Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Detoxing Chemically Treated Hair

Although it may initially seem counterintuitive, detoxing chemically treated hair can yield relief from some of the bad hair days side effects that are driving us nutty: frizzy, unmanageable, or knotty hair. Sometimes all of the above. Now, what do you mean when you say detoxing? Well, there's different kinds.

Shampoo, Condition, Repeat? Typically, when someone mentions detoxing hair it means going for a shampoo that has sulfates or is clear, because those strip the hair more. These kinds of shampoos help strip away product buildup. Anyone else remember those Neutrogena shampoo commercial in the 1990s? Of course, stripping shampoos can also cause havoc on very delicate, chemically treated tresses. Know your hair and how much damage you've put your hair through.

There are a couple of ways to approach damaged hair. Try one of the following:
  • Replace your usual routine with repairing shampoo and conditioner. This is the easiest way to tackle several issues at once and it can make a huge difference immediately. Always use hair products that are made for your type of hair and your level of damage or needs. Two of my all time favorites are Bumble and Bumble Mending and Matrix Delicate Care.

  • Add a deep conditioning treatment to your usual routine (once a week or more often as needed). Two of my favorites are Aveda Damage Remedy Restructuring Treatment and any of the Ojon conditioners or treatment products.

  • Add a detoxifying shampoo to your routine (maybe once a month) followed up by a nourishing conditioner or deep conditioning treatment. Two of my fave detox shampoos are Bumble and Bumble's Sunday shampoo and Ojon's Full Detox.

  • if your hair is too damaged to wet often, try a no poo treatment: using a conditioning rinse/cleansing conditioner instead of shampoo. This is best for very dry, typically ethnic hair that needs extra gentle care. Some good brands include Carol's Daughter, Deva Curl, Paul Mitchell, and L'Oreal EverCurl.

  • Give your hair a rest...maybe take a day or two off per week from heat treating and go easier on product use.
Finally, remember to be gentle all the time, not just now that you're worried about the condition of your hair. You've already been treating your hair a little harshly lately. Try to give your hair some rest, maybe reexamine the ingredients your hair products are made with and go for products that are a little more natural (stay away from silicones and serums, try natural oils instead).

Best of all, remember to take things like a bad hair day in stride. You can do a lot to cover up a bad hair day, including just working it like you own it! Don't let it bring you down. Hair is just another accessory, you are you and are irreplaceable.

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