As we've noted, damaged hair repair isn't possible because the protein bonds and cuticles have been permanently altered. Instead, the focus should be on maintaining hair to prevent further damage. If your hair is severely damaged, the most extreme solution is to cut it off and start fresh.
Because hair is not a living tissue with regenerative ability, it cannot heal and repair. You can use oils, conditioners, hydrolyzed proteins or other ingredients to disguise the issues temporarily but it's akin to using makeup on the face.
Most dry, brittle hair is caused by daily abuse, such as coloring, straightening and curling, but some dry hair can be caused by thyroid issues, such as hypothyroidism. Find out what causes dry, brittle hair with advice from a professional hair stylist in this free video on hair care.
Coconut oil can have many benefits for your hair and scalp. It is used to relieve dandruff, restore luster to dry and damaged hair, tame frizz, and protect hair against styling damage. It is safe to use on all hair types.
As oestrogen levels drop, hair follicles can constrict or shrink – some women may experience hair loss or thinning, and the hair shaft can become more fragile.
Despite its popularity in the media and amongst consumers, biotin has no proven efficacy in hair and nail growth of healthy individuals. Only 1 study has shown decreased levels of biotin in healthy individuals, though this data was confounded by multiple factors, including patient history.
When deficiency disrupts vitamin D in your scalp, the anagen (growth) phase shortens. This prematurely pushes more resting follicles into the telogen (rest) phase. Excessive shedding occurs, resulting in thinner hair. Research clearly demonstrates this link.
Look for natural moisturisers, such as argan oil, coconut oil or shea butter, and soothing components, such as menthol (peppermint oil for hair is a good source of menthol). If you have scalp problems, try a medicated formula (such as a ketoconazole shampoo or Nizoral shampoo).
Thyroid disorders
Thyroid disorders can cause hair breakage. If people have a thyroid disorder, they may notice very brittle, dry, and dull hair. Hair can also become thinner, or people may notice excessive shedding or bald patches.
Massaging your scalp may seem too simple, but it can help stimulate the hair follicles and encourage growth. It works because it increases blood flow to the follicles, which can activate the dormant ones. Try performing a scalp massage for five minutes on yourself every day.
All experts agree on this: when hair is damaged, it must be cut off. “If the damage is so bad (you're bleaching too much or using too much heat), that's when it becomes a cut instead of a trim,” says Polko.
Biotin use has caused the misdiagnosis of hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease, a serious autoimmune thyroid disease. 8 This is due to biotin's impact on thyroid lab work. Check with your healthcare provider before starting a supplement regimen. They may suggest that you stop taking biotin before getting your labs done.
Effective treatments for some types of hair loss are available. You might be able to reverse hair loss, or at least slow it. With some conditions, such as patchy hair loss (alopecia areata), hair may regrow without treatment within a year. Treatments for hair loss include medications and surgery.
Severe and prolonged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause loss of hair. The loss is diffuse and involves the entire scalp rather than discrete areas. The hair appears uniformly sparse.
Vitamin D deficiency can manifest as dry, brittle hair that breaks easily. Moderate to excessive shedding and thinning hair may also occur. Studies have even proven that low levels of vitamin D are also responsible for premature graying. Diagnosing vitamin D deficiency involves a simple blood test to check levels.
Brittle hair can feel straw-like to the touch. The dryness that leads to brittle hair can happen because of overwashing, styling products, or blow-drying. Hormonal imbalances, nutrition, and environmental factors can also play a role.
The overall result of the study provided evidence that rosemary oil may be effective for certain hair growth. A study from 2022 also found evidence that rosemary oil can aid in hair growth. The study stated that rosemary oil had the same effect as Minoxidil, a hair growth medication, after 6 weeks of use.
We recommend that you use the hair oil in wet hair as a finishing, nourishing treatment after washing your hair with shampoo and conditioner. By applying the coconut oil to wet hair, the hair gets an extra moisture boost and is left soft and shiny all day.