In some seasons, and not least in autumn, hair can appear particularly damaged, dull and dry. However, hair remains one of our strongest distinctive features and represents an important segment of our appearance, managing in some cases to influence our beauty and self-esteem.
For this and other reasons, no one wants to have to deal with damaged and brittle hair; a condition that nevertheless occurs frequently, due to multiple factors such as the frequent use of heat styling tools, exposure to environmental damage and the excessive use of chemical products. Dull and brittle, brittle hair loses all its charm.
In this article we want to explore the signs and characteristics that allow you to recognize damaged hair: we will provide valuable advice on how to take care of it, how to prevent this condition and how to intervene to restore its health and vitality in a short time.
The structure of damaged hair
Let's start with a quick definition of damaged hair, useful for recognizing the problem and treating it in the most appropriate way. Damaged hair differs from healthy hair starting from its structure [1], which is different from that of healthy hair. The structure of damaged hair is, in fact, altered: if healthy hair has a multi-layered structure that makes it strong, elastic and shiny, when the hair becomes damaged this structure suffers damage that can vary greatly in severity.
First of all, in fact, a damaged hair has a damaged cuticle [2]. To be clear, the cuticle is the external layer of the hair and is composed of small overlapping scales: in a healthy hair, these scales are closed and smooth, and help to keep the hair protected and shiny, in damaged hair, however, the cuticle is generally damaged, with some of the scales raised or broken. This last condition makes the hair rougher and the shaft more exposed to damage caused by external factors such as humidity and chemicals. Structural damage can be even deeper, compromising the protein structure of the hair, which is in fact generally composed of proteins, in particular keratin. In damaged hair, the protein structure can be damaged, making the shaft weaker and more prone to breaking.
At the same time, damaged hair tends to be dehydrated: for this reason it appears dry, rough and porous. Furthermore, this type of hair will often have split ends (the so-called "split ends") [3], which will have a dull appearance, making the hair appear less shiny. Damaged hair, therefore, can be recognised [2] by a dull appearance, by an irregular texture (with rough or knotty areas) and by a tendency to be dry (with the so-called "straw effect") and by the presence of split ends and divisions into two or more parts.
It should be noted that the severity of damage can vary from person to person, depending on hair care habits and treatments to which they have been subjected. Furthermore, it is important to keep in mind that hair damage can be completely reversible with the right treatments and care, but this step can take time and consistency before producing visible results on the health and vitality of the hair. Maintaining a good hair care routine and limiting future damage is essential to prevent the worsening of the condition of the hair.
What causes damaged hair?
Brittle hair can be caused by a variety of reasons [4, 5], and often a combination of factors contributes to this condition. Some of the most common causes of brittle hair include:
- Overuse of heat styling tools. Frequent use of blow dryers, flat irons, curling irons, and other styling tools that apply direct heat to the hair can damage the cuticle, causing moisture loss and hair breakage. Frequent use of perms, straighteners, or chemical treatments can weaken the bonds in the hair, making it more likely to break.
- Use of harsh chemicals. Excessive use of chemicals such as bleaches, perms, harsh dyes and chemical hair treatments can weaken the protein structure of the hair and damage the cuticle [4].
- Washing too often. Washing your hair too often or with an overly harsh shampoo can remove the natural plant oils that protect your hair, causing dryness and brittleness [4].
- Lack of proper care. Lack of proper hair care, such as regular moisturizing and trimming damaged ends, can lead to progressive hair damage. Excessive friction, such as combing or brushing your hair aggressively or too vigorously, can also damage the cuticle and cause hair breakage [4].
- Exposure to environmental damage. Exposure to UV rays from the sun [6], air pollution [4], weather (rain, wind) and excessive humidity [6] can cause damage to hair, especially if the hair is not adequately protected.
- Unbalanced diet. A diet lacking essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamins and minerals can negatively affect hair health, especially if aggravated by actual eating disorders [5].
- Stress. Physical or emotional stress can affect hair health [4]. Chronic stress can lead to changes in the hair growth cycle, causing premature hair loss or weakening of the hair.
- Genetics: Some people may be genetically predisposed to have hair that is more fragile and susceptible to damage in the cuticle layer.
Solutions and treatments for damaged hair
When hair is already in a state where it appears damaged and brittle, there are several solutions and treatments that can be adopted to immediately improve its condition. For an intensive treatment, there are various options [5] to consider, starting with cutting the damaged ends: a regular cut by a hairdresser eliminates the most damaged parts, helping to prevent further damage, lightening the hair and stimulating the growth of the shaft. It may seem like a somewhat drastic solution, but it is certainly very effective: in the case in which you want to preserve the lengths, then you can resort to masks and intensive treatments specific for damaged hair [7, 8]: these products often contain hydrating and nourishing ingredients that can restore the shine and softness of the hair, helping the scales of the cuticle to close.
