A good conditioner for damaged hair is a key tool for regaining its smoothness, by nourishing and strengthening the hair.
There are a number of reasons that your hair might be damaged, including your styling methods or a scalp condition.
Dealing with damaged hair, however, falls into two main categories: helping to fix the existing problem, and preventing the problem from affecting new hair growth.
A good conditioner for damaged hair will go a long way towards helping both goals.
Fixing existing problems
The first step in dealing with hair damage is to address with any existing problems. Book a haircut to get rid of any split or damaged ends.
The ends of your hair are more likely to be damaged, simply because they have been exposed to environmental stresses like heat, styling products and hair brushing for longer. Split ends are a result of permanent damage to your hair fiber, so a trim is the only way to get rid of them.
Second, deal with any existing scalp conditions such as dandruff by incorporating an anti-dandruff shampoo into your routine. That’s important because hair’s good condition starts with the scalp - its foundation.
Dandruff can actually damage new hair as it grows. Make sure the shampoo you choose offers moisturizing benefits, which will help to keep your hair healthy and won’t strip away all your natural oils.
However, when it comes to damaged hair, a moisturizing conditioner is your new best friend.
A conditioner works by smoothing down cuticles, the outer layer of your hair, which is made of overlapping scales. It also helps seals them down, and lock in hair moisture.
Plus, the flat, smooth surface of the hair fiber when the scales are flat means that your hair will feel softer and silkier to the touch.
How conditioner helps with new growth
Once you’ve dealt with your existing hair and scalp problems, you’ll find it much easier to keep new growth from becoming damaged.
Because great hair starts with the scalp, using a conditioner that improves the overall condition of your scalp will also help improve your hair.
As you’re caring for your scalp, avoid ordinary cosmetic conditioners, which can wash away the scalp protection that your anti-dandruff shampoo has provided. Instead, choose a conditioner specifically formulated to treat dandruff while adding moisturizing benefits.
Once you’ve dealt with any existing problems and set your hair health up for the future, you’ll be well on the way to great, healthy looking hair.