Over Processed Hair
Over processed hair is exactly like it sounds; hair that has been damaged by excessive heating (blow drying, straightening, curling) or by excessive coloring and bleaching. Simply put, people who have paid way too much attention to their hair and 'treated' it in various manners to get that perfect look, are the ones who have probably landed up with such damaged hair. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to restore your crowning glory, and save it from further damage. Here, we talk about how you can go about repairing over processed hair and bring it back to its lovely, luscious self.
Restoring the Natural Shine of Your Hair
Because of all that it has been through, your hair may be breaking, has split ends, looks dull and weak, and falls out easily. Since your hair has been so battered and bruised continuously, it's now time to nurture it, and restore it to its original texture and quality. Take a look at some very important hair care tips you should follow when trying to repair over processed hair.
- Start with the basics of repairing damaged hair by taking a break from all the styling and coloring procedures your hair has been undergoing all this while. No blow drying, straightening, coloring, curling, or styling the hair till you bring it back to its original self.
- If you have split ends, go for a trim to get rid of all of them. This is an important start and will help you get back on track quicker.
- Give your hair a deep conditioning treatment as often as possible. You don't have to go to a salon, but just try this simple hot oil hair treatment. Massage your scalp thoroughly with some warm coconut oil every night before you wash your hair. This will strengthen your brittle hair and over time you will see the shine return to it. There are also numerous other hair oils such as olive oil and almond oil that you may use for deep conditioning.
- Use a shampoo and conditioner designed to treat damaged hair. However, ensure that you dilute the shampoo before you use it at the start of your hair care treatment. Further, when you wash your hair, ensure that you use only lukewarm water to do so. This is a very important tip for dry hair care. Do not use hot water as it causes damage to the cuticles, weakens them, and results in hairfall.
- Don't brush your hair too often in a day. While you may have heard that 100 brush strokes a day gives your hair a natural gloss and shine (a common hair myth), when your hair is so weak, giving it those 100 strokes may result in a lot of hair loss. Comb your hair with a wide-toothed comb only twice a day (once in the morning and once before sleeping), and keep it tied with a cotton scrunchy to avoid any further breakage or damage. Also, never brush your hair when it is wet, it will only break more easily.
- Keep your hair covered when out in the sun, or when traveling on a motorcycle or an open air car or bus. Exposure of the hair to heavy sunlight or strong breeze also weakens it, and the best treatment would be to keep it covered at all times when outside.
- Leave-in conditioners are good hair care products used to keep the hair under control, but if you don't want to use more heavy chemicals in your hair, use a natural alternative instead. Take a few drops of olive oil, rub them on your hands, and rub your hands all over and through your hair. This will keep your hair in place, and protect it from any harshness that it may be exposed to.
- Damaged hair requires regular trimming every 4-6 weeks to avoid the development of any split ends.
- Again, those of you looking for a more intense hair treatment, try out this hair pack. Mix together an egg yolk and a tablespoon of plain yogurt, and apply it to the hair. Let it remain for about an hour before you wash it off with your shampoo. Try this method at least twice a week for best results.
