how to repair damaged african american hair at home

How to Repair Damaged African American Hair

• Use Moisturizing Shampoos and Conditioners – They make your hair strong, supple and less likely to snap during styling
• Use a Good Protein Treatment – Regular reinforcement protein helps your hair stand up to chemicals and harsh products.
• Deep Condition with Heat – Adding heat to your deep treatments produces three times the...

Full Answer

How to take care of damaged African hair?

Shampoo and condition regularly. Mild, all-natural shampoo and conditioner can help your hair recover from chemical overload. Washing once a week is recommended for most people with damaged African hair. Let your hair air-dry, or pat it dry with a towel.

What is the best damaged black hair treatment?

Smooth’s hair cuticles and repairs damaged areas along the shaft. Is excellent for dry curly hair types. Can be used as an instant conditioner or deep treatment. All of these damaged black hair treatments are effective on both natural and chemically processed hair. Do you prefer a more natural approach to black hair repair?

Why does my black hair break so easily?

Not Enough Moisture – Black and African American hair is prone to dryness and without regular deep moisturizing treatments our hair dries out and breaks easily. The second step in how to repair damaged black hair is doing the right things to fix it and prevent more problems in the future.

Why is African-American hair so difficult to care for?

Typically, African-American hair is coarse and thick, and often tightly curled in "naps." This unusual texture causes many African-Americans to resort to using harsh heat styling or chemical relaxers to tame their hair. Using these styling aids can leave hair dry, damaged and weak, requiring extra-special care to bring hair back to life.

How can I repair my damaged hair fast at home?

Put the life back into your limp or damaged hair with this terrific home remedy: combine 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 3 egg whites, then rub the mix into your hair. Keep your hair covered for about a half hour using plastic wrap or a shower cap, then shampoo and rinse.

How do you fix dry brittle African American hair?

If you have dry afro hair, sulphate-based shampoos will strip away too much of the natural oils needed to keep your hair healthy. Instead, use a sulphate-free afro hair shampoo product. It will remove build-up without stripping your hair of moisture.

How can I regrow broken black hair?

How to Regrow Damaged African-American HairStep 1: Increase Water Intake/Vitamins/Leafy Greens. As with any hair type you MUST first start from the inside out. ... Step 2: Shampoo/Conditioner /Co-Washing/Hot Oil Treatments. ... Step 3: Trim damaged ends. ... Step 4: Protective Styling. ... Step 5: Keep Hair Moisturized.

Can you repair extremely damaged hair?

Because hair is not a living tissue with regenerative ability, it cannot heal and repair. You can use oils, conditioners, hydrolyzed proteins or other ingredients to disguise the issues temporarily but it's akin to using makeup on the face.

What did slaves use on their hair?

African slaves no longer had access to their natural herbs, butters and oils to take care of their hair. They resorted to bacon grease, butter, and kerosene as their moisturizers, conditioners, and shampoo.

Is coconut oil good for African hair?

0:181:15Coconut Oil & Black Hair : Natural Hair Styling & Care - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOil is one of the best oils for black hair as it's got a lot of essential vitamins. And fattyMoreOil is one of the best oils for black hair as it's got a lot of essential vitamins. And fatty proteins that make it super nourishing for our hair coconut oil comes in a solid white solid consistency.

Can damaged hair still grow?

Fortunately, in the vast majority of cases, you can eventually grow the damaged hair out as long as the follicle itself has been preserved. The most common causes of damage are below. Damaged hair can still grow eventually, but routine damage can result in negative consequences for your hair.

How do black girls fix damaged hair?

5:119:04How To REPAIR DAMAGED Natural Hair | Dry, Brittle + ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut you can also do hot oil treatments as well whenever your scalp is still in a little bit dry. AndMoreBut you can also do hot oil treatments as well whenever your scalp is still in a little bit dry. And especially on wash day new oil scalp. Massages.

How do you recover fried hair?

Wash and condition your hair daily, but gently. Use a swimmer's shampoo and conditioner set after going to a pool. Try to let your hair air dry when possible. Check out Redken's No Blow Dry products for air-dried hair without sacrificing style.

How long does it take to repair damaged hair?

Using products that are designed to nourish the scalp and hair can definitely speed up this process, but on average you'd be looking at six months to a year to fully see a difference in your hair's condition.

How to fix damaged hair?

1. Trim away damage if possible. Caring for damaged hair is a long, difficult process, and it will likely never return to full healthy. If you're not willing to cut your hair short, consider trimming away split ends, a common problem in damaged hair.

How to get rid of chemical overload in African hair?

Mild, all-natural shampoo and conditioner can help your hair recover from chemical overload. Washing once a week is recommended for most people with damaged African hair. Let your hair air-dry, or pat it dry with a towel. Do not rub or blow-dry damaged hair.

How to care for African textured hair?

