Q&A for How to Restore Damaged Hair

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  • Question
    Can you grow damaged hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You can grow damaged hair, but it will be more difficult and prone to dryness and split ends. I would recommend cutting off the damage before growing or at least getting regular trims during the grow-out.
  • Question
    How can I repair dry, damaged hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You can't repair damaged hair, at least not permanently. However, using a weekly protein-based conditioner will add strength and using hydrating oils such as coconut and macadamia will help with shine and hydration. Just be consistent in your application; the damage may appear to lessen, but it won't be gone until you cut it off.
  • Question
    Can coconut oil help repair damaged hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Coconut oil won't repair damaged hair, but it will add visible shine and form a protective barrier that helps prevent additional damage. Lighter than many other oils, it is suitable for all hair types.
  • Question
    Can you repair damaged hair follicles?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Finasteride and minoxidil can stimulate follicles that have stopped producing hair in about 10% of the population. Massage and stimulating oils such as tea tree are also effective for some people. Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed method.
  • Question
    My hair is so soft, straight and bouncy before. But now my hair's been ruined because of straightening and curling tools. It became dry, frizzy, very limp. When I comb my hair, I always end up having lots and lots of hairfall. How will I restore and get my old hair back?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Stop using heat tools and start wearing it in its natural shape. Use hydrating products and if you do heat style, always use a thermal protector.
  • Question
    If I cut my hair and grow it back will it be healthy then?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, but only if you treat it well. Minimize chemical treatments and heat styling and use high quality shampoo and conditioner designed for your hair type.
  • Question
    How can I hide damaged hair from being seen?
    Gina Almona
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Gina Almona is the Owner of Blo It Out, a New York City-based hair salon. With over 20 years of beauty training experience, Gina's work has been featured in People Magazine, Time Out New York, and Queens Scene. She has been able to keep a fresh perspective in the industry by demonstrating and participating in trade shows and workshops like the International Beauty Show. She received her cosmetology training from the Long Island Beauty School, Astoria.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    The best thing to do would be to go to a salon and get a quick trim. If the damaged hair can't be easily covered with that, your stylist should be able to help you figure out a haircut that works to hide the damage until healthy hair can grow back.
  • Question
    How can I repair dead ends without getting a hair cut?
    Community Answer
    Unfortunately, it is not possible to repair dead or split ends without a haircut. You can temporarily mend split ends with a silicone-based split end mending serum, but it is not (and should not) be a permanent option. You can also make dry ends temporarily softer by putting a little bit of coconut oil on them twice a week.
  • Question
    What can I do to help my hair that is burnt and breaking from chemical straightening?
    Community Answer
    Coconut oil will help. Mix coconut and olive oil and apply it to your hair, for around 5 hours, and do that every single week, non-stop. And stop the chemical straightening for good.
  • Question
    How long does it take to restore hair dyed for 1 month if u do all these tips?
    Community Answer
    It depends completely on your hair quality, how damaged your hair is and what kinds of products you used. If you are patient enough to not use heat on your hair and let it air-dry, this will make a difference too. Damaged hair can never be fully recovered, especially if it has been bleached or heavily styled for many years, the only way to get really healthy hair is to let it grow out without damaging it further. If you closely follow all of these tips, you should see a difference in your hair quality in two weeks and it should be healthier again by six months.
  • Question
    Do I still massage my hair when it's damaged?
    Community Answer
    Massaging your scalp stimulates hair growth and is recommended to do whether your hair is damaged or not. Massaging your hair strands might not be advised.
  • Question
    I shower daily because my hair is always so greasy. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Greasy hair is often the result of overwashing your hair. The natural oils produced by your scalp are stripped away every time you use a store-bought shampoo, and the greasy feeling is the result of those glands overreacting to produce the needed sebum oils. Try to go a week or two without washing your hair, and look into no-shampoo options. You have to let things get worse before they can get better. Consider purchasing one of the boar bristle brushes mentioned in this article. It'll move the oil through your hair instead of building it up.
  • Question
    Can you condition your hair without shampooing it? Can you use conditioner on its own more than once a week?
    Community Answer
    You can try it. If you have curly or damaged hair, this is even better to do because it provides moisture to you hair. This method is called co-washing. You can do it as often as you want. Some people may not be able to do it successfully without their hair getting greasy, though. Make sure you massage the conditioner into your hair thoroughly as you would shampoo and wash it out well.
  • Question
    What other methods can I try if these techniques don't seem to help?
    Community Answer
    One way is to put conditioner in your hair and leave it in for five minutes and then wash out. Do this once or twice a week.
  • Question
    How long will it take to restore my hair after straightening it for quite a long time?
    Community Answer
    It takes two or three weeks. But to speed up the process, you can put two raw eggs and a scoop of mayonnaise in your hair; this will restore the natural oils.
  • Question
    Will my hair go back to its original, healthy condition if I stop dyeing it and use expensive shampoo and conditioner?
    Community Answer
    Yes it will as dyes include chemicals that can destroy your hair. Expensive shampoo or not doesn't matter. Use a shampoo that is sulfate free. Trimming your hair every once in a while will also help as the new hair that comes will be healthier and better. Some people only use conditioner instead of shampoo, that helps too.
  • Question
    Is coconut oil good for your hair, too?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it is. Results vary for different people based on their hair types and personal chemistry - but that goes for everything. Try a few different oils and see which works best for you.
  • Question
    I usually wear my hair up in messy buns. Will that damage my hair and make it frizzy?
    Community Answer
    It shouldn't make your hair more frizzy, but it may cause breakage. Limit the time you wear it in a messy bun to a few days a week.
  • Question
    How long will it take for my hair to grow?
    Community Answer
    This depends on the person and how healthy you and your hair are. Average hair grows a half an inch in six months, so take good care of it and be patient.
  • Question
    What are some good hair products to use for my damaged hair?
    Community Answer
    Before using products, I recommend getting a trim if you haven't, especially if your hair is damaged from bleach or dye. I thought I could fix my damaged dyed hair by using products, instead it was a waste of money and time. My hair was too unhealthy to notice any results while using the products. A product you can try using is Pantene Moisture Renewal Deep Conditioner. Since it's a deep conditioner instead of regular conditioner, this product would be used once a week (unless your hair is super damaged, then you can up it to at least twice a week). You can look for this product at your local Walmart, it is cheap. It makes your hair soft, not sure if it slowly makes your hair healthy as I'm still working at it.
  • Question
    I dyed my hair 3 times in one day. After that, my hair wouldn't grow like it used to; the sides won't grow longer. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    If you used bleach, then chances are you have severely damaged your hair. You'll need to take extra good care of it or cut it off. I'd advise going to a hair salon and asking for advice; whatever the hairdresser says, do it.
  • Question
    I have dry frizzy damage hair, even after a haircut. Is there any solution?
    Community Answer
    Buy coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil or grape-seed oil, etc and have weekly hair-masks. Also, put some on your ends after every shower. Shower and wash your hair less often, about 2 times a week only. Stop heating or straightening your hair, not even at the hairdresser's. Eat a whole and healthy balanced diet. Let your hair down or put it in a loose braid most of the time. Sleep on soft pillow cases.
  • Question
    I haven't had my hair trimmed like ever and I am a black person. I need to know what to do since my hair is damaged. I have split ends and I just don't know what to do anymore?
    Community Answer
    Definitely use oils in your hair more regularly. Try a oil hair mask twice a week focusing especially on the dry areas, leave for a few hours or a day and rinse off afterward.
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