Most of us do not realize the fact that our hair is getting damaged, until it gets completely damaged. One starts looking for solutions when the hair reaches a stage where it is out of repair! So the first step of hair treatment for damaged hair is to start treating it as soon as the first few signs of damaged hair are seen. But what are the symptoms of damaged hair?
The symptoms of damaged hair are; dry brittle hair, excessive hair loss, hair splits, flaking scalp and very thin hair. Let us take a look at the causes of damaged hair and then the measures that can be taken for damaged hair repair.
Damaged Hair Causes
- Use of excessive hair styling products
- Lack of nutrients such as vitamins and proteins, which are necessary for hair growth
- Constant exposure to sun or other environmental factors like harsh water
- Indulgence in alcohol and smoking
- Constant usage of hair dryers or curling of flat irons
- Side-effect of certain drugs, this reason is comparatively uncommon.
Above were some of the most common causes of hair damage. As you must have observed, these reasons are very minor and can be easily prevented. Following are a few home remedies for damaged hair, which can be followed easily.
Hot Oil Treatment
Though most despise oily hair, oil is very necessary for healthy hair, it makes the hair shiner and strong. Healthy hair has natural oil, but damaged hair does not. So the first step towards healthy hair is to provide it with a hot oil hair treatment that can strengthen it. There are special hot oil recipes for damaged hair, in which various essential oils like rosemary and olive oil are combined together to get maximum effect.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E plays an important role in keeping hair healthy. There are special shampoos containing vitamin E. Vitamin E treatments, which are specially meant for damaged hair are also available. You can also add vitamin E capsules (opened) in your regular shampoo to get the same effect as the commercial shampoos. Also start adding foods containing vitamin E, to prevent further damage of hair. Foods which are rich in vitamin E are, wheat germ oil, eggs, peanuts, hazelnuts, papaya, blueberries, etc.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has innumerable medicinal qualities. It also helps to maintain hair as well as cure the damaged hair. Not only this, aloe vera also works as a natural conditioner for damaged hair, which is utmost necessary, to bring the hair back to normal. Add 1 tbsp lemon juice in aloe vera juice and apply it to your hair after shampoo. Keep for a few minutes and wash off. You can also extract aloe vera juice at home by cutting the aloe vera leaf into two, with a sharp knife and by crushing it through the strainer, in a cheesecloth-lined colander.
Olive Oil and Coconut Milk Hair Mask
You can try this as a homemade hair treatment for damaged hair. To make this mask, combine one egg yolk and avocado. Add coconut milk, until smooth. Massage this mixture into your hair and rinse off. Avocado and coconut protect the hair as they contain antioxidants and olive oil nourishes the hair shaft.
Mineral Oil
For chemically damaged hair, mineral oil can be quite useful. All you have to do, take 2 to 3 drops of mineral oil on your palm and scrunch it on the damaged hair. Glosses can also help make the hair look less damaged, according to hair experts. Though they won't cure the damage, they will at least make your hair look manageable.
This was all about treatment for damaged hair. Though a cliche, prevention is always better than cure. Maintain a healthy diet, drink lots of water, quit drinking and smoking and never face the agony of damaged hair. Take care!
