Diagnose (and Meet!) Your Hair’s Deepest Needs

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When it comes to hair woes, it’s often tricky to know the source of the problem. Luckily, there is a product for every hair need—but how can you tell which one is right for your hair?

Listen up, because we have the deets on choosing the right product for your hair—and you’ll be on your way to lustrous, healthy locks.

 

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Your hair needs REPAIR if …

  • You color or chemically treat your hair
  • It breaks or splits
  • The ends feel brittle or thin

 

What triggers hair damage?

Hair damage sounds scary, but it’s extremely common! The daily stresses of everyday life can wear down your hair. The most common causes of damage are:

  • Environmental factors – UV rays, pollution
  • Heat styling – hot irons, blow dryers
  • Physical influences – brushing, styling, detangling, extensions
  • Chemical treatments – relaxers, perms, hair coloring, bleaching

You can often tell if your hair needs repair by looking at the strands. Split ends and variations in thickness are signs your hair needs a little TLC.

Your hair may also be very reactive to weather; for instance, frizzing in humidity or feeling brittle in the cold.

 

Still unsure? Take the elasticity test! 

Elasticity is the ability of your hair to stretch and return to its original length. This is important to keep your hair from snapping easily! Hair with good elasticity is stronger and not prone to breakage.

  • Step 1: Pinch a strand of hair securely at your scalp.
  • Step 2: With your other hand, gently tug the strand.
  • Step 3: Notice whether your hair stretches or if it breaks.

If your hair stretches and returns to its original shape, it likely is damage free. If the strand stretches and remains stretched out, your hair has medium elasticity and could use a little repair. If it breaks, your hair has poor elasticity and needs repair straightaway.

 

Repair Solution: Botanical Repair

Aveda’s Botanical Repair is the best product for damaged hair. The bond-building technology helps fix breakage and weak strands in all hair types and textures. While repairing hair from the inside out, it also prevents future wear and tear by detangling and protecting from heat up to 450° F.

It’s not just good for your hair—Botanical Repair is also good for the planet. The line is 94% naturally derived, vegan, cruelty free, and silicone free. It contains a nourishing macro-green blend of certified organic green tea, avocado, and oils.

Hair on Botanical Repair looks and feels healthier, shinier, softer and stronger than before.

But maybe you want those results and your hair doesn’t need repair, but a really good quenching. So, you do the hydration check!

 

Your hair needs HYDRATION if …

  • It is rough from roots to ends
  • It tangles easily
  • You have a dry scalp

 

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What causes dry hair?

 Many factors. Here are the most common:

  • Dry scalp
  • Environmental stressors: a dry, hot climate, sun and wind exposure, or chlorinated or saltwater
  • Heat styling
  • Overwashing

You can usually tell your hair is dehydrated when it lacks shine and smoothness. Unlike damaged tresses, dry strands are the same thickness throughout.

 

Double check with the porosity test:

Porosity concerns your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. By knowing your porosity, you can determine how much hydration your hair needs.

  • Step 1: Take a section of hair at the ends
  • Step 2: Lightly slide your fingers from ends to scalp. This is called a backcomb.
  • Step 3: If your hair feels rough and tangles easily, it is porous and lacks moisture.

 

Hydration Solution: Nutriplenish

Aveda’s Nutriplenish line is specifically designed to replenish dry hair. Made with a superfood blend of organic pomegranate oil, coconut oil, and mango butter, this line is intensely hydrating and results in visibly healthy hair.

Nutriplenish contains two collections to ensure your hair gets just the right amount of hydration. Choose between Light Moisture (which contains fast-absorbing oils) or Deep Moisture (which contains decadent butters) depending on your hair type and thickness.

Like the Botanical Repair line, the earth-friendly Nutriplenish is 94% naturally derived, vegan and cruelty free.

 

Sometimes, both are best!

Hair care is not one-size-fits-all. Maybe the strand tests you just took have told you your hair needs both repair and hydration. In that case, mix and match Nutriplenish and Botanical Repair products until you find the perfect balance. Both lines come with shampoo and conditioner, hair masques and leave-in products—a lot of ingredients for your perfect hair-care cocktail!

It’s important to remember that no matter how stressed, dry or damaged your hair might be—we have a solution that will bring it back to its former glory! Shop our Botanical Repair and Nutriplenish collections online here, or give Anaala Salon and Spa a call at 608.244.2161 at our Atwood location or 608.441.6918 at our Hilldale location for personalized recommendations and curbside pickup. We are all too happy to help you give your hair the love it deserves!