Some of the chemical services that can be done to the hair include coloring, perming, straightening, and bleaching among others which will change the look and feel of the hair. However, these treatments make your hair more susceptible to damage, dryness, and breakage than when you are not using any hair treatment products. It is important to take good care of chemically treated hair so that they can look as good as new at all times. Below are seven extensive steps that can guide you on how to take care of chemically treated hair. How to Take Care of Your Chemically Treated Hair in 7 Steps
- Wash your hair with Sulfate-Free and Nourishing Shampoos How to Take Care of Your Chemically Treated Hair
When it comes to the process of hair care, it is necessary to mention that the selection of the shampoo is one of the most important factors. Sulfates are strong cleansing agents that are present in most shampoos, but they can remove the hair’s natural sebum and moisture, which worsens the effects of chemical processing on the hair. However, it is recommended to use sulfate-free shampoos that are developed for color or chemically processed hair. How to Take Care of Your Chemically Treated Hair
Benefits of Sulfate-Free Shampoos
Gentle Cleansing: Sulfate-free shampoos wash the hair without the removal of necessary moisture and oils.
Color Preservation: These shampoos assist in preserving the color of the hair, especially that of colored hair, to avoid it from getting washed off easily. How to Take Care of Your Chemically Treated Hair in 7 Steps
Reduced Irritation: They do not harm the scalp as they do not cause irritation or dryness of the scalp hence suitable for sensitive skin. How to Take Care of Your Chemically Treated Hair
- Choosing the Right Shampoo
Check the Label: Make sure the shampoo is sulfate-free and for color treated hair.
Look for Hydrating Ingredients: Other ingredients such as argan oil, shea butter, and aloe vera are also used to moisturize and condition the hair. How to Take Care of Your Chemically Treated Hair in 7 Steps
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using shampoos that have parabens, alcohol, and other related chemicals that can worsen the hair condition. How to Take Care of Your Chemically Treated Hair in 7 Steps
Washing Tips How to Take Care of Your Chemically Treated Hair in 7 Steps
Frequency: Do not wash your hair too often because that will dry out the hair. Ideally, this should be done 2-3 times a week.
Temperature: Rinse with warm water not hot water as hot water removes the moisture from the hair
- Deep Conditioning Daily How to Take Care of Your Chemically Treated Hair in 7 Steps
Chemical treatments cause hair damage and lack of moisture and thus deep conditioning is important in restoring the hair. Deep conditioning treatments should be used frequently to improve the hair strength, elasticity, and decrease the chances of it breaking.
How to Take Care of Your Chemically Treated Hair in 7 Steps
Benefits of Deep Conditioning
Moisture Restoration: Intense conditioning treatments are capable of reaching the hair shaft and therefore they are very effective in hydrating the hair. How to Take Care of Your Chemically Treated Hair in 7 Steps
Damage Repair: They assist in healing the harm that comes with chemical treatments, such as breakage and split ends. How to Take Care of Your Chemically Treated Hair in 7 Steps
Improved Texture: Deep conditioning can help improve the texture of hair by making it softer, smoother, and easier to handle. How to Take Care of Your Chemically Treated Hair in 7 Steps
How to Deep Condition How to Take Care of Your Chemically Treated Hair in 7 Steps
Choose the Right Product: Search for deep conditioners that are formulated for chemically processed hair and those that contain keratin, biotin and essential oils.
Application: Part your hair and apply the deep conditioner on the mid shaft and the tips of the hair when the hair is clean and wet. How to Take Care of Your Chemically Treated Hair in 7 Steps
Leave-In Time: Let it soak for at least 10-30 minutes, or as recommended by the manufacturers of the conditioner.
Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse out the conditioner with cool or lukewarm water so that there is no trace of the conditioner remaining on the hair. How to Take Care of Your Chemically Treated Hair in 7 Steps
Frequency How to Take Care of Your Chemically Treated Hair in 7 Steps
Weekly Treatments: Deep conditioning should be done at least once a week, or more often if your hair is coarse, dry, and damaged. How to Take Care of Your Chemically Treated Hair in 7 Steps
- Minimize Heat Styling
The other appliances that may further harm chemically treated hair include blow dryers, flat irons, and curling wands. This is because excessive heat robs the hair of moisture and as a result it becomes dry, brittle and prone to breaking. Minimizing the use of heat styling tools is one of the best ways you can improve the health of your hair. How to Take Care of Your Chemically Treated Hair in 7 Steps
Precautions That Can Be Taken to Prevent Heat Damage
Air Dry When Possible: As much as possible, allow your hair to dry naturally without having to use a hair dryer. How to Take Care of Your Chemically Treated Hair in 7 Steps
Use Heat Protectants: However, if you have no choice but to use heat styling tools, it is recommended to use a heat protectant spray or serum to protect your hair from heat. How to Take Care of Your Chemically Treated Hair in 7 Steps
Lower the Temperature: It is recommended to use the least heat as much as possible depending on the style you want to achieve. How to Take Care of Your Chemically Treated Hair in 7 Steps
Limit Frequency: It is recommended that you avoid heat styling your hair frequently, it is advisable to do it once a week at most. How to Take Care of Your Chemically Treated Hair in 7 Steps
Alternative Styling Methods How to Take Care of Your Chemically Treated Hair in 7 Steps
Heat-Free Styles: Try no-heat hairstyles such as putting your hair in plaits, twists, or rollers to achieve wavy and curly looks.
