We strive for healthy looking, luscious locks in more ways than one but here's the catch – healthy hair is an oxymoron. Did you know that hair is actually not a living cell or organ, and therefore it has no true health quotient? This is the reason why when you get your haircut, it doesn't hurt. However, the hair follicle has life. Don't even try pulling out your hair from the roots, it'll hurt. Hair strands are literal protein threads, once they protrude out of the hair follicle, it becomes a fine fabric. Regardless, the goal remains achieving those Rapunzel-like shiny hair that are strong enough to glide down a window and transform into your prince's stairway to a high tower. While you can't actually heal a compromised hair fiber, you can take measures to prevent damage from occurring in the first place. Now, you religiously follow a hair care routine and despite all the TLC that you work for, does your hair still feel dry, dull and lacking lustre? This could be a sign of damaged hair. As counterintuitive as it may sound, your hair could be seriously damaged despite a regular hair care routine in place. In case you don't go nuts with your hair care routine and have in fact been avoiding taking care of your hair, it's time to change this.
01How to Take Care of Your Hair If You Notice These Signs
Whether you're over-styling with heat, using harsh chemicals and improper brushing techniques, maintaining a poor diet or are stressing too much, remember that it's all leading to hair damage. With environmental stresses at their peak including exposing your hair to the sun, many factors can contribute to hair damage. I mean, a girl's got to live! We can't stop stepping out of our house to have glossy hair. Fret not, we've got you covered. Here are five unmissable signs to watch out for distressed tresses.
1. Bumpy Hair Strands
Run your fingers on a single strand of hair and observe how it feels. If it feels smooth, then your hair is normal and you've got no reason to worry. But if that strand feels rough and bumpy, then it is a sign of damage. Bumps or an uneven hair texture means that there are gaps in the protein cells and that it is damaged. The best way to repair this is to indulge in a protein treatment, as well as, follow a protein-rich diet.
2. Excessive Hair Breakage
Do you notice strands of hair in your palm every time you run your hands through your hair? This situation makes brushing and styling your hair extremely difficult, and is another very obvious sign of hair damage. Damaged hair leads to breakage because the tensile (the capacity to withstand tension) of your hair shaft is compromised. Use nourishing hair care products and be extremely gentle when combing or brushing your hair.
3. Extremely Frizzy Hair
If you notice that despite conditioning and applying anti-frizz serum, you've got unruly hair, then it is because of damaged hair. There are a number of reasons for this. It may be how your hair texture is naturally or it may be because you're either using harsh products and not deep conditioning often. Whatever may be the reason, frizzy hair is a sign of damaged hair.
4. Too Many Split Ends
Before you continue reading ahead, think of the last time you got your haircut? If the answer is: "I don't remember," then please book an appointment with your stylist RN. If you notice that your hair is splitting sooner than about six to eight weeks, then it is a sign of damaged hair. When the hair splits, it stops growing in length which is why the only option of treating split ends is getting your haircut.
5. Dull and Lacklustre Strands
Do your locks refuse to look healthy and nourished, no matter how much you care for them or style them? Well, that's another red flag and indicates damaged strands. This usually happens when there is too much build-up on your scalp caused due to dirt, grime, pollution, and even hair-care products.
02How to Take Care of Your Hair and Fix Uneven Strands?
While you select the perfect of-the-moment hairstyle to get head turns on the street or at that party you've been waiting for, damaged hair is a bummer. Now that you've established that one of these common telltale signs of hair damage exists for you, how can you address it? Here are some ideas to take care of your hair.
1. Get regular haircuts:
Split ends travel up the hair shaft, causing more damage. You must get a trim every 6-8 weeks to prevent further breakage.
2. Switch to a hydrating and repairing shampoo and conditioner:
Harsh shampoos strip natural oils, making hair even weaker. Switch to a nourishing shampoo with ingredients like keratin, biotin, or argan oil like Tresemme Keratin Smooth Shampoo or their Moisture Boost Shampoo With Hyaluronic Acid. Follow with a moisturizing conditioner to lock in hydration.
3. Deep condition and use hair masks weekly:
Dry, damaged hair needs intensive moisture and repair. Apply a deep conditioning mask once or twice a week with ingredients like coconut oil, honey, shea butter, or other protein-rich ingredients to restore strength. Hair oiling is an age-old Indian ritual. Do a champi massage with Indulekha Bringha Ayurvedic Oil which is power packed with ayurvedic ingredients like Bringha, Amla, Bhrahmi and Almond.
4. Switch to a silk pillowcase and gentle hair ties:
Cotton pillowcases and tight hair ties cause friction, leading to breakage. Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase and use silk scrunchies or loose hairstyles to reduce stress on your hair. These hairstyles to prevent hair loss can help minimize damage and keep your hair looking healthy.
These simple but effective ways will ensure you work your way back to healthy hair, the kind that people stop and admire. As I multi-task and type this out with my hair dipped in a creamy moisturising hair mask, I encourage you to give your hair some extra tender love and care this week.
