When it comes to our hair, we often overlook or don’t understand the things that can cause the most damage. For some of us it’s processing our hair; trying fun new colors or maintaining a look that requires lightening. For others, it’s the use of heat tools (hello, 2007 daily flat-ironed hair), certain products or even the way we wear our hair.
We then spend a lot of time and money on products and services that will restore our hair health, repeating this vicious cycle. But it doesn’t have to be that way; in this article, we dive into the different types of hair damage and what you can do to prevent them!
The Different Types of Hair Damage
Hair damage can be categorized into several types, each with distinct causes and effects. The first and most common for color treated hair is chemical damage.
#1 Chemical Damage
Caused by hair treatments like coloring, perming, or relaxing, use of chemical agents on hair can lead to weakened hair structure, dryness, and brittleness. While Tease Hair Boutique uses quality products and techniques to lessen the chance of damage, theses processes can alter the hair's natural structure, leading to:
Weakened strands: Chemicals in hair dyes and processing agents can break down the protein structure of hair (keratin), making it weaker and more prone to breakage.
Dryness: Chemical treatments often strip the hair of its natural oils, resulting in dryness and more brittle hair that’s susceptible to breaking.
Loss of elasticity: Chemically damaged hair may lose its ability to stretch and return to its original shape, another factor that can lead to increased breakage.
Frizz and split ends: The outer layer of the hair called the cuticle can become rough, causing frizz and split ends.
Color fading: In dyed hair, chemicals can lead to fading or uneven color over time. Drastic changes from dark to light can strip hair and cause more damage as well.
Top Tips to Prevent Chemical Damage
Be patient with change: When it comes to reaching your color goals, especially when going lighter, it’s important not to rush the process and accept these things take time. At Tease Hair Boutique, your stylist will reach your color goals but prioritize preserving the health of your hair and preventing additional, unnecessary damage. Check out this article on what you should know before going blonde.
Hair masks and serums: Any chemically treated hair can benefit from a daily leave-in product that prioritizes restoring moisture, as well as a weekly deep moisture treatment. This dynamic Thérapiste duo by Kèrastase restores and protects very damaged hair while protecting and preventing additional damage.
Damage-focused products & bond rebuilders: When shopping for products, look for items that help rebuild the bonds of hair and repair damage. We love the Damaged Hair x Première line by Kèrastase, which boasts restoration of up to 99% of hair’s strength.
#2 Mechanical Damage
Mechanical damage is a result of the physical stress on hair from everyday activities and styling, and can result in dryness, loss of elasticity, and a dull appearance. Causes of mechanical damage include:
Tugging and Pulling: Hairstyles that are too tight, such as ponytails or braids, can put tension on the root of the hair as well as lead to breakage. The type of hair ties used can also have an affect on how much damage you incur.
Heat Styling: Such as frequent use of blow dryers, flat irons, and curling wands can weaken hair and lead to excessive damage and dryness.
Brushing and Combing: Aggressive brushing, especially on wet hair, can lead to breakage and split ends.
Friction: Sleeping on rough pillowcases or using abrasive towels can create friction, another factor that can lead to damage.
Top Tips to Prevent Mechanical Damage
Limit use of heat tools: As much as we love red carpet hairstyles, we don’t need to rock them everyday. Limiting use of heat tools is a great way to reduce damage. Check out this article on tips and tricks for air-dried and gorgeous hair.
Use a heat protector: When you do decide to use heat styling tools, always use a heat protectant to avoid unnecessary damage. Check out this article on heat styling tools and how high to set them, as well as this article on how heat protectant works and our favorite product recommendations.
Brushing tips: We’ve all been running late and brushed through our hair too aggressively, but this can be detrimental to our locks - especially when our hair is wet. When brushing your hair, be gentle and take your time, starting at your ends and detangling to your roots. We also recommend using a wet brush that’s meant for wet hair to reduce breakage as well.
Avoid consistently tight hairstyles: If you’re wearing your hair in a high ponytail everyday, chances are the positioning is usually in the same spot, which puts tension on the same area of your hair, causing breakage and even leading to scalp stress. Try switching up your hairstyle, and using hair ties that are gentle on your locks and meant for your specific hair type and texture.
Use a silk pillowcase: Sounds boujee, right? But in reality silk pillowcases are an inexpensive way to avoid additional friction while you sleep. You can also opt for a microfiber hair towel to reduce additional friction.
#3 Environmental Damage:
You guessed it - environmental damage is caused by environmental factors such as exposure to UV rays, pollution, wind, chlorine and more. When left untreated and unprotected, environmental damage will lead to dryness, fading color, and weakened hair. Some common sources of environmental damage to hair include:
UV radiation: Exposure to sunlight, especially ultraviolet (UV) rays, can cause damage to the cuticle of the hair, leading to dryness, brittleness, and color fading.
Pollution: Airborne pollutants such as particulate matter, smoke, and chemicals can accumulate on the hair, making it dull, brittle, and prone to tangling. This can also be a factor in scalp irritation which can in turn affect hair growth.
Humidity: High humidity levels can lead to frizzy hair, as moisture in the air causes the hair shaft to swell and become rough and tangled.
Hard Water: Water that contains high levels of minerals (like calcium and magnesium) can leave deposits on the hair, making it feel dry, rough, and difficult to manage.
Chemicals in swimming pools: Exposure to harsh chemicals found in swimming pools can strip away natural oils from the hair, leaving it dry, brittle, and vulnerable to damage.
Wind: Strong winds can cause mechanical damage to the hair by tangling it and causing it to break.
Top tips & products to prevent Environmental Damage
Use UV-protective hair products: Protect your hair like you protect your skin with UV-resistant hair products like Kérastase Créme UV Sublime, a part of the Soleil sun protection hair care set. When thinking about UV protection, don’t forget your scalp! Check out this list of our favorite scalp sunscreens.
Use a metal detox product: Whether you’re dealing with hard or soft water, the minerals found in each can have detrimental effects on your hair health. Calcium buildup and other deposits can lead to dry, brittle hair and scalp irritation. Fortunately, there are things you can do such as using a metal detox product like this line by L'Oréal, installing a shower filter, and more. Check out the full article here.
Tips for swimming: It comes as no surprise that water with high levels of chlorine is extremely drying for your hair and skin, which can often result in damage, discoloration, and knots. To avoid this, wet your hair with clean water before entering a pool or even the ocean, which will block the absorption of these drying agents. Use a detangler to help with knots and get more tips for pre and post-swim hair care in this article!
Bottom Line
While we do our best to keep our hair healthy, when it comes to coloring, styling, or even standing on a windy beach - hair damage is often unavoidable. Fortunately, there are many products, services, and general lifestyle adjustments that can help to reverse some of that damage while preventing any additional strain on your locks. Another great option is an in-salon treatment, customized to your specific hair needs. Next time you’re at Tease Hair Boutique, ask your stylist which treatment might be right for you!
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