Beautiful woman with eyes closed as she hides half her face behind her smooth, wavy hair. She smiles embracing the softness. Beautiful woman with eyes closed as she hides half her face behind her smooth, wavy hair. She smiles embracing the softness.

The Best Tips for Protecting and Fixing Damaged Hair

Somewhere along the line, you wound up with damaged hair. Maybe it lacks shine, falls flat or looks dull, feels coarse to the touch, or always gets the frizzies. We got you! Here are the best tips on how to fix damaged hair and stop it from coming back.

What is damaged hair?

Long story short, damaged hair happens when your locks don’t get what they need. Each strand of hair is a complex system of inner and outer components that require oils, proteins, and other elements to stay healthy. Repairing damaged hair means restoring the natural order.

Close-up of a person applying hair oil or serum from a dropper onto the ends of their hair, demonstrating a nourishing hair treatment for dry or damaged strands.

What does damaged hair look like?

Damaged hair resembles an unhealthy mane. You may have even had it for years, so look for the telltale signs: the dreaded frizz, a brittle or coarse feel, split ends, floppy tresses that are dull and lifeless. In a nutshell: damaged hair is unhappy hair.

What causes damaged hair?

Damaged hair is a side effect of many routine activities we tend to take for granted. Examples include coloring, processing, brushing, and washing. Our daily environments also play a role, like arid conditions, pollution, air-conditioners and radiators – even the sun. Let’s take a closer look at the main culprits.

How to repair damaged hair

Learning how to fix damaged hair isn’t hard, it just takes a few habit changes. Basically, it’s about finding the right damaged hair treatments, knowing how to care for heat damaged hair, and avoiding damaged hair in the first place.

Flat Iron Perfector</a> or <a href=https://www.garnierusa.com/"/about-our-brands/whole-blends/honey-treasures-repairing/repairing-milk-hair-honey-spray/">Honey Milk 450&deg; Heat Shield Spray</a> to prevent heat-damaged hair.","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/articles/haircare/hair-problem-damaged-hair/2025/garnier-article-audit-article-steps-5-612x500px.jpg?rev=2d66432d8fe34861a9912dc7df65ff41","defaultimage":false,"product":null},{"title":"Use the right products","number":"02","description":"Your hair care products should contain hair-loving ingredients like <a href=https://www.garnierusa.com/"/tips-how-tos/what-is-argan-oil-and-why-should-you-use-it/">argan oil</a>, <a href=https://www.garnierusa.com/"/tips-how-tos/how-shea-butter-improves-your-skin-and-hair/">shea butter</a> and/or <a href=https://www.garnierusa.com/"/tips-how-tos/coconut-water-how-it-benefits-your-skin-hair-and-body/">coconut water</a>. Opt for hair care products specifically designed to protect you from damaged hair and read up on <a href=https://www.garnierusa.com/"/tips-how-tos/how-hair-fillers-repair-damaged-hair/">how hair fillers repair damaged hair</a>. They are the ultimate in damaged hair treatment systems.","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/articles/haircare/hair-problem-damaged-hair/2024/garnier_how_to_repair_damaged_hair-articlestep2-2-612x500.jpg?rev=2adb9d85f13a407bb6b2ddd46c89c05d","defaultimage":false,"product":null},{"title":"Deep condition hair and scalp","number":"03","description":"Anyone with damaged hair needs to understand <a href=https://www.garnierusa.com/"/tips-how-tos/how-to-give-your-hair-the-hydration-it-needs/">how to give hair the proper hydration</a>. Leave-in treatments like <a href=https://www.garnierusa.com/"/about-our-brands/fructis/sleek-and-shine/sleek-and-shine-anti-frizz-serum/">Sleek &amp; Shine Anti-Frizz Serum</a> and <a href=https://www.garnierusa.com/"/tips-how-tos/hair-masks-what-are-they-all-about/">hair masks</a> are a must for regular deep conditioning, plus they do wonders for keeping your scalp moisturized and healthy.tnut with golden red undertones if your original color is light brown to black.","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/articles/haircare/hair-problem-damaged-hair/2024/garnier_how_to_repair_damaged_hair-articlestep2-3-612x500.jpg?rev=163d2908950f49e8866564c845ba1024","defaultimage":false,"product":null},{"title":"Wash sparingly","number":"04","description":"Cleansing your hair is a must, but most of us overdo it. Daily shampooing can strip hair of natural oils and lead to damaged hair. Once or twice a week is ideal to protect your hair from drying out.","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/articles/haircare/hair-problem-damaged-hair/2024/garnier_how_to_repair_damaged_hair-articlestep2-4-612x500.jpg?rev=8fabba21fe684d6d8a8ca7663c388162","defaultimage":false,"product":null},{"title":"Throw some shade","number":"05","description":"The sun can be a frenemy: it feels amazing and helps with vitamin D, but over-basking can quickly wreak havoc on your hair and scalp. Make an effort to <a href=https://www.garnierusa.com/"/tips-how-tos/how-to-protect-hair-from-sun/">protect your hair from the sun</a>.","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/articles/haircare/hair-problem-damaged-hair/2024/garnier_how_to_repair_damaged_hair-articlestep2-5-612x500.jpg?rev=e964198043a64581881e3a968d29f0e7","defaultimage":false,"product":null}]" title=" " background-color="#F4F4F4" show-more="Show more" show-less="Show less" :navigation-label='{"carouselbuttonnext":"Carousel Button Navigation Next","carouselbuttonprev":"Carousel Button Navigation Prev"}' product-text="Go to product">

FAQ

Are there natural remedies that repair damaged hair?
There are some natural remedies that repair damaged hair like applying protein-rich egg yolks or yoghurt. But it’s more effective (and less messy) to routinely use products that are specially formulated for damaged hair. These include hair filler systems, hair masks and serums.
What happens if I don't protect my hair from the sun?
If you don’t protect your hair from the sun, the radiant heat and UV rays can break down the outer barrier of your strands. Since this cuticle layer acts as a shield, there’s a greater risk of damaged hair.
How do I protect my hair from damage while sleeping?
To protect your hair from damage while sleeping, create a super-soft place to lay your head. Get a silk or satin pillowcase, wrap your hair in a silky scarf overnight, and don’t go to bed with damp hair.

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