R&R Repairing Hair Damage + Reducing Breakage... Here is How!
- Sarah Satlow
- Mar 17
- 3 min read
Have you ever felt like your hair was long, healthy, and beautiful one day, and then suddenly it became broken, damaged, and brittle? I know I have!
This was me three years ago:
I’ve always had long, thick, and healthy hair, but suddenly, it started breaking, thinning, and shortening. I felt like I was having an identity crisis—I'm not even kidding. As someone who had always been admired for my hair, it felt like something was being taken away from me.
I had experienced an over-processed trip to the salon, which left me platinum blonde and barely able to brush through my hair. I don't hate the stylist—she does beautiful work. However, there was a lack of communication between both parties, and I knew I needed to start healing my hair, or it would be falling out.
I knew my hair needed extra care, but I had to thoroughly research what it was lacking and deeply explore all aspects of hair and scalp health. After a year and a half of research and healing, I can confidently say there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual. While my hair loss and breakage were largely due to over-processing, something else was also occurring. I was losing hair from the root. Certain aspects of your lifestyle might be hindering hair growth and contributing to breakage. Repairing hair damage and reducing breakage requires a multifaceted approach!
So, where do you start?
Full Blood Panel A deep dive into your nutrient levels and hormonal health can reveal what might be contributing to hair issues. I knew the breakage was primarily from over-processing, but I was also struggling hormonally. I found out I had PCOS and was dealing with nutrient deficiencies, which weren't helping my hair repair itself either.
Diet & Supplementation What you eat plays a huge role in how your hair looks and feels. A nutrient-rich diet with plenty of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins can strengthen hair from the inside out. Supplements like Vitamin B, C, D, iron, zinc, and saw palmetto can support hair health, but it's best to work with a healthcare provider to ensure you're taking the right ones for your body.
Scalp Health Scalp health is crucial! For a while, the trend of not washing your hair was popular, but this is one of the worst things you can do for your scalp. Buildup from dry shampoo, hairsprays, and other products can clog hair follicles, preventing them from breathing. Just like you double cleanse your face to avoid clogged pores, double cleansing is needed for your scalp too. I started using the Areté Scalp Micro Exfoliant Hair Treatment once a week to remove excess buildup. Clarifying your hair once a week also removes mineral and metal buildup, which helps brighten your color and reduces the need to color your hair as often.
Hydrate & Protein Repair Over-processed hair can become brittle and weak, thefore, replenishing moisture and protein is key. Deep conditioning treatments like Eprés Bond Repairing and K18, alongside moisturizing shampoos, can help restore protein bonds and hydrate strands. Combining hydration with protein repair ensures balanced restoration of your hair's structure.
Post-Shower Care & Styling Post-shower care is crucial for protecting fragile hair. Hydrating oils to lock in moisture and prevent further breakage is a game-changer. Heat protection is also a must! Keep the temperature of your styling tools below 325°F, and avoid styling too frequently. Silk pillowcases and hair bonnets are highly beneficial for reducing friction and minimizing breakage while you sleep.
Regular Trims When dealing with breakage, the best way to get your hair to a healthier state is by removing any damaged ends. Although it's easier said than done, this is the best remedy. Cutting split ends stops the damage from continuing up the hair shaft, and you'll start to see new growth from the root, which will also be reflected at the ends of your hair.
Repairing damaged locks doesn’t have to be difficult! With the right guidance from a professional, you CAN have healthy, long locks again. As a professional who has been both in the chair and behind it, I truly understand the pain and struggle of experiencing hair loss and damage. Finding someone who genuinely cares about your hair health is something I wish I had when I didn't know where to turn. Repairing damage and reducing breakage is a journey, not a race. However, the effort you put into your hair health journey will show in your hair over time!
Got more questions? Reach out to @avalaurenhair for more hair health tips and advice on how to succeed in your journey!
Links:
Areté Scalp Micro Exfoliant Masque
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