Three easy ways to bring brittle and damaged hair back to life

Most of us aren’t prepared to give up our styling tools, but if you’re noticing your hair is getting dry and damaged from too much heat, follow these expert tips…

Start with shampoo

Frequent heat styling can sizzle the hair’s outer layer - the cuticle - and this can make it more prone to losing moisture and becoming brittle and damaged. Reinforce weak strands with shampoo and conditioner that has protein in it (sometimes called keratin) to boost the cuticle strength.

Make time for a hair mask

Adding extra moisture to hair as we’ve heard is key to keeping it healthy and shiny. Adding a deep treatment hair mask to your weekly routine is a great place to start and as well as adding some much need hydration it’s a lovely habit to get into as part of your self care regime. Apply the mask while you’re in a hot steamy shower or a bath as the heat can help it absorb.

Invest in a heat protectant spray

Spray on a heat-protectant styling product before blow-drying, straightening or curling hair. Think of it like an SPF for hair, make sure all the strands are evenly coated. You can also use leave in conditioner as a protectant, as this can protect hair up to 232C!

How to repair heat damaged hair

With constant styling from blow dries, curling and straightening, it’s no wonder many of us are suffering with heat-damaged hair.

But first, what does heat damage do to hair?

Heat damaged hair happens when the hair cuticles are broken. The cuticles are the outer layers of each strand of hair, and they're made up of proteins that form shingles, a bit like a roof. These shingles overlap to keep strands moisturised and protected.

Heat damage causes these shingles to rise up, exposing the inner layer of hair and when this happens, your hair will become dehydrated and struggle to contain moisture.

How can you tell if you have heat damaged hair?

It’s quite obvious as your hair will look dull, and feel dry and brittle. If you’re a curly girl, you might notice you’ve lost your natural bounce. Straight hair loses its sleekness and you might see more split ends and flyaway hairs.

Five ways to repair heat damaged hair

Get a haircut

The most dramatic heat damaged hair treatment option is cutting your hair. This is the only way to 'undo damage because you're removing hair that has split ends, hair that's damaged and has been weakened by over-use of hot tools.

Get a trim

If you aren't ready for a complete haircut, getting a trim off the ends of your hair can help while allowing you to keep the length. 

Switch products

Aim for products that are free from sulfates and parabens and made specifically for damaged hair. Damaged hair shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in conditioners add moisture into your hair and help to rebuild the broken protein bonds. If you wash your hair daily, consider going a little longer between washes to allow some of the natural oils to build up and create a protective barrier around your hair.

Do a weekly hair mask

Heat damaged hair has become severely dehydrated because the moisture is stripped when you use a hairdryer, straighteners or curlers on a high heat setting. You can help rehydrate your hair with a moisturizing hair mask once or twice a week.

Use a heat protectant

Heat protectant sprays create a barrier between your hair and the hot tools, so you can dry and style your hair without causing more damage. And the great thing is, heat protectants can be applied to dry or wet hair. 

What is the best way to prevent heat damage?

Q: What is the best way to prevent heat damage?

A: Heat-protecting sprays are the best way to protect hair from damage

Reducing the heat on your styling tools (hairdryer, curler, straighteners) will make a difference. Try to only use heated tools once a week to reduce further hair damage.

Here are some of our favourite heat defence sprays to protect hair:

How to make every day a good hair day

We all know the feeling… our hair won’t behave and, pathetic as it seems, we can’t help feeling that it’s ruined the rest of the day.

But help is at hand. Just follow our four tips and you’ll never have another bad hair day again. We promise!

Use protection

The easiest way to ensure that you have a good hair day is to use a heat protectant spray after you wash your hair, and before you use any styling tools like straighteners, curlers or hairdryers. Not only will this protect your hair from any heat damage, but it will also create the perfect base for you to create the perfect look.

Shiny happy hair

We all know that shiny hair equals healthy hair - just look at Meghan Markle! So if you want to make every day a Good Hair Day, simply invest in a good hair mask and make it a regular ritual to deeply condition your locks.

Add volume

Gentle backcombing (think a little tussle rather than full on 80s style) can help your hair look full of life. To do this, start at the roots and tease the hair over your brush and then give it a blast with your favourite hairspray.

Fake it

Even when you’re having an off day you can still bring it back with some handy handbag essentials like dry shampoo and hair serum.