Admit it – you put your hair through a lot on a daily basis! Your hair can’t seem to get a break from blow drying, straightening, curling, and colouring.
Over processed hair – exhausted from too much rigorous handling – is the term to use here.
It was always thought that after over-processing your hair, you had to start over with a huge chop. Well, I am delighted to tell you that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Continue reading to find out how to fix your over processed hair and get healthy, lustrous hair without picking up the scissors..
Table of Contents
What is Over Processed Hair? What Does It Look Like?
Over processed hair are those that have been damaged by dye, bleach, heat, and other styling methods. They become porous and dense, making it difficult to style and maintain.
Now the question is, ‘What does over processed hair look like?’.
Depending on the inherent texture of your hair, over processed hair will appear differently. They usually appear and feel dry to the touch. They may develop a different texture or not have the same texture throughout.
Another thing is: after too much processing, certain parts of hair may appear straight, while others may appear crimped or curled.
How to Fix Over Processed Hair? What Are Your Options?
Beyond your shampoo and conditioning hair care routine, over-processed hair will require a lot of attention. So, how to fix over processed hair?
Here are a few pointers to help you bring your hair back to its former glory days of gleaming in the sun.
Let’s start!
1- Switch Up Your Styling Routine
Have you become addicted to your heat styling tools? FYI using heat tools on a daily basis can exacerbate the appearance of over-processed hair.
The first step to fix your hair damage is BREAKUP WITH YOUR HAIR TOOLS! Ah! Difficult? I also adore a good curling wand, but in order to fully cure and repair your hair, you’ll need to stop using them.
Allow your hair to breathe if you use a hot tool practically every day. Instead of blow drying your hair, let it air dry. You might also take a vacation from straightening and curling your hair.
If you must use a hot tool, make sure you use a heat protectant first. The heat protectant will offer another layer of defence to your stands, preventing further harm to your hair.
2- Stop Colouring Your Hair
Moving next to how to fix over processed hair is: BOYCOTTING HAIR COLOURING!
Why? Here’s what you need to know:
Colouring your hair removes the moisture and protective layer from each strand. If you’re lightening your hair with bleach, it’s a harsh chemical that removes the pigment. This process also stresses your hair follicles and weakens the ends of your hair, causing breakage and dry hair.
3- Repackage Hair Moisture With A Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner
Over-processed hair, without a doubt, needs all the TLC it can receive. You’ll need to repackage your hair right away because it’s been robbed of most of its moisture.
What can you do? Why not try a nutritious shampoo and conditioner?
It’s usually a good idea to condition and moisturise over-processed hair more than you normally would. After all, nothing beats a system that’s designed to lock in moisture and improve your hair’s overall appearance and feel.
4- Add Hair Masks to Your Hair Care Routine
Incorporate treatments into your daily hair care routine. If you haven’t tried a hair mask yet, now is the time to do so.
Protein rich hair masks will aid your hair and replenish the moisture it has lost. The idea is to replace the moisture and proteins that were stripped from your hair shaft throughout the manufacturing process.
You can make your own or buy a hydrating hair mask. For a DIY hair mask try choosing a few ingredients mentioned below:
- Honey
- Olive oil
- Raw eggs
- Avocado
5- Try Essential Oils Before Bedtime
To stimulate hair development and fix over processed hair, give essential oils a try!
MAKE SURE!! When using essential oils to your hair, they are diluted. You can try mixing essential oils like peppermint oil with a hydrating oil (as a carrier oil) like jojoba or almond oil.
Apply a few drops of the diluted essential oil to the ends of your hair and your scalp, before going to bed and see the astonishing results.
CAUTION: You should perform a patch test before using the essential oil blend to ensure that you are not allergic to it.
6- Invest in A Professional Treatment
Damaged hair can be repaired with a skilled in-salon treatment that has long-term benefits. Such treatments typically include a conditioning spray that penetrates the hair follicle, fixing the hair at the root to prevent it from breaking and promoting larger volume, lustre, and movement.
You should get these treatments every three to four months.
7- Get A Haircut
The last option when you feel your hair appear to be damaged beyond repair, you should consider cutting it. If you’re attached to your length, the notion of a major chop alone can feel distressing, but it’s far better than holding on to damaged strands.
Consider it an occasion to try out different short and medium-length haircuts for a fresh new look. Isn’t it exciting?
Bottom Line!
You may need to wait too long for your hair to recover once it has been over processed. Trying the tips mentioned above will help you heal damage, prevent split ends, and leave your hair silkier and shinier than when you dipped your toe into the dye pool or heat styling.
If you still have concerns regarding how to fix over processed hair, you can go for a consultation with the best trichologists near you. You can make an appointment via Healthwire.pk.
