Having a bad hair day may be a modern idiom for a bad day overall, there are times when you literally have a bad hair day, week or even month. Curling irons, hair dryers, chlorine in the pool and a myriad of other influences can damage your hair. When this happens, the only thing you want to know is what it is going to take to get things back in order.

Fried

Did you attempt to go platinum blonde even though your natural hair color is deep black? The chemicals required to make this transition can fry your hair, leaving you with a head of straw like brittle strands where your luxurious tresses used to reside! Alas, the damage is done, now what? To recover from serious chemical damage you have a couple of options, the first and most effective is cutting your hair. Plan to see your stylist at least once every three weeks until the damaged portion is completely removed.

If you are not inclined to lose this much length, even over a period of time, you will have to attack the situation with intense conditioning. There are several different ways you can achieve this particular goal. The simplest is by choosing a conditioner cetyl alcohol. This type of conditioner is top of the line for retaining moisture. Simply comb the conditioner through your hair, blast with hair dryer for approximately 15 minutes and rinse. A more complicated, yet effective conditioning method is as follows:

• Create a reparative conditioner by combining equal parts conditioner, leave in conditioner and hair mask.
• Apply to damp hair, focus midway down to the ends.
• Dampen two hair towels
• Microwave towel number one until it is comfortably steamy warm
• Wrap conditioned hair in towel one, heat towel two
• Use second towel, rotating 2-4 times per session
• Repeat deep conditioning once a week.

Home Remedy

There has been a lot of discussion about the chemicals in commercially produced hair care products and if you prefer to go a more natural route there are a couple of home remedies you can use for damaged hair. The most famous of these remedies is the mayonnaise mixture.

• Beat 2 egg yolks
• Measure ½ cup mayonnaise
• Mix two ingredients
• Apply mixture liberally to hair – pay attention to damaged sections
• Cover hair with shower cap ideally- (a towel will work as well, just not as good)
• Leave mixture on for about an hour, rinse and repeat weekly for lasting results

Oil and vinegar are also suggested for routine hair treatments that will combat dry, brittle hair. Use olive oil as an overnight leave-in conditioner. Apply to hair and scalp, cover with shower cap or towel and rinse the following morning with vinegar. This treatment is also beneficial if you suffer from dandruff.

Hair Appliances

While you are dealing with damaged locks it is very important that you put away the hair dryer, curler, straightener or any other heat conducting styling product. Air dry your hair during this recovery period to avoid any further damage.

Conclusion

It is almost impossible to avoid every hair damaging situation, unless you plan on living like a monk! Sunshine, salt water, chlorine, hair care products, styling tools and much more can all have a negative impact on your hair. Rather than avoid living your life, take some precautionary steps.

Once you get your hair back in shape consider using one of the deep conditioning treatments monthly, getting routine haircuts (about ½ inch every 2 months) and instead of wash your hair a little more infrequently.