What are some natural remedies for damaged hair?

Question

I constantly straighten my hair and dye it (don't judge) and my hair has become a MESS. I see all these "treatments" online and some just look like they don't work at all. What are some natural products or at home DYI things I can do for my hair?

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

There is a new all herbal topical product called Reviivv. No chemicals. I have tested it and it works well and is cosmetically elegant. Pumpkin seed oil and  Rosemary oil also have clinical testing to support efficacy. Try any of the three natural products.
Jeff Rapaport MD FAAD 
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Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Thanks for sharing your questions. I would urge you to see a dermatologist if you can. I congratulate you for reaching out on this site. Now may be a good time to review all the factors. It can feel like one is being judged so I understand. I work with lots of people who need to color and straighten and highlight their hair and it’s not easy. First, do keep in mind that the less you do to your hair the better. So straightening one day per week less or coloring 1 week later could help just that much more. Second, limiting colors such that you are not bleaching too far from your natural color will help a tonne. Reds, and pinks and purples really damage hair. So does intense blonde in someone with black or brown hair. If you are using heat to straighten as opposed to chemicals then reducing heat temperatures and time can help. So fan heat protector sprays. Your dermatologist can guide you if issues like seborrheic dermatitis or contact dermatitis may be present. If so, some periodic use of topical steroids can help you a great deal as can antidandruff shampoos. I would urge you to have blood tests to check your ferritin levels (iron) and hemoglobin and thyroid. These can be associated with a number of hair issues. Your dermatologist can guide you whether issues like androgenetic alopecia or other hair issues are present. It’s a bit of a myth that natural products can do all that much to overcome the damage that dyes and chemicals and heat bring the hair. I thank you for the question and hope this helps. There is lots that can be done and the key messages are 1) do less where possible 2) get your blood tests done and 3) work with your doctors to aggressively fight inflammation. Topical steroids and antidandruff shampoos can help. Good luck.

Samer Muala, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Make sure you have nothing going on at the level of the follicles in your scalp.  Good blood work and evaluation are important.  In terms of the hair already visible, try using olive oil twice a week.  See if it makes a difference.

What are some natural remedies for damaged hair?

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What are some natural remedies for damaged hair?

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