What is damaged hair?

Hair 101: dry or damaged?

A common mistake made when it comes to hair concerns is confusing dry and damaged hair, which should actually be treated differently.

First you need to understand about the structure of the hair itself. At the heart of the fibre is the hair's cortex, which contains the hair colour (melanin). This core is protected by overlapping scales called cuticles which, on normal healthy hair, lie flat against one-another to strengthen the hair and give it a uniform, shiny appearance. When these cuticles are damaged or weakened, the core is exposed and vulnerable to snapping. When hair snaps off or breaks into split ends, the hair looks frizzy and dull.

They may have similar symptoms (dullness, frizz, coarse texture) but dry and damaged hair are not the same. Dry hair is due to a lack (or the removal of) natural oils that act as lubricants all along the hair fibre. Too much, and the hair looks oily, but too little and the hair dries out. A professional hair stylist will be able to diagnose your hair's condition in more detail, but in general, damaged hair breaks easily when pulled and has visible split ends (due to fragile bonds), while dry hair is often accompanied by white flakes of skin and a coarse, rough texture.

How can hair become damaged?

Hair can become damaged for multiple reasons. Everyday environmental phenomena are a common cause: the wind can tangle hair around itself and cause the cuticles to scrape off; the sun's UV rays can burn the fibre; heated tools can weaken the bonds that make up the structure of the hair; pollution can build up on the fibre and cause it to snap; and over-colouring (or incorrect colouring) can leave the cuticles permanently open.

Different levels of damaged hair

Level 1: With this level of damage, hair scales/cuticles are jagged, with some of them lifted or broken; but the hair's internal cortex is not yet fully exposed. The hair is slightly dry with less shine, duller colour and thinner ends.

Level 2: hair damage sees cuticle abrasion, which means that the external layer is scraped off and the internal cortex could be unprotected and vulnerable to damage in some areas of the hair fibre. At this hair damage level the number of cuticle layers decreases, with a large number of scales jagged and lifted and possibly an exposed cortex. Hair will have a rough texture, with a dull appearance, an uneven colour balance and the development of split ends.

Level 3: This is the highest level of hair damage. The cuticle is very damaged, with parts of it withered away completely. The cortex is exposed and can be weakened. At this level the hair's surface texture is very coarse and deconstructed with no shine, faded colour and split ends.

Why is About Repair Molecular the best solution? For the first time, L'Oreal's Advanced Research team managed to decompose peptides, to inject their components, amino acids & peptides bonder, seperately into the fibre. Highly concentrated with 2% Peptides bonder + 5 amino acids, Absolut Repair Molecular rebuilds hair molecular structure* and restores original hair strength**. Follow the step-by-step guidance outlined below for best results.

Step 1: Cleanse with

Absolut Repair Molecular Shampoo

• Apply the shampoo: Ensure your hair is completely saturated before applying any product. Start with a quarter-sized amount, adding more if needed depending on your hair length and thickness. Gently massage into your scalp and hair, working it from the roots to the ends.
• Rinse thoroughly: Rinse your hair with lukewarm water until all traces of shampoo are gone. Ensure no residue remains, as this can weigh hair down.

Step 2: Treat with

Absolut Repair Molecular Rinse-Off Serum

• Section damp hair: After rinsing out the shampoo, gently towel-dry your hair until it's damp, not soaking wet. Section your hair down the middle to ensure even application of the serum.
• Apply the serum: Dispense 2-3 pumps per section. Adjust the amount based on the thickness and length of your hair. Focus on applying the serum from the mid-lengths to the ends of your hair, avoiding your scalp.
• Rest and rinse thoroughly: Leave the mask in for 1-2 minutes to allow the formula to penetrate. After the allotted time, rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water until the serum is completely removed.

Step 3: Deep Condition with

Absolut Repair Molecular Rinse-Off Hair Mask

• Apply the mask: Apply the mask evenly to towel-dried hair, again focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.
• Leave in: Allow the mask to penetrate your hair for 1-2 minutes. This provides time for the nourishing ingredients to work their magic.
• Rinse thoroughly: Rinse your hair completely with lukewarm water, ensuring all traces of the mask are removed.

Step 4: Seal and Protect with

Absolut Repair Molecular Leave-In Mask

• Apply the leave-in mask: Towel-dry your hair and section your hair into two halves. Apply one pump to each section. You can adjust the amount as needed for your hair type.
• Detangle and distribute: Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle your hair and distribute the leave-in mask evenly from mid-lengths to ends. This helps to prevent breakage and further damage.
• Style as usual: Do not rinse out the leave-in mask. Proceed with your regular styling routine, whether you're air-drying or blow-drying your hair. This leave-in treatment will continue to protect and nourish your hair throughout the day.

This routine is specifically designed for damaged hair, with proven results shown to restore hair's original elasticity & movement***, with up to 97% more hair strength****. Adjust the recommended product amounts based on your individual hair length, thickness, and damage level. Use the routine 2-3 times a week for severely damaged hair, and once a week or as needed for moderately damaged hair. For personalized recommendations, consult a professional stylist who can assess your hair's specific needs and suggest the best products and treatments.

- Seek Professional Advice:

If you colour your hair (or are going to), damage protection starts in-salon. Ask your L'Oréal Professionnel stylist about how to prevent damage during the colour process.

- Trim Regularly:

Get a trim every 6-8 weeks to remove split ends and prevent further damage.

- Minimize Heat Styling:

Reduce the use of heated styling tools like straighteners and curling irons. When necessary, use less damaging alternatives like Steampod. Remember to apply a heat protectant before styling with heat.

- Apply Heat Protectant:

Always use a heat protectant spray before using any heat styling tools to shield your hair from heat damage.

- Utilize Hair Creams and Oils:

Regularly apply hair oils and creams to nourish and condition your hair.

- Protect Hair from Environmental Stressors:

Rinse your hair with fresh water after swimming in chlorinated or salt water to remove any damaging chemicals or minerals.

- Improve Your Diet:

A healthy diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein contributes to overall hair health. Focus on foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E.

- Be Gentle with Wet Hair:

Avoid rough towel drying or brushing wet hair. Gently pat your hair dry and use a wide-tooth comb to detangle.

- Switch to Silk Pillowcases:

Sleeping on silk or satin pillowcases reduces friction and helps prevent breakage.