Protective Hairstyles: There are protective styles that you can wear for school such as buns, braids or up dos that do not require you to use heat on your hair frequently and thus are not as damaging to your hair.
- How to Safeguard Your Hair from Harmful Effects of Environment
Chemical treated hair is easily affected by the environmental factor such as sun, wind, and pollution. It is advisable to protect your hair from these elements to avoid worsening of the situation and further deterioration of hair condition.
Sun Protection
Wear Hats or Scarves: Wear a hat or a scarf on your hair whenever you are going out for long to prevent it from being damaged by the sun.
Use UV Protectant Products: You should use leave-in conditioners or sprays with UV protection to protect your hair from the effects of the sun.
Wind and Pollution
Cover Your Hair: During windy weather, do not leave your hair uncovered, either wear a hat or tie your hair with a silk scarf.
Rinse Regularly: If you are a victim of pollution or have taken a swim in a pool, wash your hair with cold water to wash off the chemicals.
- Trimming is also essential to avoid split ends on the hair.
Chemical treated hair require frequent trims because they are prone to split ends and other related complications. Trimming is useful in the elimination of the split ends and also in preventing the hair from breaking further and thus making the hair to appear healthy and lively.
Benefits of Regular Trimming
Prevents Split Ends: Trimming split ends stops them from extending further up the hair strand, which is worse for the hair.
Promotes Healthy Growth: Cutting off split ends can give your hair a healthier look and in the process encourage hair growth since breakage is discouraged.
Maintains Shape and Style: Trimming is important in maintaining your hairstyle, this is because it will help to make your hair look neat.
How Often to Trim
Every 6-8 Weeks: It is recommended to get a haircut after every 6-8 weeks or depending on your hair growth.
- Leave-In Treatments and Serums
Conditioners and treatment products that are left in the hair can help to strengthen and moisturize hair that has been chemically altered. These products are meant to be left in the hair, providing constant use throughout the day.
Advantages of Leave-In Treatments and Serums
Continuous Moisture: They continue to moisturize the hair hence avoiding dryness and frizzy hair.
Protection: Some of the treatments can be left on the hair and they help in shielding the hair from the effects of the environment and heat.
Improved Manageability: These products can help to make hair more manageable, and thereby, less likely to be damaged when being combed.
How to Use Leave-In Treatments and Serums
Apply to Damp Hair: Finally, apply the leave in treatment or serum to the hair after washing and conditioning, preferably on the mid shaft and the tips.
Use Sparingly: It is the thought that counts. Do not apply too much of the product on your hair because this will only make the hair more heavy.
Choose the Right Product: Choose leave-in treatments and serums with such components as argan oil, coconut oil, and silk proteins to get the best results.
Eat Healthy and Stay Fit
It is always said and rightly so that, ‘You are what you eat’. It is therefore important that a person who has chemically treated hair should ensure that he or she takes a healthy diet and exercises regularly as this will determine the health of the hair.
Healthy hair nutrition is very important and here are some tips that you can follow:
Protein: Hair is composed of keratin which is a protein; therefore, one should ensure that they take foods that are rich in protein such as lean meats, fish, eggs, and beans.
Vitamins and Minerals: The vitamins that are important for hair growth include vitamins A, C, D, and E while the minerals include zinc and iron. Take fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds in your diet and try to have different types of them.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: The foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts are beneficial for the scalp and hair growth.
Hydration: Take a lot of water so as to ensure that your hair and scalp are well moisturized.
Lifestyle Tips for Healthy Hair
Reduce Stress: Hair loss and other hair issues are some of the consequences of stress. Engage in stress relieving exercises such as yoga, meditation, and exercises.
Avoid Smoking: Smoking is also known to cause constriction of blood vessels in the scalp hence reducing the flow of blood hence affecting hair health due to oxidative stress.
Get Enough Sleep: Ideally, one should sleep for about 7-9 hours a day to ensure that the body is healthy and the hair grows as it should.
Conclusion
Caring for chemically treated hair requires a thoughtful and consistent approach. By following these seven steps—using sulfate-free and nourishing shampoos, deep conditioning regularly, minimizing heat styling, protecting your hair from environmental damage, trimming regularly, using leave-in treatments and serums, and maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle—you can keep your hair healthy, strong, and beautiful.
Remember, the key to maintaining chemically treated hair is to provide it with the moisture, protection, and nutrients it needs to recover and thrive. With proper care, you can enjoy the benefits of your chemical treatments while keeping your hair in top condition.