GLAMOUR's tips to getting your hair's personality back

It was a long festive season, and it's been an even more gruelling return to the 9-to-5; the state of your hair is probably the last thing on your mind. It could be just as damaged as you feel. Here's how to pamper your hair back to glowing health. 

Although the thought of wash day can seem daunting, it’s a much-needed practice, regardless of the state of your hair. Your hair is an expression of your overall health and has a way of signalling when it’s under stress, over-processed, or not getting the TLC it needs.

These factors can signal you may have damaged hair:

• Dullness and dryness.
• Split ends.
• Change in curl pattern and texture.
• Breakage.
• Excess frizz.
• Failing to retain moisture.

Most people’s solution for damaged hair is to cut it all off out of frustration; but before making that decision, it’s worth giving it a chance to recover. With a little TLC and the right techniques, your hair can bounce back from the verge of a dramatic cut, regaining its overall health. Before reaching for the scissors or clippers, consider these tips, soothing treatments and quick fixes for getting your hair’s groove back.

Get a trim

The easiest way to get rid of split ends and hair damage is to trim your hair —but don’t make the mistake of cutting your own hair with your kitchen scissors. Hairdressers are trained to work with high-quality scissors specially made for cutting hair; your multi-purpose scissors could do more harm than good. If you’re not sure what haircut will suit you, ask a professional for advice. They’ll help you decide on a simple, low-maintenance hairdo that you can style without further damaging your hair. Pixie cuts and bobs are common favourites for low-maintenance hairstyles. 

Stay away from heat styling tools

Hot tools are one of the main causes of hair damage, especially if used daily. Give your tresses a break by not using heat for styling, at least for a few weeks. Aim for air-dried hair whenever you can. If you must use hot tools, apply heat-protectant sprays and serums — these will create a protective barrier between the hair and the heat. 

Get a deep-conditioning treatment

A good deep-conditioning treatment once a week will nourish your hair and restore its natural shine. If you have very dry hair, a hot oil treatment once a month can help moisturise it: wash your hair, dry it with a towel and apply your favourite nourishing hair oil, or extra-virgin coconut, olive, argan or jojoba oil. Cover your hair with a plastic shower cap and wrap a heated towel around it. Let the oils do their magic for an hour or two, and rinse with cold water. 

Invest in satin pillowcases, hair ties,scarves and bonnets

You may not realise this but that elastic hair tie you swear gives your ponytail the perfect tightness is damaging your hair. While elastic often pulls and snags on your hair, satin glides over it and holds it gently in place. When it’s bedtime, you can use satin pillowcases and satin-lined bonnets. Satin is less absorbent than cotton; so if you go to bed with leave-in conditioner on, your pillowcase won’t soak up the product.

Choose protective styles

A protective hairstyle is a great way to give your hair a well-deserved break and protect it from further damage. You can opt for twisted buns, three-strand braids, wigs and weaves. Despite its sheltered status in these styles, your hair still needs a routine that includes moisturising, washing and hydrating your hair.

Use hydrating or moisturising shampoo

To nurture your dry strands, use a shampoo designed to restore lost moisture. These shampoos typically contain moisturising ingredients such as glycerin, shea butter, coconut oil or aloe vera, which are known for their ability to attract and retain moisture in the hair while restoring its natural softness, smoothness and shine. This can help make it more manageable and less prone to breakage.

Eat the right foods and stay hydrated

For strong, healthy hair your diet should contain foods rich in protein, iron, omega-3 and vitamins A, C and E, which you can in eggs, fish, leafy veggies, carrots, avocados, wholegrains, citrus fruits and nuts. Your body will distribute them to your organs, skin and hair. Hydration is just as important, The recommended eight glasses of water a day, or smoothies, juices, fruits, and soups, will provide sufficient moisture to your follicles and scalp.