How To Fix Chemically Burnt Hair: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Fix Chemically Burnt Hair PDF download Download Article Explore this Article parts 1 Treating Chemically Burnt Hair at Home 2 Using DIY Remedies to Treat Chemically Burnt Hair 3 Preventing Future Chemical Burns For Your Hair Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Yan Kandkhorov

Last Updated: April 26, 2025 Approved

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This article was co-authored by Yan Kandkhorov. Yan Kandkhorov is a Hair Stylist and Owner of K&S Salon, a hair salon based in New York City's Meatpacking District. Yan has over 20 years of experience in the hair industry, is best known for paving the way for iconic hair trends in the industry, and has operated his salon since 2017. His hair salon has been voted one of the Best Hair Salons in New York City in 2019 by Expertise. Yan and K&S Salon has collaborated with leading fashion magazines and celebrities such as Marie Clair USA, Lucy Magazine, and Resident Magazine. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 305,610 times.

Many people suffer from hair that is damaged or burnt by various harsh chemical treatments like coloring and straightening. After years of damage, it can sometimes seem like there is no hope for chemically burnt hair. But by enlisting the help of a professional stylist or by performing a few at-home hair care maintenance rituals, you can begin your journey to healthier and stronger hair.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Treating Chemically Burnt Hair at Home

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  1. Step 1 Wash your hair with a good quality shampoo. 1 Wash your hair with a good quality shampoo. This means a salon-quality shampoo made with high-quality active ingredients. Spend some time looking at the list of ingredients and choose one based on the contents, not just the name brand.
    • Avoid ingredients like sulfates (ammonium lauryl sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate, and sodium lauryl sulfate), isopropyl alcohol, formaldehyde, and propylene glycol. These ingredients will dry out your hair, break down healthy hair proteins, and leave your hair prone to more damage in the future.[1]
    • Look for ingredients like sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, and disodium laureth sulfosuccinate. These compounds are gentler than the sulfates used in many cheaper shampoos and are derived from more natural ingredients like coconut oil.
    • You can also choose shampoos that contain glycerin and panthenol. Glycerin helps fortify your hair by creating a protective barrier and panthenol allows your hair to retain more moisture and thickens the hair follicles.
  2. Step 2 Apply a deep penetrating reconstructor shampoo. 2 Apply a deep penetrating reconstructor shampoo. This kind of shampoo will help fortify your hair by creating a barrier between the hair and any heat you may apply to your hair (through blow drying, straightening, etc.). Leave it in your hair for five minutes and then rinse it out.
    • Alternate between using this shampoo and your other high-quality shampoo. Don't use both during the same shower. Over-washing your hair can leave it drier and damaged in the long run.
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  3. Step 3 Gently towel dry your hair. 3 Gently towel dry your hair. You want to make sure you allow your hair to fully absorb the products in each of these steps. Towel drying your hair will help it soak up the benefits of the shampoo treatments before moving on to the conditioning steps.
  4. Step 4 Apply an intense hydration conditioner. 4 Apply an intense hydration conditioner. These kinds of conditioners will work to restore the hydrolipidic barrier and prevent future dehydration in your hair.[2]
    • Normally, these are not leave-in conditioners. You will typically apply the conditioner to your hair while it's wet, massage the conditioner into your scalp, and then rinse it out.
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Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Using DIY Remedies to Treat Chemically Burnt Hair

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  1. Step 1 Use a hot oil treatment with a plastic wrap. 1 Use a hot oil treatment with a plastic wrap. These kinds of treatments can help your hair regain some its original shine and moisture. But using too much oil in your hair can make your hair look greasy, so be careful not to overdo it. Usually, 1-3 times a month is enough for this kind of treatment.
    • Heat up 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of an essential oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil, so that it is warm to the touch, but not boiling, and massage it into your hair. If you don't heat the oil right away, apply it to your hair, put on a shower cap, and you sit underneath a hairdryer.
    • Cover your hair with a plastic wrap (or even a shower cap if you don't have a plastic wrap) and leave it in for 30-45 minutes, depending on the severity of your hair's damage.
    • When you are finished, rinse the oil out of your hair with lukewarm water.
  2. Step 2 Use a conditioning oil mask to moisturize your hair. 2 Use a conditioning oil mask to moisturize your hair. Mix together one tablespoon of a protein-enriching shampoo, 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of extra virgin olive oil, and 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of a moisturizing conditioner.
    • Massage the mixture into your scalp and leave it in as a mask for your hair.
    • Cover your hair with a plastic bag, then wrap it all up in a towel.
    • Leave the mixture in for 20 minutes, then rinse your hair clean.
  3. Step 3 Use honey and olive oil to help damaged hair. 3 Use honey and olive oil to help damaged hair. Combine 2 tablespoons (14 g) of honey with 3 tablespoons (44 mL) of extra virgin olive oil. Apply the mixture to your damp hair, making sure to rub it into your scalp completely and pull it down towards the ends of your hair.[3]
    • After you have saturated your hair with the mixture, wrap it in a towel.
    • Leave it in for 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the amount of damage your hair has. Then rinse with warm water.
    • Wash out any remnants with a mild shampoo.
    • You can adjust the measurements of the ingredients based on the length of your hair. For example, if you have longer hair you may want to use 4 tablespoons (28 g) of honey and 6 tablespoons (89 ml) of extra virgin olive oil.
  4. Step 4 Make a hair mask out of banana and honey. 4 Make a hair mask out of banana and honey. This particular mask will work to restore dry and damaged hair and is mild enough to use twice a week.
    • In a bowl, mix together 1 mashed banana, 1 raw egg, 3 tablespoons (44 ml) of milk, 3 tablespoons (21 g) of honey, and 5 tablespoons (74 ml) of olive oil.
    • Apply the mixture to your hair thoroughly and leave it in for 15-30 minutes.
    • Rinse your hair with cool water and a mild shampoo.
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Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Preventing Future Chemical Burns For Your Hair

