Is your hair (or lack thereof) presenting some serious challenges and agita for you right now? You’re not alone. Whether from harsh chemicals, winter dryness, stress or ageing, lots of us are trying to regrow and strengthen our locks. There’s even a new salon at Harrod’s in London where Ricardo Vila Nova, “The Hair Whisperer,” creates bespoke programs to revitalize clients’ damaged hair. But if you can’t make it there, fear not. There are solutions you can use at home that will make a real difference. Have a look at the 5 expert tips and product recommendations from luxury salon stylists on how to strengthen and repair damaged hair at home, including serums, shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks.
5 expert tips and luxury products for repairing damaged hair without visiting a salon
Over-bleaching, high heat, age and stress – these are just a few of the things that can cause damage to your hair. And sadly, we know firsthand how difficult coping with the fallout can be.
Expert tips from luxury salon styles on how to strengthen and repair damaged hair, including serums, shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks.
While you could opt for hair extensions, they’re only a temporary fix. A better solution? Undertake the painstaking process of growing and caring for your own hair – something that requires some willpower and a lot of love and patience.
To get some expert tips on how to strengthen damaged hair, we spoke with board-certified trichologist, founder of Act + Acre, and celebrity hairstylist Helen Reavey. Her celeb client list includes Harry Styles, Tilda Swinton, Sarah Snook and Bella Hadid, just to name a few. She shared some excellent advice and product recommendations on the best ways to achieve healthy-looking locks. And maybe even restore your hair’s original soft texture and shine.
Celebrity hairstylist Helen Reavey shares expert tips on how to strengthen and repair damaged hair.
Here’s what she had to say about caring for your tresses – and scalp – as well as 8 products to help boost your hair-growth potential. Buh-bye, damaged hair. Hello, gorgeous!
5 expert tips and luxury products for repairing damaged hair without visiting a salon
Here are the top expert tips and luxury product recommendations for those wondering how to strengthen and repair damaged hair at home, including serums, shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks.
1. Air Dry Your Hair
Helen suggests air-drying your hair and using “heatless hairstyles” whenever possible. This will help prevent any further damage. She says: “Avoid heat tools. And if you need to use heat, keep it below 180 degrees.” And if you are going to blow dry your hair or use a heat tool, apply a heat protectant to your hair first.
Heat protectants act as a protective barrier between your hair and a hot tool, protecting it from burning, drying out and becoming dull. It will also help smooth the cuticle and leave hair looking shiny and healthy.
Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray
Living Proof’s lightweight Restore Perfecting Spray ($32) can go on either wet or dry hair (making it ideal for 2nd-day hair touch ups) – plus, it even works as a UV protectant, too.
BUY NOW – $32.00.
Oribe Balm D’Or Heat Styling Shield
Not only does Oribe’s Balm D’Or Heat Styling Shield ($45) protect hair from up to 450 degrees, but it also helps control frizz and add back moisture to dry hair.
BUY NOW – $45.00.
2. Start at the Scalp
As a board certified trichologist, Helen believes that “The scalp is the root of all hair health, meaning you need a well-balanced scalp biome to have healthy hair.” Things like sweat, pollution, oil and product buildup that can all cause bacteria to fester, leading to discomfort, dryness and itchiness, so you want to make sure you’re adding a scalp treatment to your weekly routine to ensure your hair is growing healthy and strong. Afterall, why should you treat your scalp any differently than your face?
Act + Acre Scalp Renew
Act + Acre’s Scalp Renew ($48) works to gently and carefully exfoliate the scalp, clearing dead skin cells while also stimulating antioxidant defenses to promote healthy growth.
BUY NOW – $48.00.
Briogeo Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager
A scalp massage can help to nourish the scalp, reduce tension and product buildup – plus, it just feels really relaxing. Briogeo’s Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager ($18) was specially designed to support hair growth across all hair types – even tightly coiled hair.
BUY NOW – $18.00.
3. Pay Attention to Your Products
Skip the drugstore products and look for nourishing products. For shampoo, she suggests considering antioxidant-rich formulas that will hydrate the scalp and balance your scalp’s natural microbiome.
And when looking for conditioners, Helen says “you want ones that contain emollients like shea butter, which is rich in fatty acids and vitamins that work to hydrate the hair and lock in moisture.
Nutrafol Root Purifier Shampoo and Strand Defender Conditioner
Nutrafol Root Purifier Shampoo and Strand Defender Conditioner ($88) is the latest launch from the popular hair health brand. In addition to strengthening and balancing the scalp barrier, it helps to enhance the hair cortex and improve the elasticity so it stays strong, smooth, and healthy.
BUY NOW – $88.00.
Act + Acre Restorative Hair Mask
Helen suggests the Act + Acre Restorative Hair Mask ($38) for deep hydration and shine. “It’s packed with proteins, vitamins, fatty acids and antioxidants, to deliver lasting moisture to dry, damaged hair.”
Restorative Hair Mask – $38.00.
4. Try a Bond Repair Treatment
Up until recently, most bond repair treatments could only be found in salons and administered by licensed hair stylists. But in recent years lots of at-home formulas have popped up on the market. While each brand is formulated differently they are usually composed of some form of amino acids and can help with repairing some hair damage. But be careful to not overuse them since that can have the opposite effect.
Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3
Olaplex’s buzzy Hair Perfector No. 3 ($30) was the first of its kind when it launched back in 2014. Today it’s still an essential product for hair professionals and at-home enthusiasts alike – restoring hair strength, shine and texture.
BUY NOW – $30.00.
K18 Leave-in Molecular Repair Mask
While Olaplex may be the original formula, K18’s Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask ($75) is the new(ish) kid on the block. This leave-in treatment is earning praise from some of the industry’s biggest names for its “game-changing” formula that includes peptides that prevent breakage and strengthen hair.
BUY NOW – $75.00.
5. Get a Trim
While cutting your hair does not have a direct impact on how fast hair grows, scheduling a haircut will help to improve the overall condition of your hair. By trimming away the damaged, thinned strands, you will stop any split ends from splitting further up the hair shaft. Over time, regular hair cuts (Helen suggests every 12 weeks) will result in healthier hair with less breakage.
5 expert tips and best luxury products to strengthen damaged hair without a salon visit
Those are the top expert tips and product suggestions from luxury salon stylists on how to strengthen and repair damaged hair at home, including serums, shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks. Because maintaining healthy tresses is a bit contributor to helping you look and feel your best. All you need is a little patience and time. And of course, a few good products help, too.
