5 Hair Care Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore: How to Take Care of Your Hair

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Split ends travel up the hair shaft, causing more damage. You must get a trim every 6-8 weeks to prevent further breakage.

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.

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.

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.