Repair Damaged Hair

Everyone's hair can dry out, become dull, lose body, and get split ends. If you take one afternoon a week to repair your hair you can really bring it back to life using homemade or store brought products. You don't need to break the bank in order to get great looking, strong, healthy hair.

• I shampoo my hair 2-4 times a month. When I finish  my current bottle of shampoo I'll no longer use shampoo on my hair.
• I condition or co-wash my hair 1-2 times a week. I don't go longer than 10 days without washing my hair and I don't recommend you do either.
• I use a deep conditioner once a week.
• I put a mask on my hair once a month.
• I do a protein treatment twice a month.

Currently Used Products

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Shampoo:

I use Mixed Silk Gentle Cleansing Shampoo which was discontinued and I will eventually stop using shampoo after it is gone. I don't hate or love this product and I feel like it does its job and that it is gentle. 

Here's a link to the lawsuit Mixed Chicks won against Sally Beauty Supply >>> Mixed Silk V.S Mixed Chicks Lawsuit.

Conditioner:

1.  Tresemme Naturals- This is a great natural conditioner that is also very budget friendly. It has so many great uses. It smells wonderful and creates great slip in my hair.

Uses:

• Co-washing- I wash my hair with only this product once or twice during the week and it gets my hair very clean with a great smell. It adds a lot of moisture to my damaged transitioning hair.
• Wash & Go's- I wash my hair with this product and then add some to my ends as a leave-in/styler.
• Deep Conditioner- Sometimes I use this product in my deep conditioning treatment.
• Leave-In Conditioner- I can use this product any day as a leave-in conditioner if mixed with water.
• Detangler- This product has a decent amount of slip and makes it easy to finger comb and detangle. I mix it 50/50 with bottled water to make it easier to apply to my hair in a spray bottle. 
• Shampoo- It feels good on my scalp and removes my product buildup with no issue.

2.  Simply U Moisturizing and Smoothing Conditioner- This product has been great to me. I originally purchased it as a cheapo pump conditioner that I thought would be healthier for my hair. It has a more watery consistency and the smell took me awhile to get used to but it has no harmful ingredients and works well.

Uses:

• Pre-poo- Since I'm currently transitioning I use this product in my pre-poo regimen which I explained in my How To Pre-Poo blog post. I'm trying to use up my current shampoo which was an impulse buy. It does contain sulfates which can be very harmful and drying to natural curly hair. Learn More about that in my Shampoo Sulfates and Surfactants blog post. 
• Washing Weaves- I use this product mixed with water in my spray bottle or applicator bottle to condition in between my cornrows while wearing a weave of any kind. I can also use this to wash human hair weaves before installing them in my hair.
• Leave- In- This is more of a water based conditioner so it can be used as a leave in conditioner if mixed with water.
• Refreshing My Curls- I can mix this with water and oil in a spray bottle to mist on my hair. It brings my hair back to life without having to wash my hair.
• Hair Mask- This is great when I do a mask on my hair for moisture as well.

My Own Pump Bottle

3.  As I Am Coconut Cowash Cleansing Conditioner- I am in love with this product. I use this throughout the week as my co-wash to cleanse my hair without shampoo. It smells wonderful and is super moisturizing. I will continue to buy this product and its super easy for me to find. Its also almost always on sale at Sally Beauty Supply.

As I Am

Deep Conditioner:

• Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Conditioning Balm- This stuff can get pricey but I love how soft it leaves my hair. I probably wouldn't purchase it again because these treatments are easy to make from your kitchen so try making your own! Deep conditioners can be pricey so look below for great homemade recipes. 

Detangler/Leave-In:

• Kinky Curly Knot Today- Smells great and is a very easy product for me to get.
• Uses:
• Detangler- This can be mixed 50/50 with water for even more slip if needed.
• Deep Conditioner- I use this mixed with other ingredients in my deep conditioning treatment which you can learn more about below.

• As I Am Leave In Conditioner- I don't usually mix these products but this smells great and leaves my hair tangle free also. It has a wonderful consistency and really softens my hair.
• Uses:
• Detangler- Decent slip
• Leave- In Conditioner- Adds tons of moisture and softness.
• Wash & Go- This paired with the Coconut Cowash and Fruit of The Earth Aloe Vera Gel gives me a soft wash and go. This is a great short term wash & go.

