Restoring Dry and Damaged Hair to Healthy Condition

by POPSUGAR Beauty AU 1

Luscious locks are the only accessory a girl needs this party season. Take your mane from meh to magnificent with our top tips and trends for you to try, whatever your hair type. Today we're tackling condition, helping you turn dry and damaged hair into shiny strands.

Why so dry? Dry hair can be the result of genetics or environment — or both! Some people are more prone to dry hair, just as others are prone to oily hair. And whilst it's handy that you don't have to wash your hair every day, dry hair doesn't always look as shiny or healthy as you'd hope. Damaged hair is more severe than dry hair and can be caused due to a variety of factors such as heat styling, product build-up or chemical stress from hair colouring.

Keep reading . . .What's the solution?

• Dry hair is lacking in moisture so it's important to use ingredients that will restore it. Oils help to seal in the moisture so look for conditioning and shine-enhancing ingredients such as jojoba oil and sunflower oil. You can find these in Aveda's Dry Remedy Moisturizing Shampoo ($49.95) and Crabtree & Evelyn Jojoba Oil Shampoo ($26.95).
• Always use a thermal protection spray. If you can, avoid using a hairdryer or hair straightener. Tip: I let my hair air-dry and then straighten it to half the heat damage. Lee Stafford Heat Protection Straightening Mist ($14.29) is great for straightening.
• If you're heading out in the sun, don't forget to use a UV-protection spray to help prevent further damage.
• Pack in the protein. Damaged hair needs protein to help repair and restore itself to optimal condition so look for a protein-based mask to use once a week. We love Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair ($49.95) as it features quinoa protein to instantly repair damage and wheat protein to help protect against heat damage. Doubly impressive! Schwarzkopf Extra Care Deep Nourishing Shea Mask Treatment ($8.99) is also a great option and works in just one minute!
• Some people find that deep conditioners don't deliver and still leave hair with a rough texture. This isn't because they're not working, but most likely because there's a build-up of product on the hair already. That's why it's important to use a clarifying shampoo every now and then to remove any excess styling or haircare product.
• In-salon treatments are a great way to quickly restore your hair. I recently tried Aveda's Botanical Treatment ($30 plus blow-dry costs) at Paddington's Oscar Oscar salon and was impressed by the immediate transformation of my hair. Both to touch and to look at. I'd definitely recommend it if you need a quick fix for an event — in just an hour I had sleek and seriously shiny strands!
• If you're more of a DIY girl, massage olive oil into your hair and scalp and leave for 30 minutes. Then rinse, shampoo and condition with a dry hair-targeted product and you'll be swishing those shiny strands all over town in no time! (Only do this mask every few weeks or so unless your hair is severely dry.)