How to Style Dry Damaged Hair

Dry damaged hair is recognizable from the visible signs of dehydration, dullness, frizz, split ends, and general wear and tear. Anyone with damaged hair will understand the frustration of caring for damaged hair as well as styling it.

How does hair become damaged? Can the damage be reversed? How should damaged hair be cared for? Is it possible to style damaged hair without causing any further damage? These questions and more will be answered in the sections below.

What causes hair damage?

When the cuticle around each hair follicle is damaged, the hair loses its ability to retain moisture. This causes the hair to become very dry and brittle. This can be caused by:

Spending too much time in the sun
Living in humid conditions
Exposing the hair to excessive heat
Allowing the build-up of product and perspiration on the scalp
Swimming often in chlorinated pools
Coloring, dyeing, and bleaching the hair frequently
Washing the hair with shampoo more often than is necessary
Rubbing wet hair with a towel
Using hot water to wash your hair regularly
Brushing wet hair

Is it possible to style damaged hair?

Yes, it is possible to style damaged hair. However, there are several precautions you must take to protect your hair from further damage.

Hairstyles for damaged hair

The chignon and the braid are two popular hairstyles for women with damaged hair. The table below takes a closer look at both hairstyles:

Chignon hairstyles

Advantages:

Versatile – can be styled in many different ways
Flexible placement – can be placed anywhere on the head, including the crown
Tidy – hair stays inside the chignon
Looks very feminine
Enhances volume when shaped as hair donuts
Can be decorated with hair jewelry to give a festive look
Gentle on the hair and scalp

Directions:

Pull your hair gently into a ponytail.
Secure the ponytail with the help of a hair band.
Wrap the ponytail around the band to form a bun.
Secure the bun with the help of bobby pins.
Spray a little hair mist for shine.
Decorate with hair jewelry if desired.

Braid hairstyles

Advantages:

Does not require heat styling tools
Hair is protected from the effects of sun and heat damage
Quick and easy hairstyle
Excellent for creating waves
Versatile – many different types of braid such as Dutch braid, French braid, rope braid, fishtail braid, etc.
Keeps hair tangle-free and healthy

Directions:

Apply a generous quantity of mousse to your hair when it is 80% dry.
Part your hair down the center.
Begin at the hairline.
Make a three-strand braid on either side. (Remember to cross the hair under instead of over.)
Apply a conditioning spray to braids and ends to tame flyaways.
Leave the braid on overnight and unbraid in the morning for elegant waves.

Blow-drying advice for damaged hair

It is not recommended to blow-dry damaged hair, but if it is absolutely essential, then the following advice must not go unheeded:

Use a heat protectant prior to blow-drying to protect your hair against possible heat damage.
Use a ceramic blow dryer with built-in ionic technology to control static and also give your hair a smooth and glossy look.
Use a pomade, serum or conditioning hair mist to texturize damaged hair.
Make sure your hair is 80-90% dry before blow-drying to reduce the risk of overheating.
Use the blow dryer at the lowest heat and speed setting to prevent further damage.
Move the blow dryer around to prevent overheating any portion of your hair.
Hold the blow dryer at least 7 inches from your hair to prevent heat damage.
Use a diffuser attachment to create curls or waves without damaging your hair further.

Styling products/accessories for damaged hair

Depending on the hairstyle you desire, there are different hairstyling products and accessories to choose from as shown in the table below:

Sleek and shiny: Apply a pea-sized amount of serum or oil to the ends of your hair.
Curls/Waves: Apply a styling mousse or conditioning gel to maintain hold and structure. Use foam or plastic rollers to achieve perfect curls without further damage to your hair.
Updos/Plaits: Apply a blow-drying cream before blow-drying and a little hair spray to manage flyaways.

How do conditioning treatments help damaged hair?

The table below shows two types of hair conditioning treatments that are especially beneficial for women with damaged hair:

Deep Conditioner

Recommended once a week
Must match hair type
Product is rinsed off a few minutes after application
Ideal for color- and chemically treated hair
Restores moisture to damaged hair
Helps color on damaged hair last longer
Makes damaged hair soft and supple

Leave-in Conditioner

Penetrates the hair shaft
Excellent solution for severely damaged hair
Product is left on overnight and rinsed off next morning
Makes damaged hair healthier, shinier, and stronger

General recommendations for damaged hair

Identify the root of the problem – What is causing the hair to lose its moisture so rapidly? Is it the UV rays from the sun, excessive amounts of chlorine in the community swimming pool, humidity, or poor hair care habits? The solution should be tailored to your specific problem.
Use hair products specially formulated for damaged hair - Products that contain keratin, collagen, silicone derivatives, or glucose proteins will revitalize your hair. Deep conditioners and anti-frizz serum also help to replenish the lost moisture.
Wash your hair less often – The rule of thumb is to wash your hair 2 to 3 times a week. A frequency lower than this will lead to product build-up on the scalp and a frequency higher than this will deplete your hair’s natural oils.
Rinse your hair with cold water at the end of the shower – This will tone down the effects of damaged hair.
Comb wet hair with a wide-toothed comb – Your hair is more susceptible to damage when it is wet. Avoid brushing wet hair and only use a wide-toothed comb to negotiate difficult knots prior to blow-drying your hair. You might consider using an anti-frizz serum to smooth out stubborn knots.
Avoid straighteners and curling irons on wet hair – The heat from these hair tools can cause breakage.
Air-dry your hair – Doing this at least once a week will save whatever is left of your hair.
Wear a shower cap – On non-wash days, wear a shower cap before stepping inside the shower. In this way, your hair will be protected from the heat of the shower which will open up your hair’s cuticle and allow your hair’s natural moisture to escape.
Trim your hair – Every 4-6 weeks for short hair, and every 6-8 weeks for long hair. This helps to keep split ends under control.

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