Hair Care Basics #6: How to Reduce Hair Damage in Everyday Life?

November 8, 2022 at 1:30 pm, No comments

Hair goes through much more every day than we sometimes realise. Combing, washing, blow-drying, straightening, curling, friction against pillows and clothing, sun, wind and cold can all affect the condition of the hair fibre over time.

That is why the third important hair-care rule is simple: try to damage your hair as little as possible.

This does not mean giving up your hairdryer, straightener or beautiful hairstyles. It is much more important to learn to handle your hair gently and reduce unnecessary mechanical and thermal stress.

Comb your hair regularly and gently

Regular combing helps prevent large tangles from forming. The more hair becomes tangled, the more force is needed to comb it out later, which can contribute to breakage.

Hair ends need especially gentle treatment. Dry and damaged ends tend to tangle more, so they should not be combed forcefully.

Choose a comb or brush that suits your hair type and comb slowly.

A good method is to start at the ends and gradually work towards the roots. If you begin at the roots and comb towards the ends, all the tangles are pulled downwards and unnecessary tension may form.

If your hair tangles easily, you can use a leave-in conditioner or another hair-care product that improves slip before combing.

Can wet hair be combed?

Wet hair is usually more fragile and elastic than dry hair, so it should be handled especially gently when combing.

If you need to comb wet hair, use a suitable comb and preferably a product that makes combing easier, such as conditioner or a leave-in treatment.

There is no need to comb wet hair forcefully just to make it dry faster. Let it dry a little and handle it gently.

Use heat protection

A hairdryer, straightener and curling iron are part of many people's everyday styling routine. However, high temperatures can damage the hair fibre, so it is important to use a heat-protective product.

Heat protection matters not only before using a straightener or curling iron, but also before hot blow-drying.

If your heat-protective product states a maximum protection temperature, make sure that your tool does not exceed it.

One more important principle is that a higher temperature does not necessarily mean a better result. Choose the lowest temperature that can achieve the result you want.

Reduce friction

Hair can be damaged not only by high temperatures or chemical treatments. Everyday friction can also affect the hair fibre over time.

Hair rubs against pillows, clothing, scarves and other materials. This can be especially noticeable with long or dry hair.

To reduce mechanical friction, you can braid your hair loosely or tie it in a gentle style before bed. Some people also find a satin or silk pillowcase helpful.

Your choice of hair ties also matters. Avoid ties that grip the hair very tightly or pull it when removed.

Wash your hair with lukewarm water

Very hot water can contribute to scalp dryness and irritation, so it is better to wash your hair with pleasantly warm or lukewarm water.

There is no need to wash your hair in cold water to make it more beautiful. The important thing is to avoid excessive heat and care for the comfort of your scalp.

Protect your hair from cold and weather

Cold, dry and windy weather can also increase hair dryness and contribute to fragility.

In winter, it is especially important to protect hair from prolonged exposure to cold and wind. In cold weather you can use a hat or other head covering, but also pay attention to friction - a very rough material can increase tangling and breakage.

In summer, it is worth thinking about protection from the sun, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors.

Trim damaged ends regularly

Split ends do not join back together on their own and cannot be fully restored.

Hair-care products can temporarily improve the appearance and feel of damaged hair, but if the ends are significantly split, the most effective solution is to cut them.

Regularly trimming the ends helps maintain a well-groomed appearance and prevents the damage from continuing further along the hair fibre.

If you cut your hair at home, it is important to use sharp, high-quality hair scissors designed specifically for cutting hair. Blunt or unsuitable scissors can crush and damage the hair fibre.

Beautiful hair starts with gentle treatment

To have beautiful hair, you do not need to give up all your usual styling methods. It is much more important to understand what damages your hair and reduce the effect of those factors.

Gentle combing, heat protection, less friction, suitable washing and regular trimming of damaged ends are simple habits that help keep the hair fibre in better condition.

Hair care is not always about adding something. Sometimes the most beautiful result begins when we simply learn to damage our hair less.