Do you sometimes feel like your hair has a life of its own? Maybe it's frizzy, brittle, or just won't hold a style. If this sounds familiar, you may be dealing with chemically damaged hair. Chemical damage is a problem that affects many people and can leave you feeling frustrated but treating and preventing chemically damaged hair with the right knowledge and tools is possible. By the end of this article, you will have all the details to keep your locks looking healthy, luscious, and damage-free.
Understanding Chemical Hair Damage
Before diving into the warning signs of chemically damaged hair, it's important to understand the causes behind it. Chemical damage occurs when the hair's protective outer layer, known as the cuticle, is compromised. These chemicals can weaken the hair's natural structure, making it more prone to breakage.
This can happen for various reasons, including treatments such as keratin, straightening, smoothening, etc. Although these treatments tame unruly hair and straighten them for longer periods, they can cause long-term damage to the hair. These treatments involve using harsh chemicals like sodium and calcium hydroxide and high temperatures to mould the hair into the desired shape. This is a direct cause of chemical trauma to the hair and scalp in the form of skin burns and damage to the hair follicles.
The risk of chemical damage also comes from hair dyes and bleaching. Hair dyes contain chemicals like ammonia, PPD and resorcinol and bleach contains hydrogen peroxide that is used to strip the hair’s natural colour away so a different colour can be applied. As with hair straightening treatments, hair dyes and bleach do the trick temporarily but expose the hair and scalp to chemical damage. Over time, this damage weakens the hair and can cause split ends, breakage, and general dullness.
Another culprit is the overuse of heat-styling tools, such as flat irons and curling wands, which can also weaken hair and cause it to become dry and brittle. Additionally, harsh shampoos and conditioners and exposure to environmental factors such as sun, wind, and other weather conditions can take a toll on your hair's health, contributing to damaged hair.
Signs of Chemically Damaged Hair
Here are some of the most recognisable signs of hair that are chemically damaged:
- Increased hair loss
- Dry and brittle hair that break easily
- Split ends and flyaways
- Dull hair with less or no visible shine
- Uneven hair texture
- Excessive tangling when wet
- Dry, itchy scalp that may have a rash or flaking
- Lack of hair elasticity
Prevention and Treatment of Chemically Damaged Hair
First and foremost, it's crucial to find the proper hair treatment for damaged hair that your hair type needs.
The all-rounder, 3-step routine for most damaged hair types comes from the Pro Maintenance System from iluvia. It includes the Sulfate Free Shampoo, Hair Repair Mask and Hair Protection Serum.
This shampoo for damaged hair has a Micro Emulsion formula that is mild yet effective. It cleanses the hair and scalp without removing natural oils while minimising dryness and frizz. It protects dry, dull and porous hair from further damage from chemicals and pollutants.
The next product in this 3-step routine is the Hair Repair Mask. The moisture-repellent hair mask prevents damage caused by moisture and humidity. It also prevents split ends, dryness, frizz and tangles, leaving hair softer and shinier.
Complete this hair repair treatment with the Hair Protection Serum. A few drops of this lightweight serum massaged into your hair will further shield it from damage caused by heat styling and environmental stressors.
As iluvia recognises that wavy, curly and coily hair types need a hair care routine of their own; thus the Wavy & Curly Care System came about. This hair care system is not just formulated for this hair type but also for those with coarse, frizzy hair that could have been caused by chemical damage.
The best shampoo for damaged hair of this type is the Repair Reviver Shampoo which naturally enhances the hair’s ability to retain its curly or wavy shape and mildly cleanses it.
Use the Repair Reviver Mask in conjunction with this shampoo as a damaged hair treatment. It not only further enhances the retention of hair shape but also improves frizz control and detangling.
Seal the goodness of these products by finishing your hair wash routine with the Hair Protection Serum. Enriched with Argan, Olive Squalene and Baobab Oils, it strengthens the hair’s lipid barrier and protects it from heat and environmental damage.
For colour-damaged hair repair, this system is trusted by leading salons for coloured, pigmented (semi-permanent and permanent), bleached and highlighted hair. It helps maintain hair colour while acting as hair damage and hair breakage treatment.
The best shampoo for dry, damaged hair that is coloured is the Colour Lock Shampoo. Mild and pH-balanced, it cleans the hair and scalp, preventing colour degradation and colour bleed. It also combats hair issues like dryness, frizziness and breakage.
To condition your hair after washing, turn to the Colour Lock Mask. With this hair mask, you can look forward to enhanced colour vibrancy, stronger and smoother hair, and a longer colour life. This is why it is one of the best conditioners for damaged hair that is treated.
And for the finishing touch, dab a few drops of the Hair Protection Serum into your hair to protect it from damage by heat, UV rays, free radicals and other external factors.
Next, it's essential to handle your hair with care. Avoid over-washing and opt for air-drying or using a low-heat setting on your hair dryer. Be gentle when combing your hair, especially when wet, as it's most vulnerable to damage.
One of the best practices to take up is to use a few drops of the iluvia Hair Protection Serum or Intensive Hair Care Serum on your damp hair. The former is for thick, frizzy hair and the latter is for thin, frizz-prone hair. Both serums shield the hair from heat, moisture and environmental pollutants.
In addition to proper hair care practices, eating healthily and drinking plenty of water are also essential in preventing and treating chemically damaged hair. Eating a balanced diet with enough protein, healthy fats, and vitamins can help nourish and strengthen your hair from within.
In conclusion, chemically damaged hair is a common problem that can cause a myriad of frustrations. You can protect and maintain them by incorporating good hair care practices and using the best hair treatment for damaged hair tailor-made for you.
iluviapro.com has all the hair care secrets and products to set you on the path to happy, healthy hair.