Hair Damage
Hair texture is unique and varies from person to person. The original texture suffers damage due to split ends, fraying, those caused by chemical substances and equipments. Hair blowers, hair coloring agents and excess oil secretion in the scalp also cause hair damage.
What is Hair Damage?
Healthy Hair has cuticle layers for protection and to maintain its moisture level without getting dried out. The hair gets its shine and elasticity from it. Once these cuticle layers are damaged by any means, then the hair looks weak, dry and difficult to restore its originality.
Symptoms of Hair Damage
The hair looks dull without any shine. We can feel the dryness and brittleness. The hair cannot be combed easily and will be in a state of mess with split ends. Any attempt to restyle cannot be met with success. All the symptoms indicate hair damage and prompt action is required for restoration of original condition.
Hair Damage Causes
Wet hair should not be combed as the chances of hair damage are very high when it’s wet. Cutting hair with a blunt edged weapon makes the hair prone to split ends and hence should be dealt with suitably. Combing during winter causes static hair condition and may damage the hair. Equipments like blowers and irons should not be over used and may leave brittle hair if done so. Chemical substances and coloring agents used on the hair also do the damage and require application of substances suited to that particular texture of hair. Never aim for curly hair, if not present naturally, as it is more likely to get damaged. When itching occurs, a Dermatologist should be consulted as it may damage the hair. People with long hair are more likely to suffer hair damage and may turn around to short hair for better appearance. Fashion accessories used should only hold the hair loosely. As the age increases, progressively milder chemicals should be used to guard against them.
Hair Damage due to Environmental Reasons
The ultra violet rays in the sun weakens the cuticle layer and makes the hair dry if exposed to sun light for long periods. Exposure to wind also contributes to the tangling of the hair and damages the cuticle layer. Precaution should be taken in winter because the weather at that time allows the hair to dry out quickly and increases the chances of hair breakage.
Prevention of Hair Damage
When heat equipment is used on the hair, thermal protectors should be used to guard against the over heat condition. While blowing, care should be taken to leave enough moisture on the hair instead of completely drying out the hair. Hair color substances should not have ammonia in them. Wet hair should never be brushed; it should be done only after drying. A balanced diet rich in protein and essential fatty acids provide the nutrients to the hair and prevents hair damage. Hair once it emerges from the scalp is a dead tissue, so the products available in the market can only lessen the damage and prevention of hair damage is the best solution. Hair relaxing and permanent waving damages the hair, so it may be avoided if possible and used only on a limited basis.
Treatment for Hair Damage
A regular wash with vitamin based shampoos and conditioners will prevent further damage to the hair, strengthens, moisturizes and protects the hair. Shampoo only once at a time while thoroughly rinsing the entire scalp does the job and then only conditioner should be applied. A cold water finish at the end retains the conditioning agents better than hot water finish. Hair stands can be rejuvenated well with an oil treatment regularly and greatly helps in rehydrating damaged hair. Hair styling products only help in improving the cosmetic appearance of the hair.
Ageing gracefully and naturally is the best solution for hair care. The problem crops up when artificial treatments and equipments are used. They speed up the hair damage and are useful in a limited way only. The other better alternative would be seeking the services of a qualified doctor in case of medical cases only and leaving out the hair to chart out its natural course. In such a scenario, hair damage can be minimized.
