If you have damaged hair 一 we’re talking breakage, split ends and dryness 一 then you know just how frustrating it can be to manage. Whether it’s the result of constant bleaching or relying a little too much on hot tools and chemical treatments, having damaged hair changes everything. Your blowouts might lack smoothness, your hair appears dull, the ends may feel brittle and you might even be dealing with frizz and unruly flyaways as a result of breakage.
Chances are, you’ve turned to a hydrating treatment or a hair mask specifically formulated for your dry, damaged hair in the hopes that it might provide some repair. But, if you’re not taking your shampoo and conditioner choice into consideration, you’re missing out on one of the most important (and simplest) opportunities to fight damage in your hair care routine. Keep reading as we share more about repairing damaged hair and the best shampoo and conditioner for damaged hair to add to your shelf.
If your hair is extremely damaged, implement these three things into your hair care routine, stat.
When your hair is extremely damaged, avoid your blow dryer, flat iron and curling wand at all costs. Even if you’re applying heat protectant, if your hair is significantly damaged, there is a huge risk of breakage.
Sleep on a silk pillowcase to avoid friction and tugging motions on your already vulnerable hair while you sleep. You can also tie your hair up in a silk or satin scarf or bonnet to protect it at night.
Use a weekly hair treatment, like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm Rinse-Out Mask, which includes a repair concentrate with proteins to mend damage and strengthen the hair.
Damaged hair can be repaired with your routine if it hasn’t started to break off. If you’re experiencing hair breakage, it’s best to cut the damaged bits off so your hair doesn’t split further up toward the roots.
The best way to fix damaged hair is with strengthening hair care products, like bonding shampoo, deep conditioning masks and healthy hair practices, such as avoiding heat. When your goal is to fix damaged hair, you have to be patient and committed to the process because it’s not something that can be reversed overnight.
If your hair is damaged you should absolutely be using a hair system for damaged hair. It’s the first line of defense in your routine and it can help improve the integrity of your strands.
When deciding on a shampoo and conditioner for your damaged hair, look at the claims of the formula and the ingredients. Citric acid and hyaluronic acid are two ingredients that can do wonders for damaged hair.
Citric acid helps to penetrate weak hair bonds and strengthen them while hyaluronic acid, much like it does for the skin, draws in moisture and can help to rehydrate hair to lead to a smoother style, more bounce and less frizz.
There are shampoo and conditioner formulas specifically designed to care for damaged hair and we’re sharing some of the best ones, below.
Designed specifically to care for damaged hair, this wash works to strengthen the hair from the inside out by reinforcing weak hair bonds. When used in combination with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Bond Strengthening Pre-Shampoo Treatment and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Conditioner, it helps repair the hair fibers' weak bonds in just six uses. Plus, it makes the hair look and feel soft while protecting it from future damage.
Apply the pre-shampoo treatment first and leave it on for five to eight minutes before rinsing. Then, proceed with the shampoo and conditioner as usual.
As we mentioned, hyaluronic acid is a great ingredient to combat the dryness that damaged strands often face. This shampoo is infused with the hydrating ingredient to replump dry strands with moisture for up to 72 to hours. The result is are smoother, more manageable hair with noticeable body, bounce and shine.
For best results, use it with the corresponding conditioner, the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron Plump Hydrating Conditioner, Paraben-Free, and the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Moisture Plump Serum, Paraben-Free, a hydrating serum that keeps hair moisturized in between washes.
Hair is made of keratin, a protein that is also found in our skin and nails. When the strands are damaged, opting for formulas that include protein can help strengthen the hair. This repairing formula contains a protein complex that works to strengthen the hair while also making it shinier, smoother, softer and easier to manage.
To yield the most benefits from this shampoo, use it in combination with the other products in the collection, including the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Repairing Conditioner, and the aforementioned L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm Rinse-Out Mask.
When your mane is in need of extra care, apply the mask to wet hair and let it sit for five minutes. It’s formulated with protein and almond oil to hydrate the hair and repair up to a year of damage. You can also incorporate the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Protein Recharge Leave-In Conditioner Treatment into your routine for added reinforcement against aggressors and for heat styling protection.
If you’re experiencing breakage as a result of growing your hair out and skipping consistent trims, this is the shampoo for you. It’s formulated with castor oil and vitamins to condition your hair, making it smoother and easier to work with. Plus, it works its magic without weighing down the hair, which is key for long hair that may already be heavy.
For the best results, follow up with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Conditioner for Long, Damaged Hair and the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream Leave In Conditioner which is formulated with castor oil and vitamins B3 and B5 to help seal split ends and reduce breakage.
After addressing your hair care routine, follow these additional tips to strengthen damaged hair.
The way you style your hair can take a toll on your strands. As a general rule of thumb, especially when you’re trying to strengthen damaged hair, avoid heat styling and opt for heatless hairstyles when possible. It’s also important to avoid extremely tight styles, like slick ponytails or buns that can cause breakage. Instead, opt for loose braids and messy buns that don’t put tension on the hair.
The foods you eat can influence the health of your strands. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, decreased protein intake and sudden weight loss can lead to hair loss, which you may confuse as breakage from hair damage. If this is something that you think you’re dealing with, talk to your doctor.
Next: What Is a Bonding Treatment and How Can It Change Your Hair?
Photographer: Ted Cavanaugh, Producer: Becca Solovay, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Prop Stylist: Katrina Rozeville, Prop Assistant: Emily Ramirez, Photo Assistant: Ben Berkes, Digi Tech: Aaron Barton
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