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I’ve had heat-damaged hair twice in my life, and both times were equally depressing.
It’s awful when you’ve worked so hard to grow the longest, shiniest mane in Africa and then have to cut it because of a booboo with a straightener.
Unfortunately there isn’t anything you can do to fix heat damaged hair overnight.
It’ll take time, but if you follow these steps you’ll make it!
Step 1: Cry
Cry while washing your hair.
Cry while drying your hair.
Cry while plaiting your hair.
Cry while taking your hair out of the plait.
Just cry.
Step 2: Get over it and take action
Does your hair look like someone took a lighter and burnt it? Does it feel super coarse and have no movement? (In Afrikaans: Is jou hare stokstyf?) Does it feel coarse even after you’ve wet it with your tears? Yes? I’m sorry, but your hair is heat damaged. Now it’s time to take action.
Step 3: Get a proper treatment
Invest in a proper hair treatment. I’ve heard that Moroccan Oil is wonderful, and I’ve also given Pantene’s treatment a go – it’s very moisturising.
If you have naturally oily hair, Pantene’s treatment is probably too rich for you.
Schwarzkopf Repair Rescue Treatment (currently on special on Retail Box for R201.50) has the perfect balance – I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and I can really feel the difference.
Tip: Put aside an "ugly day" in the week. My ugly day is Sunday – it’s the day I put treatment in my hair and a mask on my face, and walk around like that for the whole day. What? There’s someone at the door? NO THERE ISN’T.
Step 4: Get a shower comb
Get a comb that you can hang in your shower. Use it after applying treatment to your hair to ensure that it gets distributed evenly.
I recently bought a Tangle Teezer at Style Bar (it’s also on special on Retail Box for R208) and it’s wonderful for combing your hair while it’s still wet.
The bristles are very close to each other, which gets rid of those tiny pesky tangles that makes your hair koek.
Step 5: Get layers/a trim
It’s not always possible to cut the burnt piece off immediately – especially if it’s next to your ear or something. (I’m speaking from experience.)
That’s why it’s easier to go for regular trims, or cut your hair into layers like I recently did at Style Bar. My hair is now cut in layers so that I don’t have to straighten it anymore.
My hair type (naturally wavy) means that when it’s in layers it can just dry on its own. I know this might not be the case for everyone, but it’s working for me!
All Images: Supplied
Good luck, I hope your hair goes from skroei to stylish in no time!
Visit Anja's blog Glitz & Grammar.
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