What's the Best Hair Care Routine for Dry & Damaged Hair?

Do you ever feel like your hair is coarse and brittle, lacking shine and pretty challenging to style? Do you experience flyaways, frizz, split ends or even dry skin on your scalp? You probably have severely dry & damaged hair. But don't fret because there are ways to restore life to your locks. Scroll down to learn about the best hair care routine for dry & damaged hair; we'll include tips on how to focus on rehydration and recommend the best hair products you must include in your routine. 

Step 1: Gentle Cleansing

The foundation of any hair care routine is a good shampoo, but when your hair is dry and damaged, you need to be extra careful. Pick a gentle, hydrating shampoo that cleanses without stripping your hair of its natural oils. Look for a shampoo for damaged hair that doesn't contain sulphates and other harsh ingredients. Instead, it should be made from nourishing ingredients like oils and butter. Also, less is more, so limit hair washing to two times a week to prevent further drying out your locks.

Step 2: Deep Conditioning

A deep conditioning treatment is a must-have when you want to repair and hydrate dry, damaged hair. Use a rich, creamy conditioner or a specialised hair mask that targets damage and dryness. Ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and keratin can work wonders in restoring moisture and elasticity to your locks. How should you apply your damaged hair conditioner? Leave the treatment on for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate deeply into the hair shaft. Use your fingers to comb through the lengths of your hair to ensure the product is evenly applied; you can also apply any excess to your hair roots. Rinse it off after a few minutes, and you'll see a difference. 

Step 3: Detangling with Care

Wet hair is more susceptible to root breakage and split ends, so it's important to detangle gently. Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush designed for wet hair to work through hair knots carefully. Begin from the ends and work up slowly to the roots to minimise hair breakage. If you need extra help, consider applying a leave-in conditioner to provide slip and make detangling a breeze.

Step 4: Incorporating Hair Serum

Do you apply a serum to your skin to achieve targeted results? The same goes for your hair. Hair serum works by smoothing out rough texture, leaving your hair with a glossy sheen that makes it look bright and healthy. Serums enriched with vitamin C are recommended for their ability to deliver a glossy sheen, instantly improving the appearance of hair by making it look bright and healthy. To use, simply apply a small amount of serum to your hair, focusing on the ends where damage is often most apparent. This step can be performed after washing and lightly towel-drying your hair or even on dry hair to tame flyaways and add a finishing touch of shine.

Step 5: Using Hair Oil

Want to take your hair care for dry & damaged hair to another level? Use hair oil. It is known for its nourishing and moisturising properties and can be used in several ways to benefit dry, damaged hair:

• As a Pre-Shampoo Treatment: Apply hair oil to the lengths of your hair before shampooing. This can help to add moisture and protect your hair from the drying effects of shampoo.
• Mixed with a Hair Mask: Need an extra boost of hair hydration? Mix a few drops of hair oil with your favourite hair mask. Apply the mixture to your hair, leave it on for the recommended time, then rinse thoroughly.
• To Smooth Ends: After styling your hair, apply a small amount of hair oil to the ends of your hair. This can help to smooth fluffiness and seal split ends, giving your hair a sleeker appearance.
• As an Overnight Treatment: For deep nourishment, apply hair oil throughout the lengths of your hair and leave it in overnight. Wash and style as usual in the morning.

Step 6: Heat Styling with Care

Heat styling can worsen your hair's dryness and damage, so it's best to give it a break. Embrace your hair's natural texture and allow it to air dry whenever possible. If you must use heat, always apply a heat protectant spray beforehand to shield your hair from the high temperatures. When you do reach for the hairdryer, use the lowest heat setting and keep the dryer moving to avoid concentrating heat on one area.

Step 7: Regular Hair Trimming

Split ends can travel up the hair shaft and cause further damage, so regular trims are essential. Visit your hairstylist every six to eight weeks for a light trim to prevent split ends from worsening and help maintain your hair's overall health of your hair. Plus, it'll keep your hairstyle looking fresh and neat.

Some of the Best Hair Products for Dry & Damaged Hair

What to use for dry & damaged hair? We want to help you stick to the best hair care routine for dry & damaged hair, so here's a quick list of some of the best products you can use for your improved routine: 

• Professional Keratin Shampoo For Dry, Damaged & Dyed Hair: This sulphate-free shampoo is formulated with keratin to help repair and strengthen dry, damaged, and colour-treated hair. It gently cleanses while providing nourishment and protection.
• Bio Botanic Oil Hair Conditioner for Dry & Coloured Hair with Organic Coconut Oil & Shea Butter: Made with organic coconut oil, shea butter, and botanical extracts, this organic hair conditioner deeply moisturises and conditions dry, coloured hair. It helps to restore shine and manageability.
• Golden Curl Argan Oil Hair Mask: This intensive hair mask is infused with nourishing argan oil to revive dry, brittle and damaged hair. With regular use of this hair mask, you can reduce frizz and improve your hair's elasticity.
• Pastel Professional Intensive Moisturising Hair Cream: Formulated with natural oils and butter, this rich hair cream delivers intense hydration and nourishment for extremely dry, damaged hair. It helps to detangle and protect against further damage.
• Pastel Professional Vitamin E Hair Serum: This lightweight serum contains vitamin E and natural oils to help smooth frizz, add shine, and protect your locks from heat styling and environmental stressors. It can be used on all hair types, including dry and damaged hair.

Start Your Improved Hair Care Routine Today

By following this tailored routine, using healthier hair products, and incorporating extra care, you can transform your dry and damaged hair into locks that are soft, shiny, and full of life. Consistency is key, so stick to your routine to see results over time. If you need more help caring for your hair, don't hesitate to check out our blogs. We have more tips & we'll let you in on the best haircare products in Australia.