Damaged hair tangles, breaks when brushed, has split ends, or has lost its shine because its outer layer, the cuticle, is lifted or broken. The fiber does not regenerate, so what you can do is care for it so it looks and feels better and, above all, stop damaging it with heat, chemicals, and rubbing.
What is damaged hair and how do you recognize it?
Each strand has a cuticle with overlapping scales, like shingles on a roof, which protects the inner cortex. When the shingles are flat, light bounces off and the hair shines. When they are lifted or broken, the hair loses water and lipids, becomes porous, snags on neighboring strands, and reflects less light. Common signs:
- Split ends or strands that split into several pieces.
- Hair that breaks when brushed.
- Frizz, rough texture, and knots.
- Lack of shine and color that fades quickly.
Why does hair get damaged?
General causes
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Heat: hair dryer, straightener, or curling iron, especially at high temperatures and on a daily basis. The water inside the fiber evaporates abruptly and lifts the cuticle.
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Chemical processes: dyes, bleaching, highlights, permanent straightening, or keratin treatments, which open the cuticle to penetrate the fiber.
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Handling: brushing wet hair forcefully, which is when it stretches and breaks the most; rubbing it with a towel; very tight hairstyles.
Lifestyle and climate in Colombia
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Strong sun all year round, on the coast and also at high altitudes: it dries out the fiber and dulls the color.
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Humidity of tropical climates. Porous hair absorbs moisture from the air unevenly, and that is what causes frizz.
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Seawater and swimming pool water, which dry out hair if you don't rinse it afterward.
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Dry mountain cold and very hot showers, which strip away hydration.
Your washing routine for damaged hair
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Gentle shampoo massaging only the scalp. When rinsing, let the lather run through the lengths without rubbing them.
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Conditioner after every wash, on lengths and ends, for 1 minute. It smooths the cuticle and reduces friction when brushing.
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Hair mask twice a week, instead of conditioner, for 3 to 5 minutes.
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Dry gently: press with a towel, do not rub it. Detangle with a wide-tooth comb, working from the ends upward.
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Leave-in: a balm or cream on lengths and ends. If you use heat, choose a product with thermal protection and lower the temperature.
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At night, if your ends are very dry, apply a little balm as an overnight treatment.
Products we recommend
The descriptions are taken from each product's information sheet.
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Nutritive Cream Shampoo 250 mL: cream shampoo for very dry hair, with Camelina Oil, which leaves it shinier and with fewer frizz and knots.
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Restorative Conditioner 200 mL: with Organic Jojoba oil for dry and damaged hair; it nourishes, repairs, and strengthens without weighing it down.
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Repair Hair Mask 200 mL: mask with Organic Jojoba oil, twice a week, which leaves ends sealed.
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Botanical Repair Balm 150 mL: 3-in-1 leave-in balm for lengths and ends; on damp hair it makes brushing easier, on dry hair it controls frizz, and it also serves as an overnight treatment. Available in mini format.
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Ultra-Nutritive Hair Cream 150 mL: leave-in cream for dry, curly, or frizzy hair, with heat protection up to 230°C.
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Ultra-Nutritive Hair Oil 100 mL: extra-rich oil for the driest hair, before blow-drying or as a finishing touch.
If your hair is dyed
When to consult a dermatologist
Damage to the lengths can be managed at home. Book an appointment if you notice excessive hair loss (clumps on your pillow, in the brush, or in the shower), areas with thinning hair or bald patches, hair that breaks very close to the root, or itching, pain, or flaking on the scalp. Some causes of hair loss require a medical diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Can split ends be repaired?
Nourishing treatments improve their appearance and help prevent them from splitting further, but a severely split end can only be removed by cutting it. A maintenance trim from time to time helps.
How often should I use a hair mask?
Twice a week is a good frequency for damaged hair.
Can I continue using a straightener?
Yes, with care: on dry hair, at the lowest temperature that works for you, with a protective product, and not every day.
Why does my hair dye color last such a short time?
Processed hair is more porous: the open cuticle allows pigment to escape with every wash. A routine for dyed hair and protecting it from the sun helps preserve it.
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