Why your Hair looks Fried and Damaged

Despite what you might think, you don’t just suddenly wake up one morning with fried-looking hair that boasts split ends, dryness and straw-like texture. In fact, we’re causing damage to our hair slowly, thanks to daily decisions that don’t seem so harmless in a one-off situation. But over time, they amass to a much bigger problem.

So, want to nix those bad habits in lieu of beautiful hair, once and for all? It’s time to show your locks some love, pronto.

STOP CRANKING UP THE HEAT

Unless you’re a wavy mane type #3 or coarser, there’s really no reason to turn the heat up to the max. When the tool is on your hair, avoid holding in one spot for too long, and bottle blondes should be wary of over styling. Choose modern tools that come with protective coating to ensure you’re giving your hair the best chance to fight off damage, and of course, it goes without saying, don’t touch that tool until you’ve used protection.

STOP SKIMPING ON MOISTURE

If there’s one fatal error we’ve all made in our lifetime, it’s depriving our hair of hydration. Jumping into a scorching hot shower gets you off to a bad start, but add in a shampoo and conditioner that don’t contain moisturising ingredients, and you could find yourself in real trouble. Formulas that are full of hydration are mandatory for getting healthy-looking strands. And remember, the ends of your hair will never get enough moisture, so don’t be stingy when it comes to conditioner.

bh recommends: Essano Argan Oil of Morocco Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner, Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo and Conditioner, Pantene Pro-V 3 Minute Miracle Repair & Protect Conditioner

CUT BACK ON THE COLOURING

If you want to keep your hair in better shape, take it easy on the touch-ups. Holding out longer between visits will keep your hair in better shape, not to mention save you precious $$. And when you are in the chair, pay attention to the details – take note of what products they’re using, investigate alternative products such as Olaplex, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

STOP DETANGLING DESTRUCTIVELY

Wet hair is super vulnerable, so be mindful when you’re working through the knots. Be gentle, use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb, and start from the bottom, moving upwards once the section is tangle-free. If you’re particularly prone to knots, especially in certain seasons (hello, winter!), a light spritz with detangler before getting to work won’t do you harm.

bh recommends: De Lorenzo Infinite Detangler, Garnier Fructis Nutri-Repair Instant Detangler, KMS California ADDVOLUME Body Build Detangler, Kevin Murphy UN.TANGLED, S Factor by TIGI Papaya Leave-In Moisture Spray

DON’T FORGET ABOUT OUTSIDE ELEMENTS

Those warm beams might feel amazing, but UVA and UVB rays can damage the outer layer of your hair (yes, even in winter) – not so amazing. The good news is the fix is an easy one: if you tend to get a lot of sun and or windy-weather exposure, a leave-in conditioner can make a big difference.

bh recommends: TONI&GUY Hair Care Leave In Conditioner, A'kin by Al'chemy Lavender & Anthyllis Leave-in Conditioner, John Frieda Frizz Ease® Daily Nourishment Leave-in Conditioner, evo day of grace leave-in conditioner, Charles Worthington Moisture Seal Hair Healer Leave-In Conditioner

What do you do to look after your hair?

133 Member Comments

Peach perfect 24 Jun 2020 12:41 PM

Sigh ! yes :(

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Love bug 25 Apr 2020 4:35 PM

I'm going to admit I'm pretty bad with using lots of heat on my hair and brushing it out roughly when its wet. But I definitely try to take as much care of it as I can, but its not going anywhere. Still a big furball and falls out quite a lot.

CaitMay 25 Sep 2019 10:43 PM

Mmm leave in conditioner hey

Wn0873 1 Jun 2019 12:37 PM

I had recently started using the Pump moisture spray which is great for detangling.

Kelgri79 25 Jan 2019 10:36 PM

Great tips thankyou

GeeJ 29 Sep 2018 7:28 PM

I am yet to find a detangler that works.

Lucy16 22 Nov 2018 12:38 PM

Hi there GJ,

Grab a Tangle Teezer and a very wide toothed comb.

The kind of comb I’m talking doesn’t have many teeth.

I picked up mine years ago in Brazil but maybe a hair salon that specialises in African hair will stock them...

Helps immensely!

Shop A Everyday 15 Jul 2018 1:47 AM

There's a product for everything, so much layering

You beauty 6 Jun 2018 9:41 PM

A lot of hair care and a good diet helps too for keeping hair healthy and shiny.

Shop A Everyday 14 May 2018 12:23 AM

I try and not blow dry every time either

You beauty 9 May 2018 10:40 PM

I use lots of hair treatments, masques and oils for hair massage.

Darlene Bertin 23 Mar 2018 4:57 PM

I need to purchase a detangler for my naturally curly dry knotted frizzy hair when I use conditioner I leave it in my hair and I still can barely get the comb through them they're so knotted

Sootyhere 25 Jun 2018 2:27 PM

Absolutely, can't live without detangler

Sweety7 24 Oct 2017 10:16 AM

Hair oils, hair mask, L'Oreal mythic oil as leave on and I really enjoyed using Tresemme 7 day keratin straightening creme. But unfortunately, I guess they have discontinued this product as I haven't seen it in stores.

Margaret 322 21 Sep 2017 12:20 PM

I've never used a thermal spray, but I do take care with my shampoo and conditioner. Perhaps I should start using one. The Herbal Essence new product lines look nice.

Kimesama09 15 Sep 2017 10:13 AM

To see if a thermal spray works before using heat styling tools: spray some on the back of your hand and then use a hair dryer to test. There are some thermal sprays that don't work at all and you might as well be spraying on water!

ThisIsMe 14 Sep 2017 12:01 PM

I wonder if any of these are ok for children's hair? My 6 year old has curly hair that is becoming quite frizzy. I've tried a few serum's and oils but nothing really changes it much.

Meedee 13 Sep 2017 10:07 AM

I always use some sort of oil on my hair. At the moment im using Indola Innova smooth Serum finish. I try to give my hair a mask every few weeks but often it gets over looked.

Jessica712 13 Sep 2017 9:41 AM

Heat styling is what is wrecking my hair. But I'm addicted.

Yohanna 12 Sep 2017 12:14 PM

Soon will have chance to try some really fab Aveda products to repair the damage I have done to the hair. So can not wait and try them!

IndieAna 11 Sep 2017 4:22 PM

I rarely use heat on my hair, but I am guilty of colouring and brushing when wet, oops!

sunjeanie 11 Sep 2017 8:55 AM

I only rarely use a hair straightener - just for special occasions.

I'll use nourishing shampoos and conditioners (I've still been enjoying the Garnier Nutri Repair 3 duo I trialled via the Trial Team!) and regularly use hair masques and leave in oils (I love HASK the most).

I'll also wear my hair in a plait when I go to bed to avoid damage, and I rarely go in the sun or the ocean as well. I also get a inch cut off every six weeks :-)

Chicklet 10 Sep 2017 9:36 PM

I don't do much to my hair, so it is in excellent condition.

Dilettante 10 Sep 2017 8:16 PM

Guilty- but trying to undo the damage with lots of lovely, quality products!

Trish_D 10 Sep 2017 4:48 PM

My hair doesn't look fried and it is in great condition. I would love Kevin Murphy products to be part of BH.

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This is why your hair looks fried

STOP CRANKING UP THE HEAT

STOP SKIMPING ON MOISTURE

CUT BACK ON THE COLOURING

STOP DETANGLING DESTRUCTIVELY

DON’T FORGET ABOUT OUTSIDE ELEMENTS

Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?

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133 Member Comments

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