Damage Control: Solutions For Hair Repair And Protection (NAPSA)—Doyou consider your locks to be the picture of health or damaged, dull andlifeless? According to a recent Dove Hair Care study, nearly nine in 10 womenbelieve their hair haslittle or no damage. The reality, how- air-drying and helps to boost volume. The downside is it can also cause up to 33 percent more dam- ever, is that ALL women havehair damage, but most do not realize it. In fact, most women may not recognize that they are spending up to 30 minutes a day on damage-causing activities like brushing, heat styling and even towel drying. “Damage is more than just split ends—other symptoms include lack of body, static and difficulty styling,” says celebrity hairstylist, Dove Hair Care spokestylist and star of “Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style,” Gretta Monahan. “Daily hair habits cause the damage that stands between women and beautiful hair, which can lead to bad hair days and affect a woman’s self-esteem. However, repairing and protecting hair does not have to require changing your routine.” Damaging Activity No.1: Brushing Hair The Dove Hair Care study! revealed that 82 percent of U.S. women are brushing their hair daily and most are unaware of the amount of damageit is causing (up to 23 percent more damage’). Damage is morelikely to occur when hair is wet and at its most fragile state. Brushing wet hair increases the likelihood of Discover the everyday habits that can damage hair. split ends and breakage. It is also important to avoid brushing dry hair too frequently or with intensity as this can also lead to breakage. Damage Control: Eliminating hair brushing from yourdaily routine is not realistic. However, choosing the right type of brush can help prevent extensive damage and ultimately provide hair benefits. Reach for a boar bristle brush with natural bristles for a smoother stroke. Boar bristles help to distribute the natural oils in hair, making it appear shiny. Also, to minimize the damage caused by brushing wethair, start with a wide-toothed comb to detangle and then use a brush to style. Damaging Activity No.2: Blow-Drying Hair Nearly half of women in the U.S. blow-dry their hair at least once a week. Blow-drying has styling benefits—it is faster than ‘Study results based on interviews conducted with 1,000 U.S. women “Based on a test of 10 brush strokes *Based on a test of 20 heat stylings age to hair. The heat from blowdrying can strip hair of natural oils, proteins and moisture, resulting in dryness. Damage Control: Try blowdrying hair until it is slightly damp, then let it finish by air-drying to prevent moisture loss. Monahan recommendsthat for those who frequently heat style, protecting and repairing hair starts in the shower. “I like Dove Heat Defense Therapy System. Thetrio of shampoo, conditioner and mist contains an advanced protecting serum to help protect the interior and exterior of hair strands from heat. When used as a system, it helps protect hair against damage without weighing it down.” Damaging Activity No.3: Using Ponytail Holders Ponytail holders are easy accessories to keep hair out of your face or to create a polished pulled-back style. However, using a ponytail holder can cause breakage whereit holds hair in place. Damage Control: If you are pulling your hair back, try an elastic ponytail holder. This will help eliminate pulling and tugging at hair. Also, avoid rubber ponytail holders, which are harder on hair and can tangle easily. For more information about repairing and protecting hair from damage, visit dovehair.com.
