Damaged hair is something that we talk a lot about – however, it’s also one of the most common hair struggles! Let’s face it, no one enjoys having damaged hair but it’s something that a lot of us struggle with. It can often feel like you’re doing and avoiding all the right things, yet your hair still doesn’t seem to be in the best condition. Before you begin to treat damaged hair, it’s important that you figure out exactly how your hair is damaged and what the cause of it is. 

While it might seem easy to identify damaged hair, it’s also possible that you’re just having a BHD (bad hair day). On the other hand, the opposite is also true. You might think your hair is healthy but it’s actually slowly experiencing damage. Let’s take a closer look!

So, what can damaged hair look like?

If you’ve noticed your hair has been on the dryer side lately, this doesn’t automatically mean you should panic! Dry hair can be just that – dry hair. You might just need to give your hair care routine a tweak in order to bring some hydration back to your strands. However, if your hair is becoming drier as time goes on, this can be a sign of damage. Dry hair is often weak and can lead to breakage. When the hair shaft becomes damaged, moisture will escape the hair, and it can become frizzy.

Split ends are one of the biggest indicators of damage – as well as one of the most frustrating – and are unavoidable for most of us. Split ends are more susceptible to tangles, meaning brushing can be a nightmare, not to mention breakage. While split ends are easy to spot, the only way to completely fix them is to book in for a trim with your hairdresser!

Dull hair can be another indicator of damage – although harder to spot! Many of us have experienced those days when our hair just doesn’t look as vibrant or shiny. If you notice your strands looking more lifeless and dull than usual, this could be a sign of damage.

Now, what do we do?

While we can try to do all the right things, some damage such as split ends are almost unavoidable! The best thing you can do is book in regular trims with your hairdresser to ensure you are giving your locks the best chance to thrive. In addition to this, it’s important to find the right products for your hair type. Your locks will have the best chance to remain as healthy as possible if you’re using the right hair care.

Protect your locks as much as possible! This means using a heat protectant whenever you use heat styling tools and even choosing to cut back when possible. As well as this, it’s a great idea to pop on a cute hat if you know you’re going to be spending time in the sun. Treat your hair with kindness and keep it gentle – no need to tug and pull at it! 

It’s also important to hydrate your strands as much as possible – hydrated hair is healthy hair! Take care of your scalp as healthy hair begins from the top.