Concern
Damaged & dry hair in Reading
Breakage, dryness and colour that has taken its toll. Treated at our salon in Caversham, Reading.
What causes it?
Damaged hair is a structural problem, not a moisture one. Bleaching, heat and friction break the disulphide bonds that hold the hair's internal structure together and lift the cuticle that protects it. Conditioner coats that damage temporarily; bond-building and protein treatments rebuild inside the strand. The honest position is that hair cannot be healed — it is not living tissue — but it can be substantially repaired in appearance and strength, and further damage can be stopped.
Each strand has a cuticle of overlapping scales protecting a cortex of keratin held by disulphide bonds. Bleach opens the cuticle to remove pigment and breaks some of those bonds. Heat styling does the same by a different route. Once enough bonds are broken, the strand loses elasticity and snaps rather than stretches.
That is why damaged hair feels rough — the raised cuticle catches — and why it tangles, breaks mid-length and refuses to hold a style.
Signs to look out for
Most people who come to us about damaged & dry hair recognise several of these. You do not need all of them, and you do not need to know which treatment you want — that is our job.
- Hair that snaps rather than stretches when pulled gently
- Mid-length breakage giving a shorter, wispy layer
- Ends that tangle within hours of brushing
- Colour that fades or goes brassy within two weeks
- A rough texture when you run fingers up the strand
How we can help
These are the routes we would talk through at consultation, in the order we would usually consider them. Which one is right depends on your skin, your history and your budget.
Rebuild the bonds
Intensive in-salon treatments work inside the strand rather than coating it, restoring strength and elasticity. Results are immediate and cumulative across a course.
Support growth from within
Where condition is poor across new growth as well as old, a biotin enquiry looks at the nutritional side while the salon work handles the existing hair.
Not sure which of these is you?
You do not have to decide before you come in. Bring the problem and we will talk you through what could help and what it costs. The consultation is free and there is no obligation to book anything.
What to expect over time
A realistic guide, including the stretch in the middle where it may not look like much is happening. Everyone responds differently, so your practitioner will talk you through your own timeline.
Immediately
Noticeably smoother and easier to comb — bond treatments show at once.
Week 2
The gain holds if heat use has been reduced. It does not if nothing else changes.
Month 2
With a course plus better homecare, less breakage and a fuller mid-length.
Month 6
Genuinely healthier hair is largely new growth. The old damage is managed until it is cut out.
Good to know
Nothing repairs hair permanently. It is not alive and cannot heal. Severely over-processed hair sometimes needs cutting rather than treating, and we will tell you that instead of selling you a course that delays the inevitable. If you want to go significantly lighter on already compromised hair, we may say no, or stage it over months.
Treatments that can help
Listed strongest match first. All of them are done at our salon on 3 Prospect Street in Caversham, Reading.
Common questions
Can damaged hair be fully repaired?
It can be significantly improved and further damage stopped. It cannot be returned to virgin condition. Only growing it out does that.
How often should I have a treatment?
Josh will suggest how often, based on the condition of your hair.
Will cutting it help?
Removing split ends stops splits travelling up the strand. It is often the fastest genuine improvement available.
Is heat protection worth it?
Yes, and it is the single highest-value thing you can change at home.
Other concerns we treat
Ready to talk it through?
Bring the problem, not the treatment name. Consultations are free and carry no obligation.
