Hair damage can happen as a result of aggressive brushing, bleaching, using unsuitable products, wearing your hair in tight hairstyles, or using excessive heat styling without sufficient protection.
But lacklustre, fragile hair does not have to be a life sentence. According to a board-certified dermatologist 0 a medical doctor who specialises in hair, skin and nails, it’s possible to restore poor strands with a few simple tricks.
Dr Whitney Bowe (@drwhitneybowe on TikTok) took to the sharing platform to share the hair-washing routine that keeps her hair looking its best.
Among other simple tips, she advised women to use a microfibre towel to dry their hair rather than blast it with a hairdryer straightaway.
‘I wrap my hair in a towel that’s made from a microfibre blend’
TikTok / @drwhitneybowe
Sharing her methods for “healthy, shiny and silky”, Dr Bowe revealed that she didn’t always have a luscious mane. Indeed, some 20 years ago her locks were more “frizzy and damaged”.
Nowadays, Dr Bowe uses epres Bond Repair Treatment on her dry hair before she washes it, diving her hair into sections and spraying it on.
According to epres’ official website, this product “penetrates deep within the hair’s structure, delivering softer, shiner hair […] even after the hair is dry.
The dermatologist leaves this in for 10 minutes – although sometimes overnight – and then shampoos and conditions her hair.
One expert claimed that many women are likely washing their hair wrong, sharing the important step before using shampoo.
After Dr Bowe steps out of the shower post-hair-wash, she avoids reaching for her hairdryer.
The expert explained: “Right when you get out of the shower, your hair is soaking wet and that’s when it’s at its most vulnerable to heat damage.
“So, what do I do? I do not go in with a hairdryer. Instead, I wrap my hair in a towel that’s made from a microfibre blend that actually gets a lot of that moisture out of my hair.” The dermatologist shared that she uses a product by Crown Affair.
The hair experts at Coco & Eve also vouch for using microfibre towels. They not only “halve your drying time” but “eliminate frizz” and “prevent damage” too.
When it comes to preventing damage, the experts explained: “While okay for your bod, those cotton towels hanging in the bathroom really aren’t all that crash hot for your hair.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
It’s possible to ‘restore’ damaged hair with a few simple changes
GETTY IMAGES
“This is mainly because they’re covered in lots of little loops that are the perfect size to snag your vulnerable damp strands – causing stretching, strain and unnecessary damage.
“Microfibre towels, on the other hand, have a silky-smooth surface. This means you can squeeze, pat or gently rub your locks dry with much less risk friction, snagging and breakage.”
Finally, the dermatologist revealed that she sleeps on a silk pillowcase. The Sleep Foundation seconded the idea that these might be a good investment for a beautiful barnet.
Its official website read: “Silk can help improve the health of your hair by reducing tangles and frizziness. Silk is gentler on the hair than other fabrics like cotton or linen.”
Women can also eat their way to sensational strands. Hair transplant experts named the “best” foods to reduce hair loss and encourage “strong, healthy” locks.
