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How to Care for Dry, Colored or Chemically Treated Hair

By Tiffany Moore

Perms and color treatments contain peroxide that can strip away the scalp's natural protective natural oils, leaving hair dry and damaged. One sure tell-tale sign of dryness is easy breakage or snapping, or hair feels like straw to touch. One nasty tangle, and suddenly you've a terrible case of split ends. However, there're a few easy steps which you can take to care for dry, colored or chemically treated hair - a little effort everyday to keep it looking healthy and strong.

How to Keep Your Hair Healthy and Shiny

1. Start with a visit to your local hair salon to have split ends and damaged hair trimmed. While you're there, ask your stylist to advise on your hair type.

I normally don't buy shampoos or conditioners directly from salons as they tend to cost more. Once I know my hair and scalp type, it's easier to choose the right shampoo suitable for frequent wash. It frustrates me when I'm tempted by different choices available on the shelves and not knowing which shampoo to buy.

If you've dry hair, always look for specifically formulas which help chemically treated restore moisture and strengthen hair from within.

2. For more intensive moisturizing, treat your hair to a once weekly warm coconut oil treatment at home. This all natural homemade hot oil treatment has been passed down from mothers to daughters by Indian women for centuries. What amazes me is that this traditional hair treatment also adds gloss and volume to hair instantly.

Simply heat some coconut oil (half a cup or just enough according to your length) until it's slightly warm. Dab a little on your wrist first, making sure that it isn't hot or you risk burning your scalp. Then comb the oil through clean hair from roots to ends. When you're done, wrap hair in absorbent towel or simply put on a shower cap. I usually have my hair wrapped for hours to allow the coconut oil penetrate into hair shaft for a more intensive moisturizing. After that, wash and condition your hair the usual way. In place of coconut oil, you can also use olive oil.

3. Try not to bun or braid tightly. Frequent hair teasing, tying your hair with rubber bands or using metal curlers/rollers that pinch hair causes your hair to become fragile and susceptible to breakage.

Let your hair has a chance to breathe and repair on its own. Always choose gentler, natural forms of hair styling aids like spongy leave-in rollers or other non-heat based curlers. Use either a low heat setting on hair dryer or allow your hair to dry naturally. Never bring hair dryer close to your hair on a high heat setting and don't comb your hair while it's wet – hair is weakest when wet and breaks easily. If your hair is already dried out, the last thing you want, is add more heat to it.

4. Be kind to your hair by brushing gently. Chemically treated hair is more likely to snap and break through rough handling. Using the softest brush you have, start brushing at the tip of your hair and work your way slowly upwards, gently untangling as you go. If you encounter a tangle, don't pull at it.

5. Go easy on styling aids such as hair gels, sprays, mousses and waxes. These alcohol based products not only leech moisture but also weigh hair down with residue, making it appear dull and lifeless.

Every woman can enjoy smooth, lustrous, healthy-looking tresses. It doesn't take lots of hard work or money to have beautiful hair – a little diligence each day goes a long way.

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