Our hair goes through a lot of stress. Often, we neglect to use heat protectors before using blow dryers or curling irons, opting for high heat settings that can be detrimental to our locks. Additionally, those of us who frequently change hairstyles might subject our hair to excessive chemical treatments, and we may rely too heavily on dry shampoo.

All these factors can cause damage to our hair over time. So how can we identify the signs of damaged hair and give it the care it needs? Look out for both obvious and subtle indicators of hair damage and give your hair some much-needed TLC.

Your Hair Isn’t As Shiny Or Bouncy As It Once Was

When hair appears lackluster, dull, and absorbs light instead of reflecting it, it’s a clear indication that the hair is damaged. Healthy hair, on the other hand, is characterized by its shine, bounce, and soft texture. The primary culprits behind hair damage are chemical treatments and heat styling.

To avoid further damage, it’s essential to allow your hair enough time to recover between these processes and avoid overlapping procedures.

You Have Noticed More Breakage And Brittleness

In addition to dull and flat hair, it’s crucial to watch out for hair breakage. Colour processing, prolonged sun exposure, and dry conditions can all cause hair to become moisture-deprived.

If you observe hair breaking off in a few areas or all around the head, it’s an indication that your hair needs more moisture. To prevent this, use protective and preventative products that offer extra hydration to your hair.

You Notice Your Hair Looking Thinner At The Ends

Hair breakage may not always be immediately noticeable, and it may take weeks or even months before you can see the aftermath. To spot the early signs of breakage, pay attention to the tips of your hair.

According to experts, the hair near the scalp can appear healthy and smooth, but the strands tend to become thinner towards the ends. This is often caused by excessive blow drying or hot iron tools. To prevent this, it’s crucial to use heat tools on low settings and take a break from heat styling whenever possible. Additionally, getting a good trim can help in addressing hair breakage.

You Notice More Tangles

Tangling is a common issue for people with fine hair and can happen due to various reasons. However, if you notice that tangling has become more frequent and severe, it could be a sign of damaged hair. Dry and damaged hair tends to tangle more because the cuticle becomes rough instead of smooth, resulting in extra friction.

To address this, it’s important to use nourishing and hydrating hair products and styling treatments that coat the cuticle to prevent further damage and minimize tangling.

Your Hair Seems To Have Stopped Growing

Have you ever wondered why your hair doesn’t seem to grow much even after months or years? This could be due to hair breakage at the ends, which commonly happens when your hair isn’t getting enough moisture, is damaged, or not regularly trimmed.

Regardless of how frequently you wash your hair, it’s crucial to provide it with adequate moisture from the middle to the ends. Experts suggest using a moisturizing cream or oil on these areas daily, especially in dry climates where you might need to repeat this routine up to twice a day for optimal hair health.

Your Hair Has Started To Feel Crunchy Or Stiff When Wet

If you feel a crunchy texture when your hair is freshly washed, it could be a sign that your hair is not healthy. According to experts, over-exposure to external factors such as the sun, salt water, and chlorine can make your hair feel stiff and crunchy when wet.

Additionally, your hair may appear dry and brittle at the ends after styling. To avoid this, it’s important to protect your hair from the sun and harsh elements and use nourishing hair products to maintain its moisture and health.

Your Hair Feels Brittle

Brittle hair can appear dull, dry, and prone to breakage, which can be caused by chemical damage, sun damage, and heat damage. However, according to experts, there’s another sneaky culprit to consider – excessive protein in hair products.

Hair products that are labeled with terms like ‘fortifying,’ ‘strengthening,’ or ‘repairing’ may contain too much protein which can lead to dry and brittle hair if overused. While protein is great for repair, too much of it can make hair unable to retain moisture, leading to dryness and brittleness. To avoid this, always follow the instructions on the label when using hair products.

Your Hair Has Become Unmanageable

If you find yourself having bad hair days more often than not, it might be a sign that your hair is damaged. Healthy hair should feel strong, silky, and soft, move naturally, and have a nice bounce to it. If you’re struggling to manage your hair – from difficult brushing to hair that won’t hold a curl – it could mean that your hair is in need of some extra care.

Taking a break from chemical treatments and heat styling and using nourishing, high-quality hair care products can help improve the health of your hair.

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