Oil: I mix these together sometimes in an applicator bottle. Coconut oil is my favorite.

• Coconut Oil
• Conditions the scalp.
• Stimulates hair growth.
• Adds softness and manageability.
• Adds a great shine to my hair.
• It can reduce or eliminate dandruff.
• Olive Oil
• High in antioxidants A and E.
• A great nourishing oil.
• Has anti-aging properties.
• Can be used on any hair type. 
• It can add softness and manageability.
• Makes the hair shiny.
• Has disinfectant properties.
• Heals and soothes the scalp. 
• Great for dry itchy scalps.
• Improves Elasticity
• Castor Oil
• Good for oily hair because of its drying properties. 
• It will strengthen your hair.
• A good option for damaged hair
• Almond Oil
• Conditions and nourishes the scalp.
• Great for a dry scalp
• Packed full of moisture.
• Stimulates hair growth.
• Softens the hair.
• Smooths the cuticle.

Gel:

• Eco Styler Moroccan Argan Oil Gel- Great for smoothing down my edges, taming the frizz on my weaves, and perfect for twist outs. I use this on my wash & go's as well.

• Aloe Vera Gel- This gel has a great hold, no tack, no flakes, and no crunchiness. I use it when doing softer styles that I don't need to last for more than a few days. This product promotes hair growth, adds shine, and is very budget friendly. I can find this almost everywhere and it's not even for hair. It's for the skin or for sun burns. 

• Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie- I just purchased this item and I haven't had the chance to really try it out. I'll be posting a review on it soon though in a future blog so check back soon!

Water Bottle:

• Bottled Water- I have well water so I use bottled water. You can also try distilled water.
• Biolage Matrixx Shine Millk- I just happen to have this product lying around but It adds shine and moisture to my hair and is very light and watery.

My Natural Hair Products

Causes Of Damaged Hair:

1. Chemical Texture Services- Perms & relaxers.
2. Hair Color- Permanent color & bleached (lightened) hair.
3. Sun Exposure- Beach, sports, & outdoor activities.
4. Chlorine- Pools & hot tubs.
5. Medications & Dehydration- Your hair can get dried out and break so drink more water.
6. Genetics- Some conditions can be hereditary.
7. Over use of shampoo containing sulfates.
8. Overly washing the hair more than 3 times a week.
9. Heat Tools- Curling irons, flat irons, blow dryers, and hot(pressing) combs.
10. Stress

Homemade Leave- In Conditioner

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Supplies:

1. Water Bottle
2. Bottled/Distilled Water
3. Conditioner
4. Oil: Castor, Coconut, Olive, etc

Optional:

• Coconut Milk- Whole foods
• Rosemary Oil: Try lavender or lemon juice instead if you prefer to add a fresh scent to your detangler/leave-in conditioner.

How To:

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1. Open your spray bottle and fill halfway with water and/or coconut milk.
2. Squirt in a conditioner of your choice.
3. Add a light amount of you oil.
4. OPTIONAL: Add your scented oil.
5. Mist on your hair and finger comb
6. Detangle further in sections with a wide tooth comb if needed.

Tips:

• Try using warm water to help dissolve products.
• Use a water based conditioner.
• Shake the bottle before each use.
• Label the bottle with whats inside so you don't forget. Your leave in conditioner could last you for awhile.

You can use this spray to detangle your hair, refresh your curls, with wash & go's, on your twist outs, and so much more. This can replace many hair products if you want to be budget savvy or have the simplest hair routine you can get.

Protein Treatments/Conditioners

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Hair is naturally made of protein like keratin. When the hair is weak or limp with damage you can add protein to strengthen, add shine, and add moisture to the hair. Just be careful not to do protein treatments to often. Once or twice a month max is recommended because to much protein can do the opposite effect and do damage. It will over strengthen the hair causing it to become hard and break off. You can use this treatment before or after you shampoo but I do mine after so that I can apply it to clean hair.

