My hair is so dry and damaged that I’m thinking of cutting it short. Will that make the new hair grow in softer and shinier?

A:

No, it’s not necessary to chop off all your hair to get rid of the damage (unless you really like the look of short hair!). But you do need to get a trim every six weeks to eliminate split ends and keep your hair healthier.

You should also give your hair regular pampering, especially in dry, cold weather. Start by using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, then apply a leave-in conditioner every day to hydrate and protect your locks before styling.  For extra shine and silkiness, give your hair a deep conditioning mask for 20 minutes once a week. You can find deep conditioners in stores, or you can make your own using combinations like avocado and mayonnaise or honey and milk. To prevent damage from excessive heat when you style, invest in a salon-quality blow-dryer; these dryers give great results in less time than other models.

Excessively damaged hair may need additional protein to restore it back to health. Ask your stylist about getting a keratin treatment, which softens hair and prevents breakage. If your hair is dull from product buildup and the overuse of heat tools, your stylist can also apply a shine or cellophane treatment once a month to restore shininess and gloss.

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