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  1. Step 1 Change your hair care products. 1 Change your hair care products. Switching it up can help your hair recover from existing damage and prevent future damage. Try using products that hydrate your hair – like a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.[4]
    • You can also try products with a protein or keratin reconstructor to help fortify your hair.
  2. Step 2 Avoid coloring your hair or using other harsh chemicals treatments. 2 Avoid coloring your hair or using other harsh chemicals treatments. If you are serious about preventing future damage to your hair from harmful chemicals, you should avoid them altogether when possible. While they may look nice for a while, they only cause damage in the end. Avoid using these damaging chemical treatments to help prevent future trouble for your hair.
    • If you have to dye your hair, try using a more natural dye like henna or tea. This will cause much less damage.
  3. Step 3 Trim your hair regularly. 3 Trim your hair regularly. Getting frequent trims for your hair can help prevent future damage and minimize or restore existing damage. Take the time to maintain your hair's health by trimming it regularly, usually every 6 to 8 weeks.[5] [6]
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

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  • Question How do you prevent burnt hair? Yan Kandkhorov Yan Kandkhorov Professional Hair Stylist Yan Kandkhorov is a Hair Stylist and Owner of K&S Salon, a hair salon based in New York City's Meatpacking District. Yan has over 20 years of experience in the hair industry, is best known for paving the way for iconic hair trends in the industry, and has operated his salon since 2017. His hair salon has been voted one of the Best Hair Salons in New York City in 2019 by Expertise. Yan and K&S Salon has collaborated with leading fashion magazines and celebrities such as Marie Clair USA, Lucy Magazine, and Resident Magazine. Yan Kandkhorov Yan Kandkhorov Professional Hair Stylist Expert Answer Avoid using hot tools on your hair as much as possible. If your hair is damaged, avoid using a blow dryer, curling iron, or flat iron more than once a week or so. If you do use them occasionally, use a heat defense spray, but keep in mind that those will only prevent some of the damage caused by heat. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
  • Question Can burnt hair grow back? Laura Martin Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer Hair that has been burned—whether by chemicals or heat styling—will regrow as long as the follicle the hair grows from hasn't been damaged. It is rare that a chemical penetrates to the follicle and causes damage, but it can happen with a relaxer. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 29
  • Question Can damaged hair cuticles be healed? Laura Martin Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer If the cuticles on your hair are roughed up and open, they can be smoothed and sealed with products that have lightweight oils and a pH similar to your hair's pH. However, if the cuticle is broken or missing, it can't be fixed. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 14
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • Continue to treat your chemically damaged hair for as long as necessary. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 7
  • Make an appointment at hairdresser for additional help if you feel like your hair isn't getting any better. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Good quality shampoo
  • Plastic wrap or Shower cap

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References

  1. ↑ https://getgoodhead.com/category/best-shampoos/
  2. ↑ http://www.joico.com/products/moisture-recovery-conditioner/
  3. ↑ http://www.diynatural.com/at-home-hair-treatments/
  4. ↑ http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-looks/hair/how-to-fix-damaged-hair/
  5. ↑ http://www.matrix.com/blog/9-ways-to-repair-treat-and-fix-damaged-hair
  6. ↑ http://www.hairboutique.com/tips/articles.php?f=tip000159.htm

About This Article

Yan Kandkhorov Co-authored by: Yan Kandkhorov Professional Hair Stylist This article was co-authored by Yan Kandkhorov. Yan Kandkhorov is a Hair Stylist and Owner of K&S Salon, a hair salon based in New York City's Meatpacking District. Yan has over 20 years of experience in the hair industry, is best known for paving the way for iconic hair trends in the industry, and has operated his salon since 2017. His hair salon has been voted one of the Best Hair Salons in New York City in 2019 by Expertise. Yan and K&S Salon has collaborated with leading fashion magazines and celebrities such as Marie Clair USA, Lucy Magazine, and Resident Magazine. This article has been viewed 305,610 times. 2 votes - 100% Co-authors: 17 Updated: April 26, 2025 Views: 305,610 Categories: Damaged Hair Care Article SummaryX

To fix chemically burnt hair, start by combining 2 tablespoons of honey with 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Next, apply the mixture to your hair and scalp, then wrap your hair in a towel. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then wash out the residue with a mild shampoo. Alternatively, you could try using a deep penetrating reconstructor shampoo, along with an intense hydration conditioner to help restore your hair back to health. For more tips from our Beauty co-author, like how to use a hot oil treatment, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Toluwalase Awe

    Toluwalase Awe

    Feb 22, 2017

    "I used the honey and olive oil technique, and it worked wonderfully. I had bad burns from my relaxer that probably..." more
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Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Yan Kandkhorov Co-authored by: Yan Kandkhorov Professional Hair Stylist Co-authors: 17 Updated: April 26, 2025 Views: 305,610 100% of readers found this article helpful. 2 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote Toluwalase Awe

Toluwalase Awe

Feb 22, 2017

"I used the honey and olive oil technique, and it worked wonderfully. I had bad burns from my relaxer that probably..." more Bilal Har

Bilal Har

Feb 26, 2017

"All the tips mentioned are natural products, meaning it can only get better and not worse!" Healthy Hair

Healthy Hair

Oct 28, 2017

"It was an amazing experience to visit wikiHow. I'm just loving it." Rated this article: Stacey Joanne

Stacey Joanne

Dec 29, 2016

"All the different ideas and showing exactly what to do helped." Mary Armenta

Mary Armenta

Apr 9, 2016

"Love the information, grateful for the step-by-step methods." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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