Protein Rich Ingredients:

1. Egg- The yolk is full of fat and protein. The white contains bacteria eating enzymes that help deep clean your scalp. For oily hair only use the whites and for normal or dry hair use 1 or 2 whole eggs.
2. Yogurt/Sour Cream- The fat in these products are great for adding moisture.
3. Lemon- This is mainly to help add a light scent to mask the smell of other ingredients and balance the pH of your protein treatment. Learn more about the pH scale in my Get To Know Your Hair blog.
4. Oil- EVOO or extra virgin olive oil is a great addition to your protein treatment to add shine.
5. Mayonnaise- Made of oil to add shine, protein, and moisture.
6. Avocado- Helps dry, breakage prone hair with its high fat content. Great for shine and softness also.
7. Conditioner- Some people use their everyday conditioner. I suggest a moisturizing thick conditioner.
8. Honey- Great for attracting and retaining moisture in the hair. It also adds shine.
9. Coconut Milk- Rich in protein and fatty acids.
10. Banana- Great nutrients and vitamins to help hairs elasticity.

How To:

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1. Wash your hair with a sulfate free or cleansing shampoo. Ring out the excess water from your hair.
2. Mix the ingredients of your choice into a bowl with a fork.
3. Part your hair into 4 -6 sections. Take one back section down to start with.
4. Apply the treatment with an applicator brush, your hands, or an applicator bottle to the section.
5. Finger comb the section and clip it back up. Continue this until all of the sections are saturated.
6. You have a few options for processing;
• You can cover your hair with a plastic cap and turban allowing your bodies natural heat to warm the solution.
• You can leave your hair uncovered which is a good option if you use conditioner.
• You can also sit under a hood dryer with a plastic cap on. I bought a soft version of an at home hood dryer from my local black beauty supply store. It was budget friendly and just attaches over your blow dryer. You can purchase hard at home hood dryers and steamers that plug in as well.
7. Rinse in the shower or your kitchen sink after 15-45 minutes has passed.

The terry turban I got from Sally Beauty Supply Store

Left side goes over your head | Right side goes over the end of your blow dryer.

• WARNING: If you use eggs in your protein treatment then there is a possibility that the eggs could scramble during processing time. If you use a hood dryer the heat could cook the egg in your hair also. This isn't a bad thing but could cause a mess. When rinsing in the shower use cool or lukewarm water to avoid the cooking process to happen.

Store Bought pH balancing Products:

• ApHogee Two Step Protein Treatment or ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor- Popular for african american or naturally curly hair.
• Zotos Hair Rescue Keratin Reconstructor Kit- Single use 2 step treatment that strengthens dry/damaged hair.
• Hydratherma Naturals Protein Leave In- Smooths and seals the hairs cuticle for lasting moisture and shine.
• Aubrey Organics Glycogen Protein Balancing Conditioner- For all hair types
• Nexxus Keraphix Strengthening Conditioner- Easy to get and smells great.

Deep Conditioning

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Deep conditioning your hair is a great way to repair the damage you've done during the week. You can make your own deep conditioner from products in your kitchen. I do this on freshly washed hair and I either sleep on it or just leave it in for up to an hour during the day. The conditioner gives me tons of moisture and softens my hair dramatically. I also love the smell for the first couple of days after.

Natural Ingredients:

1. Honey
2. Avocados Or Avocado Oil
3. Olive Oil Or EVOO(extra virgin olive oil)
4. Mayonnaise Or Cholesterol 
5. Egg Yolks- Only use the white for oily hair.

Homemade Recipes

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1. Avocados & Mayonnaise:
• 1 Cup Mayonnaise: Contains eggs (protein), canola oil (protector), vinegar (shine), water (moisture), and lemon juice (smell/acid).  
• 1/2 Ripe Avocado: Or a cap full of avocado oil because the Oil will contain vitamin A, D, & E along with protein. It also contains follic acid, magnesium, B6, copper, iron, and amino acids. It nourishes and promotes hair growth. It easily penetrates the hair and skin and is great for all hair types.
• 1 Tsp. Of Rosemary, Lavender or Lemon: To enhance the smell.
2. Honey & Olive Oil:
• 1 Tbs. Honey: Honey is a humectant meaning it draws and retains moisture in the hair while adding shine.
• 1Tbs. Olive Oil: The oil will add shine, moisture, and soften the hair.
• Mix together and warm for 10-30 seconds in a microwave safe bowl. Apply to hair. 
3. Eggs, Water & Oil:
• 2 Egg Yolks: Eggs are a great moisturizer filled with protein. It will add shine and nourish hair.
• 2 Tsp Olive Oil: The oil adds shine, moisture, & manageability.
• 1/8 Cup Water: A natural moisturizer and a universal solvent. This will make your treatment easier to spread onto your hair.

