Stylists understand the obvious and not-so-obvious signs.
We tend to rack our brains. We aren’t always diligent about spraying heat protectors and then blowing hams with a hair dryer or curling iron. (Full power, high heat is never a good choice, folks). Those of us who like to change our look may indulge in one (or two) too many chemical processes, and it’s safe to say that all of us may be overly reliant on dry shampoo.
Over time, all of the above can take a toll on our hair, but how can you tell when your hair is damaged and needs some major TLC? The signs of damaged hair are both obvious and subtle, so keep an eye out for these giveaways
Hair without shine or bounce
When hair is shapeless, lusterless and tends to absorb light rather than reflect it, it’s a sign that you’re dealing with some damage. In the best of cases, healthy hair is shiny, bouncy and soft to the touch. Tim Lehman, stylist at Sally Hershberger Sharon Dorram Color, says chemical treatments and heat styling are often the culprits. “Make sure you give your hair enough recovery time between the two processes so you don’t overlap procedures,” he advises.
You are dealing with breakage
In addition to dull, flat hair, watch for breakage. “When hair is color-treated, exposed to sunlight for long periods of time or experiences dry conditions, this can lead to a lack of moisture,” explains Taylor Blades, hairstylist and educator at Covet & Mane. “You may notice that your hair is gradually falling out of several areas of your head or your entire head.” When you run your hands through your hair, small pieces may appear in the comb, clothing or fingers. This is a sign of adding more moisture to your hair by using more protective and preventative products.
Thinning at the ends
Sometimes you will not see hair breakage until weeks or months later. The tips of your hair can be very visible, so pay attention to this area. “Often, hair that grows out of the scalp looks and feels smooth and luxurious, but the ends of the strands may be thinner,” Lehman says. “This is usually the result of blow-drying or perming tools.” He stresses the importance of using hot tools on low settings and getting your hair completely out of heat styling whenever possible. A good trim also helps.
Have lots of tangles
Tangles can occur for a variety of reasons and are a common problem for people with great hair. However, if you notice tangles getting worse, it could be a sign of damaged hair, says David von Cannon, celebrity stylist and Better Natured ambassador. Tangles occur in dry and damaged hair because the cuticle becomes rough rather than smooth, which creates extra friction. Nourishing, moisturizing products and styling treatments that cover the cuticle can help.
It doesn’t grow
Ever wonder why your hair seems to stay the exact same length, or barely grows even after a lot of time? Blades says this indicates your hair isn’t as hot as it could be. It indicates breakage at the ends, which can happen when hair doesn’t get enough moisture, is damaged or isn’t trimmed regularly. “Whether you clean your hair daily or weekly, your hair absolutely needs moisture from the middle part of the strand all the way to the ends,” Blades says. “Use a combination of moisturizing creams or oils on the midsection and ends every day. The drier your climate, the more you should repeat this routine, up to twice a day.”
Crunchy or stiff hair when wet
When you’ve just washed your hair, notice if it feels crunchy. Lehman says this is a sign of unhealthy hair. “Overexposure to elements like sunlight, salt water and chlorine can make your hair feel almost crunchy when wet and look dry and brittle after styling,” he says. “The best remedy may be to have your stylist give it a good trim or try using a hair treatment mask.”
Your hair feels brittle
Brittle hair looks dull, dry and seems to break easily. This can happen when there is chemical damage, sun damage and heat damage. However, Blades says there’s another sneaky culprit to consider. “Products labeled with terms such as ‘fortify,’ ‘strengthen’ or ‘repair’ often contain excessive amounts of protein, ” she says. This is great for repair, but when you overuse these products and your hair takes in too much protein, things can backfire. “When hair contains too much protein, it lacks the ability to hold and retain moisture, causing it to become dry and brittle.” Always follow label directions.
Hard to manage
Bad hair days should be a one-time occurrence – not the norm. If you’ve been dealing with unruly hair, then it could be a sign that your hair is damaged. Healthy hair is silky, soft and strong to the touch. It catches light, moves naturally, and has great bounce. Struggling to manage your hair – from tricky comb-overs to an inability to hold a curl – means your hair may need some TLC. Give them a break from processing and heat styling with quality, nourishing hair care products.