Hair damage can result from heat styling, chemical treatments, coloring or overwashing – however there are products out there which can help prevent and repair breakage. Editor and Byrdie tester Chelsea Avila put several anti-breakage hair products through rigorous tests – one even got her off her day three list entirely – while also speaking with a professional hairstylist about ways to protect strands against further damage.
1. Moisture
Moisture is key when it comes to restoring damaged hair. Without enough of it, locks become dry, brittle, and susceptible to breakage and frizz. Healthy locks have dense structures which absorb 30-35% of their own weight in moisture whereas damaged and dry tresses may absorb as much as double that amount from humidity – leaving the resultant frizzy locks frizzier and unrulier than before. Use hydrating shampoo and conditioner regularly in order to retain hydration of natural oils in your locks; wash it every other day or less often so as not over stripping natural oils out. OLAPLEX routines which deliver both hydration as bond-building strength can create smooth, stronger locks.
2. Repair
No matter the state of your locks, heat use, coloring and frequent straightening can all lead to damage. Look for products with bond-building technology and nourishing ingredients to repair and revive them; or find treatments with multiple functions like detangler, heat protector and hydrator in one. Byrdie tester Chelsea Avila put one such treatment through rigorous tests; she found it effective enough that it replaced every other styling product in her routine – she recommends Redken product where lipids fill in gaps while proteins strengthen while moisture hydrates for an efficient styled look.
4. Shine
There’s much that can go wrong with your hair: styling tools such as straighteners and curling irons, chemical treatments (such as coloring or bleaching) or daily wear and tear can deplete its naturally moisturizing oils and lead to dryness, frizz or brittle ends. But with proper products and maintenance habits in place – such as using leave-in conditioner or hydrating spray that locks in moisture for lasting hydration; heat protectant spray; regular trims all help ensure strong and healthy strands!
An award-winning treatment spray from a major brand is our go-to repair solution that serves multiple functions at once – detangler, hairspray and hydration booster alike! Our tester with fine, wavy hair found it particularly helpful as part of her pre-wash routine on days three through five – it minimized breakage while leaving her with stunning shine!
