But how do you know if your hair is suffering damage?
We take a deeper look into the 3 signs your hair may be damaged and provide tips to get your locks back to their best health.
This is a common form of hair damage most of us are familiar with. Damage to hair known as split ends happens when the oldest part of the hair shaft (the ends) become dry, brittle and begin to fray and splinter.
Cause of Split ends
The cause of such hair damage is often attributed to exposure to extreme weather conditions as well as heat from everyday styling tools such blow dryers, straighteners and curling irons. Split ends can also be caused by the use of chemical hair products.
How to spot Split ends
Take a few strands of hair and closely inspect the ends. Look for two separate strands of hair at the bottom of a single hair shaft, forming a V shape separating from one another.
How to treat Split ends
Unfortunately, there is no way to treat or repair split ends. Once your hair becomes damaged with split ends, the only way to get rid of them is a trip to the hairdresser to have them cut them off. Prevention in this instance is key to keeping your hair healthy and free of split ends.
Avoid over-brushing and shampooing and give hair a break from hot styling tools by allowing it to dry naturally as much as possible.
Protect your strands while you sleep by applying a hydrating balm from the mid-lengths to the ends and swap to a quality silk pillowcase to avoid any hair snags.
Dry hair put simply, is hair that does not absorb or retain enough moisture from the scalp to keep its texture and brightness.
Cause of Dull Hair
Dull hair can be caused by factors such as moisture depletion from using incorrect products, deficiency in nutrients in your diet, dry air or the overuse of harsh chemicals or styling techniques. As you age, your hair also makes less oil, with hormone changes after menopause also leading to dry and dull looking hair.
How to identify Dull Hair
Stand outside on a sunny day and you will soon identify if your hair damage is dull hair.
Such hair damage will not glisten in the sunlight, instead it will appear matte, frizzy, lacklustre and feel course or heavy.
How to treat Dull Hair
Wash your hair less often and massage with natural oils like coconut or jojoba oil. Revive hair with a moisturising conditioner specific for dry hair that will keep hair cuticles lying flat so they hold in natural oils.
You can also look to treat dull or dry hair from the inside with a healthy diet of proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Studies show that the use of a quality supplement such as ProPlenish Marine Collagen, can effectively assist with hair health from within.
A study by the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Milan, Italy, showed that the activity of hair follicles was – directly or indirectly – increased by the consumption of collagen. Results taken from patients after a three-month treatment showed an increase in hair diameter of up to 49% in some cases, with an average increase of 35% (14).
Hair that no longer seems to gain length over a prolonged period of time can be frustrating and something of a challenge for a multitude of reasons.
Cause of Stagnant Hair Growth
Hair can stop growing or grow slowly for a variety of reasons including age, genetics, hormones, poor nutrition and lifestyle choices, pollution, stress or an inadequate hair care routine.
How to treat Stagnant hair growth
When it comes to growing long hair, maintaining good nutrition is imperative. Eating a well balanced diet is the key not only for a healthy body, but also for healthy hair growth.
Being low in one or a number of vital nutrients and vitamins may identify why your hair isn’t reaching its full potential.
According to a paper by the Dermatology Practical & Conceptual, the absence of iron, zinc, selenium, folic acid, antioxidants, biotin, protein, and vitamins A, D, and E from your diet can lead to declined hair health and hair loss.
A premium supplement such as ProPlenish Marine Collagen + containing marine collagen along with 9 vitamins, minerals and botanicals including vitamins C and E, biotin, minerals selenium, silica and zinc is ideal to boost hair health from within.
Remember, the best way to treat damaged hair is to take steps to prevent it in the first place. Choose products made to nourish your hair from both inside and out.
