Damaging Hair Trends: Styles and Treatments to Watch Out For

While experimenting with new hair trends can be fun, some popular styles and treatments may be doing more harm than good. From high-heat straightening to tight ponytails and harsh chemical processes, certain hair practices can lead to breakage, dryness, and long-term damage. In this guide, we’ll explore the trends that could be hurting your client's hair and offer the top hair health tips.

What Does Damaged Hair Look Like?

Damaged hair can be a nightmare for hairdressers and clients alike. It typically appears rough, lifeless, and dry. Common signs of damaged hair include:

• Split Ends: Ends that appear frayed or split into two or more parts
• Dryness and Dullness: Hair lacks moisture and appears lacklustre, often feeling rough to the touch
• Breakage and Frizz: Hair is more prone to breakage and frizz due to weakened strands
• Lack of Elasticity: Hair doesn't bounce back when stretched, leading to a limp appearance
• Difficulty Styling: Damaged hair is harder to style and manage, often tangling or knotting easily

Damaging Hair treatments

Chemical Perms

• 
  Problem: Chemical perms break the bonds in the hair shaft to create curls, which can lead to weakened hair that is prone to breakage, especially at the ends.
• Solution: To minimise damage, use deep conditioning treatments and hydrating masks regularly to restore moisture. Trim damaged ends frequently and detangle gently with a wide-toothed comb. Avoid frequent perming to allow the hair to recover.

Chemical Relaxer

• Problem: Hair relaxers straighten hair by penetrating the cuticle and the cortex layers of the hair shaft to loosen the natural curl pattern. This process leaves the hair weak, brittle and prone to breakage.
• Solution: Apply protein treatments to strengthen hair, moisturize regularly with leave-in conditioners or oils, and limit the use of heat tools. Space out relaxer treatments to reduce cumulative damage.

Bleach

• Problem: Bleach breaks down keratin proteins and strips the hair of its natural oils, leading to weaker duller hair that is prone to frizz, dryness, and split ends.
• Solution: Use bond-repairing treatments like Omniplex, apply nourishing masks and oil treatments, protect hair from heat, and use sulphate-free shampoos to maintain health

Keratin Treatment

• Problem: These treatments involve high heat and chemicals that can weaken the hair’s structure and cause protein overload, leading to stiffness and brittleness
• Solution: Limit keratin treatments, use deep conditioning masks, and alternate protein treatments with nourishing treatments to maintain balance and elasticity in the hair.

Dying the hair

• Problem: Hair dye can weaken the hair shaft, making it more porous and prone to breakage, thinning and moisture loss. Dye chemicals can also strip protective oils from the scalp causing irritation and itchiness.
• Solution: Use colour-protecting shampoos and conditioners, apply moisturising masks, and space out dyeing sessions. Consider semi-permanent dyes for less damage.

Damaging hair care habits

Overwashing

• Problem: Overwashing can strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. These natural oils, produced by the scalp, are crucial for maintaining moisture and protecting the hair from damage without them hair becomes dry and brittle.
• Solution: Advise clients to wash hair two to three times a week, use dry shampoo between washes, and opt for sulphate-free shampoos to maintain moisture.
  

Brushing hair when it's wet

• Problem: Hair is more fragile when it is wet and more fragile which can result in snapping, split ends and weakened strands
• Solution: Use a wide-toothed comb or a detangling brush for wet hair, start detangling from the ends, and use a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray to help minimise tangles and reduce the chance of breakage.

Towel drying hair

• Problem: Vigorously rubbing hair with a towel can cause reduced shine, more tangling, exacerbated weak spots in the hair, split ends, and increased frizz.
• Solution: Use a microfiber towel to gently squeeze out excess water, and pat the hair dry.

Not changing up hair products 

• Problem: Consistently using the same hair products can lead to product build-up over time, where residue from shampoos and conditioners accumulate on the hair and scalp. weighing hair down and making it look dull or greasy
• Solution: Avise clients to use a clarifying shampoo once a month to remove build-up, and periodically reassess and rotate hair products based on the hair's needs.

Skipping Conditioner

• Problem: Not using conditioner can lead to dry, brittle hair prone to tangles and breakage
• Solution: Always use conditioner after shampooing, focusing on the mid-lengths to ends. Advise clients to use a deep conditioning treatment once a week.

Damaging hairstyles

High or tight ponytails

• Problem: Wearing tight ponytails too often can damage the hair and scalp. It can lead to hair breakage and contribute to thinning hair or a receding hairline.
• Solution: Opt for looser ponytails and use hair-friendly elastics that do not have metal parts or harsh seams. Advise clients to avoid wearing ponytails in the same position every day and regularly give their hair a break by wearing it down.

Braids

• Problem: Braids can damage hair if they are too tight, heavy, or left in for too long. Excessive tension from tight braids can cause hair loss, while prolonged wear can lead to tangling and matting. 
• Solution: Choose loose braids and ensure they aren't too heavy. Limit the time braids are kept in, allowing the hair to breathe between styles. Use moisturising products to maintain hair health

Wet updos

• Problem: Tying up wet hair can cause breakage and split ends due to the hair's increased elasticity when wet
• Solution: Allow the hair to dry completely before styling it into an updo. Use wide-toothed combs or your fingers to detangle wet hair gently.

Hair extensions

• Problem: Can cause strain at the roots, leading to damage and potential hair loss.
• Solution: Choose high-quality extensions. Advise clients to avoid wearing extensions continuously; and take breaks to allow the natural hair to recover. 

Tight buns

• Problem: Tight buns put strain on hair follicles, leading to breakage and potentially permanent hair loss and consistently using hair ties in the same spot can weaken and break hair in that area
• Solution: Advise clients to wear buns in different positions. Opt for loose buns and use soft, fabric-covered hair ties or hairpins that do not pull on the hair excessively. 

Straightening

• Problem: High heat can damage hair cuticles, causing dryness breakage and frizz.
• Solution: Limit the use of heat styling tools and always apply a heat protectant spray before straightening. Use a straightener with adjustable temperature settings and set it to the lowest effective temperature, avoid using straighteners daily to allow the hair time to recover.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I fix damaged hair?

Fixing damaged hair involves a combination of moisture, protein treatments, and regular trimming. Start by using deep conditioning masks weekly to hydrate hair, and incorporate protein treatments to strengthen weakened strands. Reduce heat styling and chemical treatments, and protect hair from environmental damage with leave-in conditioners or oils. Additionally, trim split ends regularly to prevent further breakage.

How do you tell if your hair is damaged?

• Split Ends Test: Examine a small section of hair ends for strands that have separated into two, forming a "V" shape.
• Elasticity Test: Gently pull a single strand of wet hair; if it snaps without stretching, it indicates a loss of protein and hydration.
• Porosity Test: Place clean hair strands in a glass of water. If the hair floats, it has low porosity; if it immediately sinks, it indicates high porosity.
• Dullness Test: Run your fingers through your hair in sunlight. If it lacks shine, the cuticle may be raised and absorb light.

What is the best treatment for extremely damaged hair?

For extremely damaged hair, it's crucial to focus on intense hydration and protein restoration. Use products like deep conditioning masks and bond repair treatments specifically designed for damaged hair (e.g., Omniplex). Limit heat styling, avoid harsh chemical treatments, and regularly use protective products. Incorporate scalp massages to stimulate blood flow and nourishment to the hair follicles.