The Good. Clean. Fun.™ BLOG

At some point, we’ve all been there. Our healthy hair starts looking fried. Feeling brittle. And we notice that more keeps breaking off in our brush. We’re experiencing damaged hair drama. But worry not. Better Natured™ Brand Ambassador and stylist Jenn MacDougall brings you the 411 to flip the script and return your locks to looking their best.

Step 1. Diagnose Your Damage

According to MacDougall, when it comes to diagnosing hair damage, the culprits fall into four main categories:

1. Heat damage, primarily from overuse of styling tools. Yes, we’re looking at you.
2. Chemical damage, from overdoing it on chemical services like straightening and color. Don’t act surprised.
3. Mechanical damage, from overzealous brushing or one too many tight ponytails. And you thought headaches were the only downside?
4. Environmental damage from sun and wind. Hint: hats and scarves are not just for style points!

Step 2: Repair and Prevent Future Damage

When it comes to damaged hair rehab, and avoiding the same mistakes next time, MacDougall has specific advice and customized product recommendations from Better Natured™.

To minimize the damage from blow-dryers, curling irons and flat irons, turn down the heat! MacDougall suggests using the lowest heat setting that gives you the result you’re looking for, and always applying a heat protector to help prevent damage from frequent hot tool styling.

“Better Natured™ Heat Styling Lotion is the perfect way to prep your hair before a blow-out,” she says. Packed with moisturizing coconut oil, “this lotion protects hair during blow drying, creates a soft, smooth finish and even prevents frizz for up to 96 hours.”

If your hair is damaged from excessive bleaching or chemical services, “you will want to treat it with a hydrating and repairing system,” the stylist advises. A gentle yet effective regimen such as Better Natured™ Damage Repair Shampoo, Conditioner and Strengthening Leave in Cream will help to repair dry, brittle, damaged hair and restore stressed-out tresses.

“Better Natured™ Damage Repair shampoo & conditioner, with a Triple Plant Milk blend, is highly nutritive and moisturizing,” MacDougall explains. In fact, when used together they reduce hair breakage by 40%. The Strengthening Leave-In Cream adds another layer of protection from further tress trauma. “This lightweight formula doesn’t weigh hair down but still smooths the cuticle, mends split ends and fights frizz, too,” she adds.

It’s important to remember that coloring hair does not automatically lead to damage. In fact, MacDougall suggests trying Better Natured™ Liqui-Crème Hair Color which has a deeply conditioning formula that for most shades, gently lifts/lightens hair up to two levels. “If you have chemically damaged hair, but still need to cover grays, this will be a much better choice than highlights,” she says.

If your hair is prone to tangling, aggressive brushing can cause unnecessary breakage. “Be gentle with your hair,” MacDougall urges, “treat it as if it was a silk blouse!” To avoid mechanical damage when brushing and detangling, start at the ends and work your way up. “Mist your wet hair with Better Natured™ Hydrating Leave-In Milk and use a large-toothed comb to detangle safely,” she instructs. Because hair stretches when it’s wet and shrinks when it’s dry, “never put wet hair in a tight bun or ponytail - this will cause breakage, too.”

Last but not least is the environmental damage we’re all exposed to every day from the sun. Just as too much sun can burn your scalp, it also can be drying to your hair and cause it to feel rough. Wearing a hat or scarf will help prevent your hair and your skin from sun damage, and the occasional hair mask will help avoid summer hair that feels like straw. “Better Natured™ Moisture Replenishing Masque is full of hydrating lipids that drench brittle lengths and ends in moisture,” MacDougall raves. Used once a week or as needed, “it’s a game changer.”