Hair Repair & Revitalization: Restore Health & Shine

Sarah Kehoe

The Problem: Overstyled, Overworked Hair

"I use dozens of styling products, but nothing helps my fried hair."

— Debbie Strong, 27, Online Health Editor

For 10 years, Debbie highlighted her hair every six weeks in an effort to re-create her childhood shade of blonde. The result: dry, lackluster locks and streaks that were too light for her fair skin. Regular styling with a flatiron further singed her strands. In order to fake a healthy look, Debbie rotated through more than 30 products, dulling her hair.

Sarah Kehoe

A Healthy Cut

Stylist Erik Protasiewicz's first step: giving Debbie a blunt shoulder-length cut to lop off four inches
of damaged, broken hair.

Sarah Kehoe

Root Boost

Allover layers, starting above the nape of the neck and continuing up to the crown, gave Debbie loads more volume at the scalp.

Sarah Kehoe

Color Saver

Colorist Josh Dieffenbacher added caramel lowlights to match Debbie's natural hue, letting her go a month between highlights.

Sarah Kehoe

Debbie's Hair Transformation

Debbie says: "Instead of forcing things in my life — like my blonde-bombshell hair — I'm working on being more realistic."

Sarah Kehoe

Get This Look at Home: Step 1

Use a deep conditioner with fast-absorbing apricot or avocado oil.

Matrix Sleek.look Miracle Reconstructor, $16, matrix.com

Sarah Kehoe

Get This Look at Home: Step 2

Blow-dry sections with a round brush, directing air down the shaft until dry. Finish with a gloss.

L'Oreal Professionnel Liss Ultime Shine Perfecting Serum, $23, lorealprofessionnel.com

Sarah Kehoe

Get This Look at Home: Step 3

For a night out, apply Velcro rollers, $3.49, sallybeauty.com, at temples and from crown to forehead. Unroll after five minutes and shake.

Originally published in FITNESS magazine, January 2009.