For those of you constantly coloring your locks or using hot styling tools regularly, you may struggle with dry, damaged hair. Specifically, applying chemicals or heat to your hair can weaken the hair follicles, causing breakage. You may also notice split ends, brittle strands, or even a dull color.
Luckily, there are a slew of fantastic products on the market that can help remedy damaged hair, typically by enriching your strands with protein-rich and hydrating ingredients. Here are a few of our favorites.
Restorative Shampoo
Kérastase Résistance Bain Force Architecte
First and foremost, you’ll need a restorative shampoo that won’t strip your hair of natural oils, but rather strengthen strands with nourishing ingredients. Kérastase Résistance Bain Force Architecte Shampoo contains pro-keratin, a protein to help rebuild the hair, as well as ceramides, which strengthen the hair fibers from the inside. Within a few uses, you’ll notice less breakage and stronger, shinier locks.
Protein-Rich Conditioner
Evo Ritual Salvation Conditioner
Recommended by my hair stylist, Evo Ritual Salvation Conditioner has done wonders for my damaged, color-treated hair. The product contains amino acids (proteins that help strengthen the hair) and also adds moisture, enhances shine, and even protects against solar damage. Plus, it smells amazing!
Heat Protectant
Bumble & Bumble Repair Blow Dry
This unique serum-in-cream elixir helps seal split ends and helps protect against heat, breakage, and UV damage. Apply it to wet hair before using hot tools or simply let your hair air dry. Add this to your daily hair routine and you’ll not only feel better about continuing to use hot tools, but you’ll also notice fewer split ends in no time.
Reparative Treatment
Olaplex
The number one, most effective treatment used by professionals and now available to consumers is Olaplex. This 3-step system actually rebuilds broken bonds by essentially “gluing” them back together and repairing the hair structurally from within. Ask your hair stylist for the 3-step salon treatment or give their less potent at-home version a try.
Soft Boar Bristle Brush
Brush Strokes Soft Boar Bristle Brush
Because damaged hair is so delicate, it’s important to use the right brush to avoid further breakage. A soft boar bristle brush like this one from Brush Strokes is nice and gentle on damaged hair and even helps distribute natural hair oils.
Ionic or Tourmaline Hair Dryer
T3 Featherweight Luxe 2i
Tourmaline hair dryers are the next generation of ionic. Tourmaline is a stone that is known to boost the production of negative ions, which help retain moisture and smooth dry, damaged hair. Be sure to select an ionic or tourmaline hair dryer (like best-seller T3 Featherweight Luxe 2i) to do what you can to decrease damage during the drying process.