castor, almond, olive, or jojoba oil which are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Hot oil massages help seal the hair moisture. For this:
- Warm (do not boil) half cup of oil
- Gently massage the hair for 20 minutes
- Cover the hair with a wet hot towel
- Leave it for 30 minutes or you can also leave the oil in hair overnight
- Wash the hair with natural chemical-free shampoo
DIY Hair masks
Simple DIY hair masks can help volumize the hair follicles and strengthen the brittle and dry hair.
- Coconut and curry leaves mask
- Boil some curry leaves in 4 tablespoons of coconut oil.
- Cool it down
- Make a mixture of coconut milk, this homemade oil, and a grinded paste of curry leaves.
- Apply this mixture to the dry hair evenly
- Leave for 20 mins
- Wash with lukewarm water
- Egg mask
- Mix egg white, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of honey.
- Apply it to the hair and scalp.
- Cover it with a shower cap or plastic wrap.
- Rinse with cool water and mild shampoo
- Mayonnaise hair mask
- Wet the hair with warm water
- Gently apply a thick layer of mayonnaise working through the scalp extending to the dry hair ends.
- Cover the head with plastic wrap
- Leave it for 30 minutes
- Wash off the hair with cool water and shampoo
- Yogurt and oil mask
- Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 7 drops of essential oil to half a cup of yogurt.
- Make a smooth paste
- Apply this mixture to shampooed hair.
- Leave it on hair for 15 minutes
- Rinse hair with lukewarm water
- Avocado mask
- Mash a ripe avocado and mix it with 3 tablespoon of coconut oil
- Apply it onto the hair
- Leave it for 20 minutes
- Rinse with lukewarm water
- Banana mask
- Mash one ripe banana
- Mix 2 tablespoons of milk with it
- Spread on the hair from roots till the hair ends
- Leave it for 30 minutes
- Wash off with warm water
- Gelatin mask
- Mix 1 tablespoon of gelatin with 1 cup of warm water
- Leave it aside for 5 minutes
- Add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and 6 drops of an essential oil, like jasmine, lavender, or rosemary to the preparation and stir
- Apply the mixture to clean hair
- Leave it on for 15 minutes
- Rinse with cool water
Using beer as a conditioner
Beer has proteins that can repair damaged hair cuticles, and make the dry hair smooth and shiny. You can use beer after washing off the shampoo or you can sprinkle some beer drops on wet hair and allow it to dry. Beer works as a natural hair conditioner.
Take nutritious diet
Change unhealthy eating habits to healthy nutritious choices. Have fruits and berries containing vitamin C, A, E, B, omega 3s and 6s, antioxidants, zinc, and selenium. Eat protein-rich foods, green leafy vegetables, and seafoods that will make dry damaged hair look healthier, shinier, voluminous, and stronger.
Take supplements
Taking the right supplements helps fight damaged hair and regulate blood circulation to the scalp. Supplements of Vitamin D, B12, biotin, and omega 3s are sometimes needed to get silky, healthy and brittle-free hair.
Change hair damaging habits
Habits like tight ponytails, metal clips, and the same hairdo damage the hair follicles. Do not wash your hair daily. Use sulfate-free, paraben-free shampoo and conditioner suited for your hair type and hair problem. Use lukewarm or cold or tepid water to wash your hair instead of hot water. Trim the hair frequently to prevent split ends and brittle hair. Wear hats and scarves to protect the hair from the wind, UV rays, and sun damage. Condition your hair each time after washing.
Stick to one shade
It is recommended to choose a hair color ranging within three shades of your natural hair color. Selecting darker shades is better than lighter hair color shades to have minimal hair damage. Sticking to one shade, dyeing the hair less often; and getting your hair colored from a professional helps prevent permanent damage to the dry hair.
Choose semi permanent treatments
Permanent hair alteration treatments like permanent straightening or perming or curling have an aggressive impact on the hair follicles due to the use of harsh chemicals. Instead, opt for semi-permanent treatments like smoothening or keratin hair treatments to avoid dry damaged hair.
Wash with cold water
Hot water opens up the cuticles, exposing them to damage. Washing hair with cool or cold water helps protect the inner hair layers and locks the natural hydrating hair oils within the hair follicles.
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
To restore the pH of your hair, the apple cider vinegar rinse works the best. When the scalp and hair pH is balanced, it adds a shine and silky texture to the hair. It helps to unclog the hair follicles.
Rice water rinse
A very old practice that helps the hair regain its shine, smoothness and strength is rice water rinse once a week. Inositol in the rice penetrates the damaged hair follicles and repairs them from within. For this, soak 4 tablespoons of rice in 2 glasses of water overnight. Next morning drain the rice, separating the rice water and wash your hair with this thoroughly.
These home treatments for dry hair and some cautious hair handling can help revert the damaged hair to beautiful healthy shiny hair.
When To See A Doctor
When you experience dry hair with an itchy scalp, intolerance to cold, severe hair loss, fatigue, and weight loss, you should see a doctor. You should consult a dermatologist if you experience hair thinning rather than dry hair. Even when doing necessary changes in your hair care, you do not notice any positive changes with the dry hair state; it’s time to visit a doctor to rule out any underlying cause. Getting your hair and scalp examined thoroughly is sometimes necessary for the treatment of damaged hair.
Healthy hair takes time and sincere efforts to fight all the dry and damaged hair. Begin a proper hair care routine as soon as you start noticing the hair damage signs like dry hair, brittle hair, frizzy and rough hair. Choose hair care products cautiously like natural and best shampoo for dry hair, and best conditioner for dry hair with natural oils to bring back the lost smoothness, shine, moisture and strength of your hair. Change your hair damaging habits and give your hair some extra love and attention they need.