How To Bring Damaged Hair Back To Life

Identify The Problem

“Often, people think damaged hair is useless and there’s no way of reviving it,” says Paul Edmonds, A-list stylist & Shu Uemura Art of Hair ambassador. “But this isn’t true. If you’re willing to spend a bit of time and money, there is always a way forward. It’s like dealing with an old house – it needs constant attention, but can still look beautiful. Before you start anything, it’s important to identify the main problem. Damaged hair can be dry, brittle, over-processed or dull and weak from too much heat/colouring. There is a product to help with every concern, but the key is to address it, stabilise the issue, then move on.”

Use Conditioner Pre-Shampoo

“For extremely damaged, brittle hair, try using a conditioner before your shampoo,” advises Darren Fowler, Kérastase expert and founder of Fowler35 Salon. “This will prevent further breakage as you wash. Target breakage with a rich conditioner – like Kérastase Thérapiste Soin Premier – which contains six types of amino acids to work on the most frazzled strands and repair any damage internally. After a few minutes, emulsify and rinse before following up with a strengthening shampoo.”

Be Gentle With Wet Hair

“Brushing your hair when its wet and at its most fragile will cause breakage and splitting,” warns celebrity hair stylist and Charles Worthington ambassador, Ken O’Rourke. “Try combing a conditioner through your hair immediately after you’ve washed it. This will bind the product right into the hair shaft for maximum benefits, plus, the smoothness of the formula will mean you’re less likely to pull or snag your hair. Look for products containing proteins too, as these will strengthen the hair from the root, in turn promoting better growth. The same goes for drying your hair after washing it. Avoid any vigorous towel-drying as this can cause extra damage to the cuticle. Instead, loosely wrap your hair in a towel and leave it to dry naturally.” Ryan Forsythe, Senior Director at Trevor Sorbie for L’Oréal Professionnel agrees: "Wet hair has far more elasticity than dry hair, so that's why it's so at risk of breakage, especially if you tie it back too aggressively. Try to use soft elastics, like silk, satin or smooth scrunchies. It sounds like a simple switch, but it will make all the difference." 

Don’t Rely On Haircuts

“A common misconception about hair growth is that regular trimming makes it grow faster – it doesn’t,” continues Ken. “While haircuts are essential and will keep your hair looking and feeling healthy, they work from the bottom, and growth begins at the top in the follicles in your scalp. That’s why hair treatments are essential when it comes to strengthening and lengthening, so find a good conditioning routine and stick to it.” Ryan agrees: "It is a myth that cutting damaged hair helps your hair grow – for this to happen, you've got to focus on the root. Trimming the ends regularly will prevent split ends from tearing up your hair shaft, however, which will keep everything at least looking healthy and strong." 

Up The Ante On Masks

“If you can, do a weekly mask and leave it in for as long as possible,” recommends Paul. “Do one every time you shampoo, then finish with a small amount of conditioner to seal it in – you can give instant mask treatments a try too, as there are plenty available, including sprays that don’t weigh your hair down. Likewise, it’s important you don’t wash your hair every single day. If you are using the right, nourishing products you won’t need to. In fact, too much washing can lead to your scalp and hair drying out more.”