Avoiding Hair Damage

Are you doing too much to your hair? You might be. In a society that worships quick fixes, people often ignore the long-term effects of today’s hot hair remedies. Too much cleansing, blow-drying, moisturizing, protein packing, and straightening is definitely too much of a good thing. You're not the only one who needs a vacation—give your hair a break.

Don’t Shampoo Too Often

The most common hair treatment mistake is shampooing too frequently. Unless you have fine, limp or extremely oily hair, there is no need to shampoo your hair everyday. If your hair is thick, curly or texturized, it rarely needs cleaning. Breaking the habit of shampooing daily can be psychologically difficult, but does not result in dirty or greasy hair.

	There is no need to shampoo your hair everyday

Replace the act of washing your hair with a scalp massage. Massaging your scalp with a conditioner will help eliminate sweat and erase any odors your hair has picked up while allowing your hair to retain its natural oils. When you reduce your shampoo routine to once a week or even once a month, you will notice a natural luster to your hair, less breakage, and fewer fly-aways.

Hold Off on the Heat

Flat-irons and curling irons may save time, but can result in singed hair and breakage. I know it's unrealistic to ask women to not use these time saving tools, but if you must, please heed this advice to help your hair beat the heat.

Before using any heating tool:

• Apply a moisturizing lotion or serum to the hair (I prefer Davines MoMo Serum)
  
• Make sure to moisturize dry ends
  
• Thoroughly dry your hair

If you have any moisture left in your hair when you begin to iron it, you will hear that horrifying singe of your hair burning and breaking.

Correctly Assess the Damage

Even the most carefully managed hair can require a little extra TLC along the way. In order to select the right treatment for your hair ailments, you need to properly assess the problem. And don’t just take a guess.

Products for Dry or Splitting Hair

Most people assume that misbehaving hair (splitting or breaking) can be tamed with a deep conditioner or moisture pack. While moisture will help nourish dry split ends, it does little for breakage from over-processing. Hair that has been highlighted to death, for example, may begin to break at the front of your hairline where the hair is a lot finer and more likely to snap. This kind of breakage calls for a protein supplement to help fortify and strengthen the hair from the inside out. (I recommend a Kerastase Force-Intense treatment pack.) But alternate protein treatments with moisture packs, an overproteinized hair strand is just as likely to snap off as a protein-deficient strand.

Dry Ends and Dehydration

Extremely dry ends require, as we say, a large glass of water. A bi-weekly moisture treatment (I enjoy Uans Crema Plus Conditioner) will do the trick. Liberally apply the masque to your tresses and comb through each section before wrapping your hair in a warm towel, or even better, a shower cap. Now is the time for heat—have a cool drink in the sun, or take a steam and let your hair begin its rejuvenation.

Taking care of your hair may seem like work, but that little extra effort will lead to a head of shiny, vibrant, and fantastically healthy hair.