How To:

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1. Part freshly washed hair into 2-8 sections depending on your hair and detangle.
2. Mix 3 parts conditioner (Kinky Curly Knot Today) to one part oil (Deep Penetrating Moroccan Oil).
3. Apply product to each section while finger combing in a downward motion.
4. Detangle the hair with a wide tooth comb, Tangle Teezer, or Denman brush.
5. Blot out any extra moisture if your hair is dripping wet.
6. Apply more oil all over your hair to seal in the moisture.
7. You can braid, bun, or twist your hair up. 
8. Add oil to the ends of your hair to seal.
9. Add a shower cap to prevent a mess. Place a turban, towel, or silk scarf on top.
10. Rinse with cool- lukewarm water after 30-60 minutes has passed.

Tips:

• The thicker your hair is the more sections you will need. Make the section small enough so that you can hold all of the hair in one hand. The parting do not have to be precise and your fingers can be used instead of a comb.
• You can mix your homemade ingredients together instead of my store bought ones for step 2. If your using the honey and oil recipe make sure you warm the ingredients in a microwave safe bowl for no more than 30 seconds. Test the oil after it cools before applying to your hair.
• Warm products mix better so try warm honey, water, or oil in your recipe.
• Rinse the treatment out with lukewarm water to assure your cuticle isn't completely open. You don't want to lose all the moisture you just put into your hair by using hot water. To learn more about open and closed cuticles check out my Get To Know Your Hair blog post
• Rinse with cool water after conditioning the hair to assure the cuticle is closed and sealed.
• Use a moisturizing water based conditioner/
• Avoid using a shampoo that contains sulfates. Find out why in my Shampoo Sulfates and Surfactants.
• Finger comb before detangling with a tool like a comb to reduce hair loss.
• You want to blot out the moisture in your hair if its dripping wet because you only need the hair damp to apply the treatment. Wet the hair with warm water or shampoo before applying the recipe of your choice. If your hair is dripping wet it is filled with water. If the hair is filled with water then their isn't anymore room left for hair products. The treatment could slip out of your hair or could not be absorbed. A t-shirt or paper towel is very absorbent and will do the job quickly.
• The shower cap will contain the mess but the turban or towel will assure that your bodies natural heat is put to good use. The heat from your body will keep your cuticle open allowing every bit of product to be absorbed.
• You need to let the treatment sit on the hair for at least 30 minutes. This is necessary because the cuticle of the hair needs time to close and seal in all the great nutrients you put into it. If you rinse to soon then the cuticle could be slightly raised and the nutrients could slip out of your hair and down the drain.

Store Bought Deep Conditioners:

1. Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Deep Conditioner- Budget friendly & smells amazing.
2. Aveda Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment- Damaged hair.
3. Biolage Hydratherapie Conditioning Balm- My deep conditioner.
4. Beautiful Textures Rapid Repair Deep Conditioner- For naturally curly or transitioning hair.
5. Creme of Nature Moisture Extreme Conditioner- Dry, brittle, damaged hair.
6. Redken Cooling Deep Conditioner- Super rich in moisture and feels great on the scalp.
7. Mixed Chicks Detangling Deep Conditioner- This product is a two in one moisturizer with lots of slip.
8. Burt's Bees Hair Repair Shea & Grapefruit  Deep Conditioner- Dry hair.
9. Oranix Moroccan Argan Oil Renewing Treatment- Adds shine, a great smell, and softens the hair.
10. Nexxus Humectress Hydrating Treatment Deep Conditioner- Moisturizes and strengthens the hair.

Hair Mask

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A hair mask is great in the winter months or anytime your hair is dry, damaged, or dull. It will add shine, moisture, and soften your hair. I suggest using a hair mask up to twice a month for soft manageable hair.

Ingredients:

You can just explore your kitchen for tons of accessible ingredients to put in your hair mask. Lots of food has benefits for your hair and its usually cheaper than buying a hair mask full of harmful ingredients.

