How To Prevent Hair Damage

How to Prevent Hair Damage

By: Briley Rakow

Keeping up with hair health is one of the most important parts of a beauty routine, yet it is often overlooked. Between hair trends that can cause long-term damage and the changing seasons, it is easy for hair to become dried out and broken. We have gathered some tips on how to avoid hair damage this season. 

One of the easiest ways to prevent hair damage is to limit the amount of heat you apply to it on a daily basis. Everyone loves to style their hair using curling irons and straighteners, but try to limit how many days a week you use these products if possible. Avoiding heat altogether is easier said than done, so make sure when you do use heat, apply a heat protectant before to limit the damage. 

The products you use in your hair have a huge impact on its health, so looking at the ingredients you are using is another key step in preventing breakage. Many shampoos and conditioners are formulated with sulfates, parabens, and dyes, which can strip the natural oils from your hair. Eliminating ingredients like these that are naturally stripping can help keep your hair’s moisture barrier intact. Better ingredients to look for are green tea extract, castor oil, and avocado oil. 

Some of the best ingredients for hair health can also be found in food and supplements. Keratin, biotin, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids are instrumental in hair growth and thickness, so incorporating supplements that include these ingredients helps damaged hair recover quickly. 

Common items like pillowcases and towels can be affecting your hair’s wellness. Rougher materials can create breakage in your hair, so a silk pillowcase tends to be a more gentle alternative at night. When it comes to the shower, try not to rub your hair dry with your towel. While your hair is wet, it is important to be as gentle as possible with it, which also means not brushing it excessively. Avoiding rough movements around your scalp in general is usually a safe bet for keeping your hair safe from damage. 

Haircare does not have to be a chore, and with these simple tips you can avoid split ends and frizz all winter long without needing professional treatment. 

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Images by Elizabeth Stephenson.