Hair Damage 102

August 7, 2020

If you haven’t read the prerequisite Hair Damage 101 post - stop what you’re doing and click on the link to start there.

Once you’re ready to move on to part two, you’re in for a treat as we’re sharing some common questions from real EVOLVhers that have come through our consult line. The answers were written by the pro hairxperts on our team. We’re all basically as passionate about the science behind hair as we are obsessed with products and the fun side of styling.

Damage Concern: DIY Color + Chemical Treatments

EVOLVher Consult Question: During COVID I have been coloring and highlighting hair at home with box kits, and now I have dry damaged (I think) hair. Do you have anything that can help?

This has been a much asked question during COVID. We all want to look our best and hair color is something that many of us do not want to live without.

The safety of at-home products vs. salon products? Each have their own risks. If you're covering some gray, or want to change your hair one to two shades up or down, or just want to change your tone, you can likely do it at home. Anything more extreme in color variance or using bleach - we recommend consulting a professional stylist.

Keeping this in mind, hair products sold for at-home use are generally milder, and are pre-measured and formulated to be safe for the widest range of hair types. This doesn’t mean that they can’t cause damage though. People with very fine hair or hair that has been repeatedly color treated (specifically lightened) can become easily damaged (or more damaged) by even mild at-home chemical services.

Salon products in contrast are usually stronger, and meant to be used by professionals who are trained in their use and licensed to be legally able to use them. Some products are available at beauty supply stores that are only purchasable by persons with a valid cosmetology license. With salons, the key factor to successful and satisfactory services is usually the skill and experience of the stylist performing the service.

Potential damage varies with both salon and at-home products. You need to be aware that you can easily damage your hair with some at-home products if you fail to use them correctly. So, always read the package instructions and try to make yourself as knowledgeable as you can before using a product. When in doubt, try to err on the side of caution, or ask a professional’s advice.

The basic rule is that chemical services are potentially harsh on your hair: color products that deposit color onto the hair without lightening are generally more gentle, color products that lighten the hair’s natural color (bleach is in this category) are going to be more harsh. Remember, the lighter they make your natural hair color, the more harsh they will be.

Chemical services that change the wave and texture of your hair (straighteners, relaxers, perms) also fall into the most harsh category. Any of these can be performed safely with experience and proper application, but all will carry some risk given unforeseen factors (previous chemical or color processes and even if you’ve been swimming in chlorine pools). So our recommendation is to ask an expert, and do not take the risk of damaging your precious locks beyond repair.

Back to the question of how we can be of help… while damage cannot be magically undone, we do have a product that will restore the structural integrity of the hair, help repair damage caused by chemical services, and replenish moisture levels. Our UltraRepair Reconstructing Masque has been called a “strand savior” and we lovingly refer to it as a time traveller. It’ll help you achieve healthy hair that has internal hydration, strength, and elasticity – even if it’s been compromised by an at home booboo.

We believe that everyone’s hair will benefit from a reconstructor like UltraRepair. A good rule of thumb is to use it weekly while needing the most repair, and then once or twice a month to maintain healthy hair.

Damage Concern: Overexposure To Chlorine

EVOLVher Consult Question: I spend my summers at the ocean and at the pool – my hair is a dry tangled mess (and faded too). What products do you have that could help my hair?

While water is of course a natural wonder and necessarily to help us live, it takes on a new form with added chemicals and salt, and without preventative measures it can damage our hair.

Chlorine, a powerful chemical, sucks the natural oils from both hair and skin, leaving them rough, dry, and damaged. Your hair needs some of its natural oil to remain smooth and shiny, so chlorine unfortunately causes the opposite. Chlorine also wreaks other havoc, causing chemical reactions that change the natural color of your hair, weakening each strand and causing split ends.

While you can love the pool, remember to protect your hair from damage. The most protective solution: if you can’t wear a swim cap, always wet your hair first and then spray with an EVOLVh leave-in (they provide natural UV protection and combat the effects of chlorine). After the pool, rinse your hair immediately and if at all possible, do not let chlorine salt or other contaminants sit in your hair. If time allows, follow with your EVOLVh 3-step regimen to infuse your hair with pro health ingredients.

Damage Concern: Heat Tool Overuse

EVOLVher Consult Question: I have been flat ironing for a number of years, I have a lot of heat tool damage and split ends. Can it be repaired? Is there any way I can straighten and not cause damage?

The wonder of technology – we can change our style with the flip of a switch. There are new tools on the market every day: straighteners, high powered blow dryers, curling irons/wands, and even a new ceramic heat brush. Your hair should be very afraid. Be sure to do your research on the temperature of these devices or you will cause serious damage to your hair.

There are protective measures of course. Try not to heat-style more than a few times per week, and always use a protective product (like our leave-ins and styling products).

Always test a heated appliance, take a piece of tissue paper and moisten it with a sprayer. Place the moistened tissue between the heating elements, or in the curling iron's clamp, and hold for 10 seconds. There may be steam and a sizzle sound as the water is evaporated, but when removed the paper should come out clean with no scorching or discoloration. If it is discolored or scorched, the appliance is too hot to be used on your hair.

As with most other concerns - the answer to reversing damage and restoring hydration is UltraRepair.

Damage Concern: Hair Ties & Tight Styles

EVOLVher Consult Question: I wear my hair back in a ponytail almost every day, as I’m a server and must keep my hair back. My hair seems thin and I’m losing hair as well. What are my options?

This is an instance where something so simple can cause hair hell. Tying your hair back too tightly can be very damaging. The hair will weaken and break, especially with repetitive constrictive hair styles and even more so if your hair has previous damage and dryness (frizz, split-ends, and breakage to name a few).

Make sure to read our Hair Damage 101 post from last week to ensure that you’re taking steps to make your hair the healthiest it can be in general.

To minimize or eliminate this particular type of damage - do not tie it back every day. Leave it loose and swingy often, it’s good for the health of your hair. If you must, vary the types of accessories you’re using to keep hair back to limit repetitive hair stress. With the array of healthy hair accessories on the market – you have much more to choose from than ever: hair safe ties (Kooshoo), silk scrunchies (Silk Slip ), tie-up head bands (Kinibands), and endless others!