Among the specific products we can mention natural oils, such as coconut oil, linseed oil, olive oil and argan oil, to be applied to the hair and massaged on all lengths, without insisting on the scalp, leaving it on for at least 30 minutes or during the whole night (remember to wash your hair with a delicate shampoo at the end of the treatment). One of the best natural remedies for dry and damaged hair involves a pack with egg yolk and olive oil, useful in moments of intense stress and particularly effective in combination with food supplements for hair with silicon, copper, selenium and biotin. Copper contributes, for example, to the normal pigmentation of the hair, while selenium and biotin contribute to the maintenance of normal hair [5].
Other natural compresses involve the use of lemon: once the juice has been extracted, it should be mixed in a cup of warm water with a spoonful of coarse salt and a spoonful of white vinegar. The mixture should then be poured onto the hair after shampooing, massaged into the scalp and left on for at least 2 minutes before rinsing [7]. This type of treatment complements a specific washing routine, with shampoo, conditioner and serums dedicated to damaged hair, capable of strengthening the hair structure and preventing further damage.
During the critical phase of hair restructuring, it is advisable to limit the use of heat tools such as high-temperature hair dryers, straighteners and curling irons: if necessary, it is best to set the temperature to the lowest level and apply a heat protector before use. Similarly, styling should also be more delicate: we recommend avoiding braids and hairstyles that are too tight and could stress the hair.
Finally, you can ask for the advice of a specialist with a view to taking specific supplements: biotin, for example, can be of great help in repairing damaged hair [2]. In fact, it is a B vitamin (also known as vitamin B8 or vitamin H) that has long been associated with the well-being of hair and skin. Biotin deficiency in the body is a rather rare condition, but if the hair is damaged due to a nutritional deficiency of this kind, the supplements of the Swisse hair line such as Swisse Strong Hair for Women can support the restoration of hair health. However, it is essential to consult a doctor or a health professional before starting any vitamin supplement.
How to prevent damaged hair
Here are some tips and simple tricks to prevent the appearance of damaged hair:
- Regular trims. It is advisable to trim the damaged ends of the hair and continue thinning the ends of the hair shaft to improve the appearance of the hair [7], prevent the appearance of split ends and maintain the health of the hair.
- Limit heat. Reducing the use of heat styling tools is useful not only in a critical phase, but also in a preventive one: if you can't do without the flat iron, it is important to use a heat protectant to reduce the damage associated with heat.
- Use natural products. Using shampoos and conditioners based on natural ingredients and with specific formulations for hair that tends to dryness helps to keep the hair hydrated and strong, preventing damage. It is equally important give up the use of aggressive chemical products, such as cosmetics with alcohol or ammonia-based dyes, or aggressive treatments [7], such as perms and bleaching.
- Proper Nutrition. As always, a balanced and nutrient-rich diet (with the right balance of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals) is essential for healthy hair. Foods such as eggs, fish, green leafy vegetables and nuts are especially beneficial for healthy hair.
- Hydration. In addition to a healthy diet, it is good to take care of your body's hydration, both by drinking an adequate amount of water a day, using hydrating products and limiting excessive hair washing.
- Sun Protection [8]. Last but not least, you need to protect your hair from sun damage by using hair products with UV protection or covering your head when exposed to the sun.
Sources
[1] Treccani Encyclopedia, entry Capello.
[2] Swisse, Biotin: why this fall (and the next) will be your best beauty ally, https://it.swisse.com/blogs/hair-care/biotin-why-this-fall-and-the-next-fall-will-be-your-best-beauty-ally
[3] Swisse, Split ends: how to eliminate them and keep your hair healthy and strong, https://it.swisse.com/blogs/hair-care/double-ends
[4] Blog by dermatologist Antonino Di Pietro, Damaged hair: causes and remedies, https://www.antoninodipietro.it/2020/04/capelli-sfibrati-sottili-cause-rimedi/
[5] IRCCS HUMANITAS Research Hospital, Brittle and dry hair, https://www.humanitas.it/sintomi/capelli-fragili-e-secchi/
[6] Swisse, How to take care of dry hair, https://it.swisse.com/blogs/hair-care/how-to-take-care-of-dry-hair
[7] La Repubblica, Tips & products for super hair, https://www.repubblica.it/moda-e-beauty/2014/09/25/foto/consigli-prodotti-come_evitare-capelli-crespi-sfibrati-doppie_punte-senza_volume-291350414/1/
[8] Il Corriere della Sera, Taking care of your hair so as not to ruin it this summer (between sea water, swimming pool and sun): guide and products, https://www.corriere.it/offerte-recensioni/benessere-bellezza/23_luglio_19/capelli-estate-guida-prodotti-ad45a6a9-78d5-4b66-be58-b4b692e4axlk.shtml