Love getting a blow-dry? Here’s a cheat sheet to tame all that resultant hair damage

There is no denying the fact that a head-turning hairdo can transform even the drabbest outfits. However, there’s also no denying the fact that those sleek pulled-back ponytails, power blow-dries, and beachy waves—all involve heat and styling products. Unfortunately, these products aren’t half as good for your hair as they are for your style statement. And they are known to cause hair damage.

“Using heat-based styling tools like curling irons and hair dryers can lead to brittle and damaged hair with split ends if used excessively,” points out Dr Blossom Kochhar, chairperson, Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies.

She is also quick to add that using greasy styling products such as hair wax and gels to set your hair to perfection can end up blocking the oxygen supply to your hair adding to the damage.

In fact, being stubborn and insoluble, that hair wax can get stick to your hair even after you’ve washed it and irritate your scalp. Not to mention, the presence of chemicals in most of these products is just about enough to worsen your case further.

Also read: 4 expert-recommended home remedies to repair your damaged, coloured hair

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But, don’t you worry girls–here’s a full-proof plan laid out by Kochhar to save you distressed locked

If you’ve got dry hair…

Oil ‘em up: Dry hair is more susceptible to tangles, damage, breakage, and split ends. So, you must replenish it with oil and moisture. Apply a mixture of 1 tablespoon of castor oil, 1 tablespoon of almond oil, 1 tablespoon of glycerine, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of protein powder, and 4 drops of sandalwood oil to your scalp and hair. Leave it on for half an hour and then wash.

Condition, condition, and condition: Nothing works better for dry hair than proper conditioning as per Kochhar. She recommends heating a tablespoon of castor oil, coconut oil, and sesame oil with a teaspoon of lavender oil, and massaging the mixture into the scalp and hair for better conditioning.

If you’ve got oily hair…

Wash ‘em more often: “Oily hair looks dull, lacks body and will not hold a style. Hence, people with oily hair must avoid using harsh shampoos. They should cleanse the hair and scalp with a mild shampoo often to remove excess greasiness,” suggests Kocchar.

Use patchouli oil: Take a tablespoon of water, add 10 drops of this patchouli essential oil, and apply it all over your scalp and hair an hour or two before shampooing.

Try this DIY toning lotion: Mix a tablespoon of malt vinegar in one glass of water and add 3 drops of patchouli oil. Rinse your scalp and hair with it, and massage it in after shampooing your hair. Washing it off with water.

If you’ve got normal hair…

Oil massage: Normal hair is healthy and has a lot of bounce and shine. But, for some damage control from heat, an occasional hot oil treatment will make sure it remains in good condition. So, mix 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 1 tablespoon of castor oil, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and two drops of rosemary oil and massage it into the hair and scalp for a few minutes. Then, wrap your hair in a hot towel for around 20 minutes and wash them with a mild shampoo thereafter.

Also read: 6 completely-natural DIY hair masques to give you the hair of your dreams