Article Summary X. To care for your damaged African-textured hair, apply leave-in conditioner each day , which doesn’t require water and will make your hair more shiny. You can also apply shea butter or a light moisturizer every week to protect the ends of your hair and reduce the risk of split ends.

How to deep condition hair?

Deep condition weekly. Every week, massage a moisturizing conditioner into your hair. Hold your hair over steam to encourage the conditioner to penetrate your hair's inner layers. Put your hair up and leave it in for at least a couple hours , or overnight. A hot oil treatment can provide similar benefits.

How to prevent hair breakage?

Ask a salon to recommend a product similar to Scalp Prep. Protect the ends of your hair. Every week, seal away the ends of your hair with shea butter. For further protection, sleep on a satin pillow, or with a satin or mesh scarf over your hair. Cotton or fleece pillowcases will pull your hair out and cause breakage.

Why is African textured hair so hard to manage?

Caring for African-textured hair can be difficult to manage, due to its coarse, kinky, and often dry texture. Perms, hair coloring, and heat can make matters worse with split ends, dull and lifeless appearance, and inability to hold curls. No worries — with this guide and a little patience and consistency, you can restore your hair to health.

How to get rid of tangles in hair?

Brush and comb your hair regularly. Work out tangles gently, without yanking your hair. Damaged hair breaks easily when combed dry, so add a small amount of conditioner or water. For best results, use a brush with rubber bristles, such as a Denman brush.

What does damaged African American hair look like?

Regardless of your hair type, damaged hair has some common characteristics that, typically, can easily be identified:

2. How to Combat African American Hair Problems

The best way to avoid breakage is by adequately moisturizing your hair and keeping it tucked in protective styles. Roughly handled and chemically treated African American hair is more vulnerable to breakage, so try to be as gentle as possible with it. Detangle it using your fingers, a gentle detangling brush, or a wide-toothed comb.

3. What products to use for damaged African American hair?

Choosing the right hair products for your hair’s needs can make all the difference, even helping boost healthy hair growth. You owe it to your hair and scalp to do your research and get the best products possible for your beautiful African American hair.

Can you lose your hair if you damage it?

Especially lifting color from the hair. Even if the damage you've done to your hair can't be completely repaired, it often can be mitigated so that, at least, you don't lose your hair.

Is hair resilient?

Hair is fairly resilient. The other good news is that damage to the hair that has grown on your hair, even if permanent in one sense, is only temporary because eventually that hair will be replaced. The bad news is some damage done to hair cannot be repaired. Hair is not a living thing (except at the root). The structure doesn't change much and it ...

How to deep condition black hair?

Here are 3 of my favorite deep conditioning homemade remedies for damaged black hair. Rich in egg protein and oils , this treatment is great for dry, damaged chemically treated hair. Mix the ingredients together in a blender until it’s nice and thick . Apply the entire mixture to your hair and cover with a plastic cap.

How long does hair breakage treatment last?

It stops hair breakage immediately after use. The results last up to six weeks. It’s good for relaxed and color treated hair.

How to make shampoo and conditioner with vinegar?

4 Tablespoons vinegar. 1 Quart water. Combine the vinegar and water in a container and mix them together. After you rinse the shampoo and conditioner out pour the vinegar mixture over your hair (you don’t need to rinse it out).

How to get hair to stand up to chemicals?

Use a Good Protein Treatment – Regular reinforcement protein helps your hair stand up to chemicals and harsh products. Deep Condition with Heat – Adding heat to your deep treatments produces three times the results. Steam helps oils and conditioners penetrate deeply into the hair shaft instead of just coating it.

How to get the best results from hair?

Use the Right Products – To get the best results, look for products designed for your hair type and specific issues. Eliminate Heat Styling Tools – Don’t fry your hair with hot tools.

Is hooded dryer good for hair?

You must sit under a hooded dryer for the required time then follow up the treatment with a moisturizing conditioner.

Can you color your hair at the same time?

Double Processing – Relaxing and coloring at the same time leads to hair disaster. It’s better to stick to either color or chemical straighteners but not both at once. Too Much and High Heat – Over using heat styling tools or always using the highest heat setting causes your hair to break down and weaken over time.

How to preserve hair at night?

Preserving your hair at night by wrapping it or pin curling the hair at night, so you don't have to add any heat the next morning is a game-changer. Besides nightly maintenance, starting with a good foundation is key, says Larry Sims, master hairstylist and co-founder of Flawless by Gabrielle Union.

What is the best hair care for Sims?

Preventative hair care is vital so that you can stop damage in its tracks. Sims recommends using deep conditioning masks with avocado, coconut, aloe vera, and shea butter. "Cocktail [them] together," he says. "The shea butter is for the consistency, and the nourishing oils aid in restoration and moisture in your hair.

What is the best way to grow hair?

Healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids are essential to growing strong, healthy hair. Sims agrees. "In some cases, you may need to look internally and assess your lifestyle—diet, water intake, and exercise to improve hair health.".

