Revive Damaged Hair: Expert Solutions for Dry & Brittle Strands

Sarah Kehoe

The Problem: Heat-Damaged Hair

"I want my hair to look healthy — but I can't add a minute to my current wash-and-go routine."

— Ginny Lynch, Law Office Manager

A busy working mom of three, Ginny had no time for regular trims. She washed her hair every day and blew it dry, without using heat-protecting products or tools. This bare-bones approach left her strands brittle and prone to breakage and frizz — and the length made the damage very obvious.

Sarah Kehoe

First Cut

Ginny's ideal style: an angled bob. "It nearly styles itself, so you always look pulled together," says stylist Lisa Caccavale, who cut off seven inches.

Sarah Kehoe

Snip-Shape

The graduated style was made with layers, which got shorter from chin to crown — and even shorter from crown to neck.

Sarah Kehoe

Height Help

This cut ensures volume. "The hair at the top of the crown is stacked on the hair underneath, offering instant lift," Caccavale says.

Sarah Kehoe

Ginny's Hair Transformation

Ginny says: "This new look is just what I need to drop those nagging last 15 pounds."

Sarah Kehoe

Get This Look at Home: Step 1

Apply a golf-ball-size amount of mousse to strands. For the most thorough application, "dip a comb into the mound of mousse and brush it through your hair," Caccavale suggests.

Redken Full Frame 07, $16, redken.com

Sarah Kehoe

Get This Look at Home: Step 2

Apply a quarter-size drop of straightening balm to the long layers in front. Blow-dry them using a round brush. When you're tight on time, allow back pieces to air-dry.

Alterna Hemp with Organics Straightening Balm, $19, beauty.com

Get This Look at Home: Step 3

Worried about frizz? Run a flatiron through top layers of hair. Start at roots, and as you get close to the ends, flick your wrist under so hair tucks into a round shape.

Ricky's NYC Chi Ceramic Hairstyling Iron, $179.99, 888-574-2592

Originally published in FITNESS magazine, January 2009.