Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Aibu to ask what helped repair your damaged hair?I'm devastated

145 replies

Tworoundsofwaterplease · 31/10/2020 11:14

My hairdresser just told me I have to have it cut into a pixie style as it is too damaged to do anything with. Sad

I know I've abused it with dye and styling over the years. But I really couldnt have a pixie cut, I've got an ugly birthmark on my scalp, and a large face and large features.

In the past I've managed to get it a bit better with pregnancy pills, hemp oil and eating loads of almonds. I'll start that again. Anything else anyone has had success with?

OP posts:
SchrodingersImmigrant · 31/10/2020 11:19

Would it be possible to cut them bit longer than pixie cut and when they grow, cut them again a bit?

There is a point, when you just need to cut them. I cut them bit by bit off and did not dye them anymore. It took bit longer, but now, after cutting the last bit of damaged ones off, my hair finally feel amazing. It was worth the wait.

jojomolo · 31/10/2020 11:23

olaplex!

CatsAndEyeliner · 31/10/2020 11:26

Could you share a photo? You could block your face off if you’re not keen on showing yourself.

Wellpark · 31/10/2020 11:26

Olaplex treatment and shampoo is good but dear. But you don't need much as it's very concentrated.

Branleuse · 31/10/2020 11:28

elvive do a coconut masque in a tub which I found very good when i fucked up my own hair, but if its really bad you could always get a hairpiece or wear hat/scarf since its winter.
This is one of the downsides of being experimental with hair. Sometimes you just have to cut it all off and wait for it to grow again. No getting away with it.

kittykat35 · 31/10/2020 11:29

Could you get her to add in extensions OP?

Mixitupalot · 31/10/2020 11:29

I feel you. I have long hair & 1/2 of its broken off... like bad layers.

I’ve bought a better flat brush, styling tools for my hairdryer, heat protection (don’t straighten much anymore) silk pillowcase, I don’t tie my hair up anymore & if I have to I use a silk band. I’ve started using hair masks once a week & I am taking loads of vitamins.

I’ve just started but I hope it helps a bit before I chop 1/2 of it off!

80sShoulderPads · 31/10/2020 11:30

Oh poor you, that's upsetting - although you'd be surprised how quickly it grows!

There are a couple of elasticisers on the market that people swear by, Olaplex is one and there's a Philip Kingsley one as well. I have damaged my hair in the past but I've never used an elasticiser - I'm sure someone will be along to explain how they work, but I'm sure even super-damaged hair can be salvaged with care. Even for long enough to just keep trimming it back without having to go really short.

I had to cut 6 inches off mine, I feel quite gutted looking back at the old pictures when it was long and dark. Before I decided I wanted a really light balayage and wrecked it completely. Now I have rather a fluffy mum-bob and it feels like it won't grow any more. Sad

Aridane · 31/10/2020 11:31

Macadamia natural oil deep repair masque

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/buyagain?ref_=navm_accountmenu_buyagain&tag=mumsnetforu03-21

Flaunch · 31/10/2020 11:31

Get it cut off now and buy some nice hats and scarves and by the time spring comes it’ll have grown out a bit.

HyaluronicHippo · 31/10/2020 11:33

Biotin is a hair supplement I’ve heard is good for hair growth.
How long is your hair currently?

PatchworkElmer · 31/10/2020 11:34

Olaplex 3 is amazing. Or find an Olaplex salon and see if they’ll do one of the saloon only treatments on you.

Realistically though, I’d cut it and start again with caring for it properly. Supplements might help the hair that’s coming through, but not the existing damage.

PatchworkElmer · 31/10/2020 11:35

*salon only. I don’t think a saloon would help you Grin

willowywillow · 31/10/2020 11:35

If you don't want to cut it short then don't! It is your hair! And it won't look any worse in the future by not cutting it. Get rid of the damaged hair gradually if you like by cutting the ends off each time it grows to the minimum length you are happy with. If your hair is a long style you can easily do this yourself by putting it in a high pony tail towards the back of your crown and cutting the very end cm or two off very so often. Added to this a lot of people do feel conditioning treatments help so you can try a few of them.

willowywillow · 31/10/2020 11:36

Added to this make sure your intake of vitamins and iron is good to ensure healthy growth.

Monty27 · 31/10/2020 11:37

Step away from hair driers or any clips that might weaken it.
Your hairdresser is being very negative.
Take heart OP. Diet changes or and medication can reap havoc on your hair.
I'm not a hairdresser nor a dietitian but my hair for what it is reflects the state of my wellbeing. I think so. It changes.

DianaT1969 · 31/10/2020 11:38

Can't you have a trim and tie it back or up to disguise the poor condition for the next 3 months, then another trum? At least you'd still feel you have long hair.
How are you going to do things differently next time so that it stays in good condition?
Pure coconut oil from the supermarket left on as a mask for hours helps in my experience.

Icanseewhyichangednyusername · 31/10/2020 11:39

@Mixitupalot

I feel you. I have long hair & 1/2 of its broken off... like bad layers.

I’ve bought a better flat brush, styling tools for my hairdryer, heat protection (don’t straighten much anymore) silk pillowcase, I don’t tie my hair up anymore & if I have to I use a silk band. I’ve started using hair masks once a week & I am taking loads of vitamins.

I’ve just started but I hope it helps a bit before I chop 1/2 of it off!

All good ideas..... where do you get a silk hair band? I’ve noticed my hairline at front is thinning/balding in patches and my mother told me it’s because I pull my hair too tight in a ponytail like ballerinas!
growinggreyer · 31/10/2020 11:40

I can recommend the salon olaplex treatment, it is worth doing before you have any length cut off.

Silentplikebath · 31/10/2020 11:41

How long is your hair? Can you just get a bit of it cut off to give it a chance to grow for a few months?

DuzzyFuck · 31/10/2020 11:45

I dyed my hair a really dark red and taking it back to blonde absolutely destroyed it (even though it was done professionally). It was like bubble gum at the worst stage, it would stretch for twice its length HmmBlush

They're expensive but the Kerastase products seemed to make a big difference during the recovery period. I used a mask regularly and the shampoo, conditioner and leave-in conditioner all the time.

Roominmyhouse · 31/10/2020 11:47

If it’s that bad she’s suggesting a pixie cut the it may break off anyway. You’ll know if it they bad as it’ll be very stretchy knotty and weak when it’s wet. But if it’s not that bad then lots of conditioning treatments, regular trims and avoiding dying it or using too much heat will work, you just have to give it time.

Thisisworsethananticpated · 31/10/2020 11:51

I’d cut as short as you can bear
So not pixie !
Get as close to natural colour as possible and let it grow

Pinkfrangipani · 31/10/2020 11:52

Another vote for Olaplex! It's absolutely brilliant!

Anotherlovelybitofsquirrel · 31/10/2020 11:54

Can you post a non identifying photo OP?