Hair treatment for very damaged hair: what to know

Hair that feels rough, snaps easily, tangles, loses shine, or develops split ends may have a weakened shaft from bleaching, repeated colouring, straightening, heat, sun exposure, or friction. The visible shaft cannot be repaired back to its original structure, but new growth can be protected and fragile lengths can be managed.

Breakage is different from shedding from the root. Short uneven pieces suggest breakage, while full-length hairs with a small bulb may reflect shedding. A scalp examination is useful when both are happening.

Pause bleaching, chemical straightening, and frequent hot-tool use. Wash with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser, condition the lengths after washing, and detangle from the ends upward with a wide-tooth comb. Pat dry rather than rubbing, and choose loose styles that do not pull at the scalp.

Trim split ends when practical and ask a clinician before taking supplements. Hair Supplement Therapy may be considered when a confirmed nutritional issue contributes, but supplements do not reverse chemical damage on their own.

Book a medical assessment if hair loss is sudden, patchy, painful, or accompanied by scalp scaling, sores, redness, or intense itch. Also seek advice when shedding continues despite stopping damaging practices, because nutrition, hormones, medicines, and scalp disorders can affect growth.

Ask whether the problem is shaft breakage, root shedding, or both; whether the scalp looks healthy; and whether testing for a nutritional or medical contributor is appropriate.