Chemically damaged hair has a broader scope rather than just being limited to box-dyed hair. Luckily, experts have formulated hair masks and serums to target this problem.
Hair Masks vs. Hair Serums
Hair masks and hair serums serve different purposes in your hair care routine. A hair serum, typically in gel or liquid form, creates a protective layer on your hair, shielding it from environmental stressors. On the other hand, a hair mask is a thick, creamy treatment that deeply nourishes and hydrates your hair, repairing damage and improving its overall condition.
While a hair mask is like a deep conditioning treatment, it is different from your regular conditioner. A conditioner adds moisture and detangles but is rinsed out. Hair masks are used less frequently, about once or twice a week, compared to a conditioner, which is used every wash.
Treating Chemically Damaged Hair at Home
Chemically damaged hair can result from various treatments like coloring, bleaching, and perming, which strip the hair of its natural lipids, leading to a rough, dull appearance with split ends and breakage. While hair fibers cannot fully heal once damaged, you can improve their appearance and health.
Limiting chemical treatments, using a color within a few shades of your natural hue, and avoiding continuous bleaching can prevent further damage. Additionally, using heat styling tools sparingly and always with a heat protectant can help maintain hair health. Incorporating in-salon treatments can also aid in repairing chemically damaged hair, restoring its shine and strength. But there are also products that you can use at home, including hair masks and serums, to treat chemically damaged hair.
L'Oreal Professionnel Paris Serie Expert Absolut Repair Mask
The L'Oreal Professionnel Paris Serie Expert Absolut Repair Mask is a protein-rich treatment that deeply nourishes and repairs dry, damaged hair. Enriched with quinoa and proteins, it adds shine and improves hair health, especially for medium and thick hair types. This $45 mask reduces surface damage and leaves hair shinier and healthier. It is recommended to distribute evenly through shampooed, towel-dried hair, leave in for 3 to 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
L'Oréal Professionnel Molecular Repair Hair Serum
This product is a deep conditioning treatment designed for extremely dry, damaged hair. Priced at $48, this serum features a peptide bonder to repair hair and restore strength. It deeply penetrates and rebuilds the hair's molecular structure, enhancing its strength, elasticity, and movement. For best results, apply about three pumps to damp hair after shampooing, detangle, and leave on for a minute or two before rinsing thoroughly.
Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask
This $30 hair mask is a highly concentrated reparative mask infused with patented Olaplex Bond Building technology. This mask provides intense, weightless moisture, adds shine, smoothness, and body to hair. Apply to clean, damp hair, focusing on mid-length to ends, and leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Use sparingly on roots and adjust the amount based on hair length and thickness.
Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum
Sold for $30, Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum is a silicone-free antioxidant serum infused with the brand's signature Bond Building Technology. This serum shields hair from pollution and heat damage, adds satin shine, and reduces static and tangles. No.9 can protect your hair from pollution and preserve curls at the same time. Apply a small amount to damp, towel-dried hair from ends to roots before styling.
