Is dry and damaged hair a concern? Our guide will help you to understand how to recognise the signs of hair damage, what to do in order to avoid further damage, and share our tips for dry hair and how to restore your hair back to health.
Before fixing something, you need to understand the root of the problem (pun alert). Dry hair and damaged hair are two different problems with different solutions.
Dry hair means the hair is low on the natural oils that lubricate it. Dry hair has a coarse texture, a bit straw-like, and can sometimes be frizzy as well.
Damage to the hair happens at a structural level when the cuticles covering the hair fibre are weakened therefore exposing the core of the hair and leaving it vulnerable to snapping. This is why damaged hair breaks easily, has split ends and lacks elasticity.
You can check if you have dry or damaged hair by plucking one hair and stretching it: if it stretches by one third and then returns to the original length, the hair is healthy. If it doesn’t stretch or stretches just a little, the hair is likely damaged. If it stretches but does not return to the previous length, the hair is most likely to be dry.
Exposing the hair to high levels of heat temporarily changes its structure, making it prone to permanent damage over time. Regularly using blow dryers, straighteners or curlers without any heat-protection products weakens the hair leaving it dull and prone to breakage.
Excessive hair coloring, lightening or perming can damage the hair, especially when it’s not done professionally. If this is done too often or incorrectly, the hair becomes weaker and the color won’t last as long.
Hair is most fragile when wet, so when comb and brush it after washing it, the hair stretches. The more you comb it, the more you chip at the outer layer, or hair cuticles. For sensitized hair, it’s important to use products that ease the detangling and allow you to be gentler to your hair.
Reduce the temperature on your heat tools or use them as little as possible. Let your hair air dry from time to time. Use heat-protective products when you do have to use styling tools.
Hair is more fragile when wet and combing damp hair weakens the hair cuticles. Always use conditioner or mask after shampooing. Using detangling products like weDo’s Detangling Spray or Moisturizing Day Cream will protect the hair after the wash, leaving it smooth.
You could also try using our Scalp Refresh Scalp & Hair Tonic after washing your hair. It's ideal for dry and itchy scalps and is designed to hydrate and soothe the scalp and hair.
Masks formulated with a higher concentration of caring ingredients will condition and moisturize the hair because they penetrate the hair fibre deeper than a conditioner. Try using our specially designed hair mask for frizzy or damaged hair, or alternativley you can use our Moisture & Shine mask, a moisturising hair mask that contains nourishing murumuru butter that intensively conditions damaged hair. Tip: Apply the mask on damp, not on soaking wet hair to get the most of it. Gently press hair dry with a towel after shampooing, and only then apply the mask.
Overnight products for damaged hair are a great, low-maintenance way to treat the damage. You simply apply the product in the evening, go to bed and let it work its magic while you sleep. Our Nourishing Night Hair Cream with cupuacu butter is great for just that.
Once your ends are damaged there’s nothing you can do to “glue” them. You can temporarily conceal them to protect them from further damage with a balm, but eventually they should face the scissors. Keep trimming the hair regularly and it will start looking healthier in time.
Overexposure to the sun can also damage hair, particularly due to UV rays, leaving it dry and prone to breakage. Apply a hair product formulated with sun protection before a day in the sun and keep the hair conditioned using cleansing products.
Just as we take care of our skin and prevent it from dehydrating by applying moisturizer, we should do the same with our hair. Dry hair that coarse or curly needs an intensive moisturizing regime with formulas rich in fatty acids, oils or butters. If your hair is coarse, try our Natural Oil, a silicone free hair oil, for pampering and softening. Formulated with macadamia oil, it has conditioning properties that will make your dry ends super soft!
When dealing with damaged hair, the shampoo we use matters. Using a sulphate-free shampoo designed with natural-origin ingredients will gently cleanse the scalp and hair.
We all want great smelling hair, so try using our Hair & Body Mist to keep your hair smelling fresh throughout the day without drying it out with perfume. Not only is great for the hair, but the multi-purpose spray can be used on the skin too. An instant mood booster!
Discover our range of products formulated to moisturize and enhance the shine of natural or damaged hair.