1. Avocado
2. Lemon
3. Sea Salt
4. Aloe Vera Juice
5. Egg Whites
6. Mayonnaise
7. Plain Yogurt or Greek Yogurt
8. Banana
9. Honey
10. Oatmeal
11. Buttermilk
12. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
13. Coconut Oil (Shea/Avocado Butter If Allergic)

Supplies:

• Shower Cap
• Spray Bottle
• Mild Shampoo or Cleansing Conditioner
• Moisturizing Conditioner
• Clips 4-6
• Towel/Turban
• Bowl & Fork/Whisk
• Applicator Brush/Bottle
• Wide Tooth Comb

Homemade Recipes

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1. Yogurt Hair Mask: Beat the egg and then add the rest of the ingredients mixing well until thickened.
• 1/4-1 Cup Plain Yogurt
• 1/4 Cup Mayonnaise
• 1-2 Egg Whites
• 1 Tbs. Olive Oil
2. Avocado & Lemon:
• 1 Whole Ripe Avocado Or Avocado Oil
• 1 Tbs. Lemon Juice- Replace with rosemary or lavender oil if you don't like a lemon scent.
• 1 Tsp. Sea Salt
• 1 Tbs. Aloe Vera Juice Or Coconut Milk
3. Honey & Olive Oil: Microwave for 30 seconds or warm the mixture on the stove top.
• 2 Tbs. Honey
• 3 Tbs. Olive Oil or Almond Oil 
• 1 Tbs. Apple Cider Vinegar (optional)
• 1/2 Cup Yogurt (frizz fighter)
4. Oatmeal Mask:
• 1 Tbs. Oats
• 1 Tbs. Milk
• 1 Tbs. Almond Oil (optional)
5. Thickening Mask: Add ingredients in order
1. 1 Ripe Banana
2. 1 Egg
3. 1/2 Cup Flat Beer- Has proteins that add strength/shine & gives the appearance of fullness.
4. 1 Tbs. Honey

How To:

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1. Dampen or shampoo hair with warm water. Use a gentle or sulfate free shampoo if possible. Find what shampoo is right for you in my Shampoo Sulfates & Surfactants blog post.
2. Section the hair into 4-6 sections with your fingers or a comb. *Never brush wet hair or comb dry hair. Clip each detangled section out of the way.
3. Mix your ingredients together.
4. Take one section at a time and apply the recipe with an applicator bottle, color(tint) brush, or your hands.
5. Massage the mixture from roots to ends until saturated and clip each section out of the way.
6. Put a shower cap over your hair and place a turban or towel on top to hold your body heat in.
7. Let the treatment sit on your hair 20-60 minutes.
8. Rinse with lukewarm water unless you've used eggs because they will scramble in your hair!
9. Condition as normal with a moisturizing conditioner and rinse before you get of the shower with cool not cold water to seal your cuticle.
10. Blot dry the hair and add any hair products to enhance your hairs natural beauty.

Store Bought Hair Masks:

1. Dove Damage Therapy Intensive Repair Mask- Damaged Hair
2. Alterna Bamboo Smooth Intense Moisture Mask- Thick Hair
3. Bosley Healthy Hair Strengthening Masque- Fine Hair
4. Bumble & Bumble Curl Concious Nourishing Masque- Curly Hair
5. Shea Moisture African Black Purification Masque- Natural Curly Hair
6. Nuetrogena Triple Moisture Hair Mask-Dry Hair
7. Organix Awapuhi Ginger Instant Recovery Mask- Damaged Hair
8. Hollywood Beauty Argan Oil Hair Mask- Chemically Treated Hair
9. It's A 10 Miracle Hair Mask- Dry To Normal Hair
10. Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairong Hair Mask- Damaged Hair

Your hair is your biggest accessory and you want it to be looking its best. Dry, dull, damaged, lifeless, and limp hair needs a little TLC and it can easily be brought back to life. The proper use of deep conditioners, hair masks, and protein treatments restore the hair back to normal. Hot oil rinses like I've described in my How To Pre-Poo blog post are also a great option to add moisture, shine, and body back into your hair. Good luck repairing your hair!

~"Gorgeous hair is the best revenge!" -Ivana Trump~

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