How to Repair Damaged Hair: Facts, Myths, and Proven Solutions

1. 1. Understanding Hair Damage: What Happens to Your Hair?
   2. Signs Your Hair Is Damaged
   3. Common Causes of Damage Skin
   4. Why Repairing Damaged Hair Matters
   5. Common Myths About Hair Repair
   6. Consider Professional Repair Treatments
   7. Habits to Prevent More Damage

 

If your hair feels dry, brittle, or just doesn’t hold style the way it used to, chances are it’s damaged. Excessive heat, harsh chemicals, and everyday wear and tear can take a toll, leaving the hair looking dull and lifeless. But don’t worry, with the right approach you can bring back your healthy-looking hair.

Forget quick fixes and gimmicks, this guide breaks down the real science behind hair repair, debunks common myths, and provides proven solutions that actually work!

 

 

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Understanding Hair Damage: What Happens to Your Hair?

Damaged hair isn’t just about split ends or dryness, it’s a deeper structural issue.

The hair shaft has a protective outer layer called the cuticle, which keeps moisture locked in and protects against breakage. When this cuticle gets weakened or lifted, hair loses hydration, strength, and shine.

Signs Your Hair Is Damaged

• Dryness: The texture feels rough and straw-like.
• Breakage: Hair snaps easily instead of stretching.
• Split ends: Frayed tips that keep splitting up the hair shaft.
• Loss of shine: Dull, lifeless strands.
• Frizz and tangles: Weakened cuticles cause hair to knot and frizz more.

Common Causes of Damage

• Heat styling: Frequent use of curling irons, flat irons, and blow dryers can weaken the hair structure.
• Chemical treatments: Excessive coloring, bleaching, perming, and relaxing can remove proteins from the hair.
• Environmental exposure: Sun, pollution, and hard water all wear down the cuticle over time.
• Harsh haircare habits: Too much washing, rough towel drying, or using the wrong products can worsen damage.

Why Repairing Damaged Hair Matters

It’s not just about looks, damaged hair is harder to style, more prone to frizz, and can affect your confidence. However, this doesn’t mean you need to avoid all coloring! Just make sure you book with professionals who use products that help protect the hair. In terms of products, we highly recommend our RE/START™ Bond Repair range, which is powered by skincare and proven by hair experts.

The Impact on Texture & Manageability

Damaged hair loses its elasticity, causing it to snap rather than bend. It also tangles easily, feels rough, and resists efforts to smooth it. As a result, it can become frizzy and, in curly or textured hair, lose its definition.

Hair & Confidence

There’s a reason healthy-looking hair is associated with beauty and confidence. When the hair feels smooth, strong, and shiny, styling is effortless, and you feel more put together. Repairing damage isn’t vanity, it’s self-care.

 

 

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Common Myths About Hair Repair

There’s a lot of misinformation about fixing damaged hair. Let’s set the record straight.

 

Myth #1: You Can “Fix” Split Ends with Products

No product can permanently fix split ends, they simply need to be cut off. Serums like our anti-split ends shine repairing drops are formulated with omega-9 and replenishing oils. This dual action repairing serum-to-oil helps to balance scalp microbiome* and seal visibly split ends. It also provides heat protection up to 220ºC, helps prevent and reduce split ends, and neutralizes the dull appearance of damaged hair for a glass-like finish.

 

Myth #2: More Washing Means Healthier Hair

How often should you wash your hair? Overwashing can strip away natural oils, leaving hair dry and brittle. Most hair types, especially if the hair is damaged, do best with washing every 2 to 6 days.

 

To help repair damage, we recommend the Damage Reversing Gentle Cleanser, formulated with bond-multiplying molecules, AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), and skincare-inspired ingredients. This dual action gentle cleanser helps to balance the scalp microbiome and repair weakened hair at the core. It re-links broken bonds and strengthens the hair fiber to prevent breakage and provide stronger, smoother and shinier hair. You can follow it with the Damage Reversing Melting Conditioner for optimal results.

So why not give your hair a break between washes? Try some updos for a fun, trendy look, or simply as a stylish way to stretch the time between wash days.

Myth #3: Protein Treatments Always Strengthen Hair

Protein can help repair damaged hair, but too much can leave it feeling stiff and more prone to breakage. That’s why we recommend balancing or alternating protein treatments with omega-rich-rich formulas like our Damage Reversing Intensive Mask. Formulated with bond-multiplying molecules, omega-9, and AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), this intensive dual action filler mask helps to balance scalp microbiome* and repair weakened hair at the core. It deeply penetrates the hair fiber to fill damaged areas of the cortex and rebuild inner strength across the hair structure

Myth #4: Air-Drying Is Always Best

Skipping heat is smart, but leaving hair wet for too long can weaken strands. The best method? Blot hair with a microfiber towel, apply a leave-in treatment, and let damp hair dry naturally or use a diffuser.

Consider Professional Repair Treatments

RE/START™ Pro Care System is an in-salon exclusive professional range designed to restore the quality and beauty of healthy-looking hair. This two-phase system features an innovative Antioxidant Powder Primer combined with ultra-performing Liquid Care Shots, creating a smooth, creamy emulsion that melts upon contact for controlled application and even hair saturation.

The Bond Repair Shot is formulated with biomimetic ceramide, bond builder and phyto keratin molecules for instant and deep internal and external hair repair.

Habits to Prevent More Damage

Repairing damaged hair isn’t about quick fixes, it’s about consistency, good habits, and the right products. By avoiding common myths, using effective treatments, and protecting the hair whenever possible, you can help to restore softness, shine, and strength.

Get Regular Haircuts

Removing split ends keeps damage from spreading up the hair shaft. Aim for a trim every 8–12 weeks.

Personalize Your Hair Routine
Consultations are key. For the best results, ask your Revlon Professional® stylist to recommend the ideal routine for your hair type. If your goal is to repair damaged hair, we highly recommend the RE/START™ Bond Repair line, powered by our exclusive LipidBond Filler technology. This complete range features vegan formulas, multiuse products, and advanced performance designed to transform hair from the inside out.

To purchase these professional products, simply visit your local Revlon Professional®  salon, or find one near you using our handy salon finder tool.

Limit Heat Styling

Excessive heat can strip moisture and weaken hair strands. If you need to use heat styling tools, keep the temperature low, let your hair air-dry partially beforehand, and always apply a heat protectant.

Be Gentle When Hair Is Wet

Wet hair is fragile so avoid rubbing it with a towel. Instead, blot with a microfiber towel and detangle with a wide-tooth comb.

Protect Hair While Sleeping

Silk or satin pillowcases reduce friction thus preventing breakage and frizz. Also, consider protective hairstyles overnight.

Now that you have the low down on how to keep your hair looking its best, you can head to your local salon to pick up all your favorite RE/START bond repair products to help you to take your hair repair to the next level between salon visits!

If you are a hair care professional, continue learning new techniques by accessing our 24/7 educational platform, #AlwaysOn. You can also stock up on your favorite products by heading to our online store, Revlon ProShop.