Is black hair natural?

Black hair is versatile and can be worn relaxed, texturized, natural, and looks amazing with color. We want to arm you with tips that help you pay attention to when your hair is in need of a little TLC (or a significant trim).

Can you use too much heat on your hair?

Limit Heat Usage. Whether your hair is chemically processed or natural, too much heat can hurt it. Yup, those flat irons, curling irons, and pressing combs can cause irreversible damage, usually taking a big chop to correct. There are a few adjustments you can make if giving up heat entirely isn't an option.

Can you use hair color on relaxers?

Products like relaxers and hair color are easily accessible. Most anyone can buy them and use them. Often, they aren't used properly, and that's where damage can come into play. Applying color can have a similar effect, especially if the hair is already chemically processed.

How to keep black hair healthy?

Keeping your Black Hair Healthy. Firstly, it’s important to include plenty of vitamins and minerals in your diet – if you find that difficult, which it can be as we’re on the go the whole time, cheat and visit the health store for some supplements! But the other factor is moisture.

What is the cuticle of African American hair?

The cuticle is made up of overlapping scales that lie flat in healthy hair, giving it a glossy, smooth shine; however, with dry or damaged hair, the scales stick up, getting snagged on anything and causing more damage. As you can imagine, African American hair, being so wavy, puts the cuticle under a lot of stress.

How to use a relaxer?

But there are also a couple of things to remember: 1 Protect your hair before styling 2 Plan ahead when you wash your hair, thus avoiding the need to use a hair dryer which can be very damaging 3 If you want to use a relaxer, be careful. Only apply it to hair that isn’t relaxed or is new growth. 4 Using straighteners should be done with caution, and not too frequently – only once a week if possible. Choose a model that has temperature controls, and use them on the coolest setting you can get away with to achieve the style you want. 5 Using the wrong shampoo – some can be very harsh so avoid ones that contain sulfates, and always make sure you’re using one specifically designed for African American hair. Often they include oils such as argan or jojoba. 6 Even though you might be trying to grow your hair, make sure you have regular trims. If you trim the tips every couple of months, removing any split ends or kinks, the hair shaft can remain healthy, and isn’t as likely to break off.

What is the best oil for hair growth?

Five of the best are jojoba oil, Jamaican black castor oil, coconut oil, argan oil, and extra virgin olive oil.

What is the hair shaft made of?

At the base of this sack, sits a bulb, and it’s this that the shaft grows out of, using keratin as its building blocks. A hair shaft is composed of three layers – the cuticle is the outer layer, the main body is called the cortex and right down the center, like a spine, is the medulla.

What is African hair fertilizer?

Deep Conditioner for hair that may have suffered from years of plaiting, heat or chemical treatments. VIRGIN HAIR FERTILIZER - often referred to as African Hair Fertilizer treats and restores weak, damaged, brittle and dry hair to leave hair looking smooth and healthy. Free shipping.

How to protect hair before styling?

Protect your hair before styling. Plan ahead when you wash your hair, thus avoiding the need to use a hair dryer which can be very damaging. If you want to use a relaxer, be careful. Only apply it to hair that isn’t relaxed or is new growth.

Why is moisture important for African American hair?

Our type of hair is very curly, making it prone to dryness. Due to the strand’s curly/coily shape, natural oils don’t often get to travel down the hair shaft. As a result, our hair hardly ever gets enough moisture to stay healthy and strong.

How to restore hair without a professional?

A hot oil treatment is one of the ways you can restore your hair back to health without having to visit a professional. You will love how the hot oil treatment will help lock in moisture in your hair for days. Hot oil treatments do wonders to your hair as the hair absorbs most of the oil.

What is deep conditioner?

Deep conditioners contain a high amount of moisturizing and strengthening hair ingredients like keratin and vitamin B5, and some even include coconut oil. The moisturizing and hair enhancing ingredients penetrate the strands and help in repairing and protecting your mane from further damage.

How to make sure your hair is in perfect condition?

For starters, you need to cleanse and condition your hair regularly, followed by the application of a good moisturizer (s).

What to use on curly hair?

Hair moisturizers. When your hair is dehydrated, using a moisturizer on your hair can do the trick and help your hair look healthier. Dehydration can be a result of using hot tools on your hair, bleaching, coloring, or extreme weather conditions. Moisturizers are crucial for curly/coily African American hair.

How to make hair oil?

First, start by heating up your oil. You can use one type of hair oil or a mixture of different types of oil. Whether you go for heavier oils such as coconut oil or lighter oils, it really doesn’t matter. You can heat the oil by placing it in a bowl of hot water and let it heat up for a few minutes.

What is the best treatment for hair loss?

Protein treatments . Protein treatments are beneficial to damaged hair, especially if your curls have lost their elasticity. These treatments also come in handy when if you have high hair porosity, extreme hair breakage, and shredding, or have limp and stringy hair.