My top 15 tips for preventing hair damage

Hair damage is caused by:

  • Heat (irons, blow dryers and curlers)
  • Sun and environmental factors
  • Mechanical devices (combs, brushes and curling irons)
  • Chemicals (colour, straightening and pool chlorine)
  • Poor diet

But fear not. Here I share our top tips to help you prevent and repair damage, so your hair stays strong, healthy and shiny 💎.

Washing and conditioning

#1. Shampoo smart 💆‍♀️

Use a professional shampoo on your hair, I advise to use the best one your budget will stretch to, a great shampoo is the base of you haircare regime, I have seen many heads of hair over the years transform into beautiful thick full heads if hair from damaged by using a great shampoo. 2 shampoo’s is best to also really get the benefit from the product and also leads to less frequent washing, thus less heat styling ect…. (which is always a good thing) the pro Another tip is to always use lukewarm water 🌡️ instead of hot, it is better for the hair and scalp condition.

#2. Condition like a pro

Never skip the conditioner! (and make sure to leave it on the the recommended time, its on the bottle 🧴 for a reason!) Towel dry or really squeeze out the water from you hair before applying your conditioner as super wet hair can dilute the product. Use one that suits your hair type – ask your stylist for their best recommendation. And don’t forget to indulge in a weekly deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture and keep your hair soft and manageable. For really sad and damaged hair, I would replace your conditioner for a mask every wash until the condition is back tip top as a mask is more powerful and will improve the condition quicker 💁‍♀️.

Drying and styling

#3. Handle wet hair with TLC

Wet hair is super fragile, so you need to be really really gentle with it when it’s wet, I always advise my clients to treat it like ‘threads of silk’ 🪡. Use a wide-toothed comb or brush to gently detangle from the ends up, its the easiest way to get out knots and tangles and always use a product before combing through, one that will assist with detangling like a leave in conditioner or hair primer for easing detangling.

#4. Mind the Heat

Air-dry when you can and try to limit your use of heat styling tools🌡️. When you do use them, turn the temperature down a notch your hair will thank you for it, 180 degrees is enough for most people, finer hair can go down a little more! (The finer your hair usually the less heat you need to get the result!)

Always, always, always use a thermal protector such as Sensus Heat Shield when styling with heat tools. This simple step can save your hair from significant damage.

Make sure your hair is completely dry before using straightening irons otherwise you could cause long lasting damage.

#5. Be gentle with towels and brushes

Swap your regular towel for a microfibre one to reduce frizz and breakage.

Choose a brush with natural bristles or one designed to be gentle. Avoid aggressive brushing and instead, gently detangle your hair with a wide toothed comb. Update your brush once or twice a year, once it starts to look sad and worn, get a new one 🪮, your stylist can recommend the best one for your hair type and style (yes it does matter!) (PPS- Keep it clean and shiny, bacteria and product build up is never good)

#6. Avoid tight hairstyles

Frequent tight ponytails, buns and braids can cause tension and breakage. Opt instead for looser styles, and use gentle hair ties, just to be a little kinder on your hair 👱‍♀️.

Protection and Maintenance

#7. Sun savvy

Just like your skin, your hair needs protection from damaging UV rays. Add a product  into your routine and wear a hat or scarf when you’re out in the sun. I absolutely love Eufora Leave in Hydration, a leave in hair treatment that offers protection for the hair and scalp, its the best I have ever found for condition!

#8. Rinse after swimming

Salt and chlorine can make your hair dry and brittle as well as give blondes a brassy tone, think about it, baking your hair in the sun with the exfoliating salt and Chlorine (aka bleach)….. its a disaster waiting to happen! Always cleanse after swimming with a specifically formulated chlorine shampoo such as Eufora Urgent repair gentle detox shampoo to prevent damage. Another little nugget is to wet your hair thoroughly before going for a dip as the hair is like a sponge and when it is really saturated with clean water it will soak up less of the bad stuff!

#9. Regular Trims

Keep your hair looking fresh and healthy with regular trims every 6 to 8 weeks to prevent split ends. Think of the hair like a piece of rope, when the ends start to fray, it will creep further up the hair! keep the ends strong and healthy to prevent unnecessary extra splitting!

#10. Hair rebonders

Heard of hair rebonders? The most popular one is Olaplex, but there are many brands and great products out there on the market. A hair rebonder basically repairs the hair from the inside out, replacing and repairing broken bonds within the hair. Unlike a conditioner that will eventually rinse out a hair rebonder will permanently repair the hair until more damage is caused, they really do strengthen the hair. Anyone can have a rebonder and it will improve hair health, but you MUST MUST have one if you are lightening the hair, its the only way to keep the hair healthy and strong. Ask your stylist about them, I do not know a single hairdresser that does not think they are incredible! They can be added in to colour or Lightner or done as stand alone treatment. We recommend a great range Eufora Elixirs which have this rebonding technology within their shampoo and conditioner. They will transform the most damaged hair!

#11. Scalp care

A healthy scalp is key to healthy hair. Use a scalp exfoliator to remove dead skin cells or build up, also use products that have the scalp health in mind, we absolutely love Eufora products at our salon because they are Aloe based with optimum scalp and hair health at the forefront of their mission.

#12. Beware environmental stressors

Wind, pollution and cold weather can wreak havoc on your hair. Wear a hat or scarf when you’re outside in harsh weather conditions.

#13. Sleepy head 😴

If you have long hair, loosely braid it or tie up with a soft scrunchie before bed to prevent tangles and breakage.

Sleeping on a silk pillowcase can also reduce friction, prevent breakage and keep your hair smoother. Plus, it’s a luxurious touch to your bedtime routine.

#14. Leave it to the pros

Thinking of a new hair colour? Always consult a professional to avoid damage (and mishaps!). We offer a complimentary colour consultation so why not have a chat with us – you’ve nothing to lose.

#15. You are what you eat 🥚🐟🥑

Your diet affects your hair’s health. Include high-quality proteins (like chicken, fish and eggs) and essential fatty acids (from oily fish, nuts and seeds) in your meals. A hair vitamin can also be great for the condition and growth of the hair, there has been lots of recent research and development tin this area and I have seen some great results, the best I have seen so far is GLOWWA, I am just about to embark on a trial myself, I would say though to see results it will take a minimum of 8-12 weeks its not an instant fix but long term use seems to be able to yield great results! (watch this space)

Final thoughts…

Caring for your hair is all about balance and consistency. By incorporating these tips into your hair care routine, you can prevent damage and keep your hair healthy and looking fabulous. Remember, healthy hair starts with good habits and the right products.

Happy hair care 😍

Abbie

Owner, The Strand