Can damaged hair be “repaired”?
Not completely. Hair that has already grown is lifeless material and does not regenerate. Masks, conditioners and certain products can smooth the surface and improve the feel and shine for a few days, but they do not rebuild the structure. What really changes the outcome is to stop the aggression, cut off what is broken and let healthy new hair grow.
How do I know if the damage has gone too far?
Some signs usually indicate that the hair can no longer take any more: it breaks easily when combed, becomes soft and stretchy when wet, forms knots that are hard to undo, the ends split again soon after a trim, and there are many short bits in the brush. When several of these occur together, it is best to pause the treatments and ask for an assessment.
Does bleaching and straightening cause hair loss?
Damaged hair breaks, which looks like hair loss but is breakage midway along the length. True hair loss, from the root, is different and usually has other causes, such as stress, deficiencies or hormones. However, some products irritate the scalp and, in that case, there may be more shedding in the following days. If the root is irritated or hairs fall out with the bulb, it is worth having it assessed.
Are “formaldehyde-free” straightening treatments safe?
Not always. Some products that claim to be formaldehyde-free release formaldehyde or use other substances, such as glyoxylic acid, and there are recent reports of serious effects in rare cases. Always ask the hairdresser for the composition, avoid products without a clear label, and speak to the doctor or your own physician if you have burning, shortness of breath, pain or changes in urine after a straightening treatment.
How long does damaged hair take to improve?
Hair that has already grown does not improve in the sense of renewing itself; what improves is the new hair that grows from the root. As hair grows slowly, this effect is gradual and it takes months for the new length to replace what was damaged. The doctor explains what is realistic in your case, with no guaranteed timeframes.
Can I keep dyeing my hair?
Many people can, with caution. Darker dyes without bleaching tend to be less harsh, and touching up only the roots spares the lengths. If you have had burning, itching or swelling of the scalp, stop and speak to the doctor, as it may be an allergy and tests are advisable before using the same product again.
Do sun and sea really damage hair?
They can worsen the damage. Ultraviolet radiation, salt and chlorine draw water out of the hair and may leave it drier, lighter and more porous, especially if it was already bleached. Laboratory studies on bleached hair show an effect on porosity, but this does not mean that all hair reacts in the same way. A hat and rinsing with fresh water help.
What treatments does the clinic use?
Depending on the case: hair NCTF, hair PRP and hair exosomes, always after the assessment consultation. They act on the scalp and the follicle, that is, on the hair that grows, and do not repair a strand that has already grown. The evidence is limited and the response varies, so the doctor only proposes them when she considers them appropriate.
Do scalp injections repair the ends?
No. The ends are the oldest part of the hair and are no longer alive, so no injection repairs them. What treatments can do, when indicated, is support the scalp and the follicle, that is, the hair that is growing in. For ends that are already damaged, the honest solution is to cut and protect.
Do I need blood tests?
Sometimes. If, besides damaged hair, there is hair loss, thinning hair or tiredness, the doctor may request blood tests for iron, thyroid and vitamins, because certain deficiencies or conditions make hair more fragile. Supplements should not be taken on your own without knowing what is lacking.
When should I book a consultation?
If the scalp burns, flakes, has sores, is red or hurts, or if hair falls out suddenly and heavily or bald patches appear quickly, do not wait. It is also worth booking if, even with a pause in treatments and care at home, the hair keeps breaking or thinning after a few months.
Does hair loss after a dye or straightening go back to normal?
When the cause is a temporary scalp irritation and the product is avoided, hair loss usually settles gradually. If there is an allergy, using the same product again may bring the problem back. And if the hair loss continues or bald patches appear, the doctor assesses whether there is another cause behind it.
Do “repairing” shampoos and ampoules work?
They help the surface of the strand and may improve its feel, manageability and shine, especially if the hair is dry. But they do not rebuild the structure or replace cutting off what is broken. Choose gentle products, avoid combining many at the same time and be wary of promises of total repair.
Can damaged hair be due to a deficiency of something?
There may be a contribution. Iron, protein or zinc deficiency and thyroid disorders make newly growing hair thinner and more fragile, and external damage is added to hair of poorer quality. For this reason, when the problem is persistent, the doctor considers blood tests, rather than treating only the outside.
