"I don't understand why my ends are always so dry and lifeless" or "I've tried every product on the market and nothing helps my hair look healthy" are common complaints regarding damaged hair heard by Stylists Haley Smith from Stuart, FL. "This is usually my chance to educate clients on the things they may be doing at home or the effects their lifestyle may be having on their hair" comments Haley.

There are 3 things that cause Damage to the hair

1. CHEMICALS

Many clients with chemically damaged hair have usually over processed their hair with too many color, perm, or relaxing applications. The hair is very brittle, breaks easily, these clients have significant hair loss, hair thinning, and badly damaged ends. We see these conditions most frequently in clients who have done at home chemical applications. Though the instructions listed on these products are usually simple to follow they cannot make allowances for all the conditions of the client's hair at the time of application. A good professional stylist should be recommending the timing for all your chemicals according to the conditions of your hair.

2. ENVIRONMENTAL

Dry, frizzy and discolored hair is many times a result of environmental factors. If you are frequently at the beach, swim in a chlorinated pool, have well water or participate in many outdoor activities these could all be affecting the look of your hair. Ensure that you are receiving a proper clarifying treatment or purchasing clarifying hair systems to avoid this problem.

3. MECHANICAL

Items in this category are the most innocent culprits. Easily identified are blow dryers, curling irons, flat irons, and any heat application. To avoid this type of damage be sure to use hair products that will protect your hair from heat damage PRIOR to using any heat applying tool. However, not so easily thought of are brushes (never brush your hair wet, use a wide tooth comb when hair is 80% dry), hair clips (don't wear a ponytail every day as this causes breakage) and even towel drying your hair incorrectly can case damage. When towel drying make gently "scrunching" motions rather than tight and hard pulls on the hair.

We would love to answer your hair related questions. Send questions to costcuttersfl@gmail.com