Damaged hair repair guide

Protein damage feels rough, dry and snaps when stretched. Moisture damage feels limp, mushy and stretches without springing back. Treating the wrong one makes hair worse — protein on mushy hair, or oil on brittle hair, both backfire.

Weeks one and two: a protein-smooth shampoo, a keratin repair mask twice a week, and a serum on the ends daily. Weeks three and four: alternate the protein mask with a moisture mask, and cut heat styling to twice a week at most.

Stop bleaching until the hair combs through wet without snapping. Drop the dryer to medium heat, and always use a serum or heat protectant first. Silk pillowcases and loose ties reduce mechanical breakage overnight.