HAIR

[Casey]

Is it possible for hair to get so badly damaged that it will stop growing? I read this on an AB question and I wondered if it was true. Also, what is the best shampoo/conditioner to use on blonde hair to make it silky soft and strong, so it won't break or damage in the sun or with heat styling products? (especially whilst abroad)

[Doolallygirl]

It won't stop growing, but your hair can die. My friend regularly uses bleach in her hair to change it's colour and because she has done it so often the colour ends up looking washed out and basically rubbish. Her hair is now dead and it looks awful. It's really elastic. But hair and skin never stop growing. Can't recommend a shampoo really but the Blonde shampoo's are good at enhancing the colour in your hair if you are blonde!

[Casey]

But isn't hair already dead???

[smudge]

Why do people 'bleach' their hair so much? Haven't they noticed what it does to clothes & toilets?

[Miss Zippy]

I would have thought that unless the hair fiolliclse are damaged in some way, e.g a burn to the scalp, your hair will not stop growing purely due to overprocessing. If that were the case, I'd have been bald years ago. Over processing your hair (whether by dyeing or over use of appliances) causes the proteins to break down the cuticles to open up and become roughened. I have highlighted hair and swear by Redken Extreme products - especially the protein reconstructure treatment. When you use bleach or a high lift tint to do your roots, make sure you only re-touch the uncoloured roots as the damage is usually caused by the already coloured bits getting continually overprocessed.

[Miss Zippy]

I can spell follicles really!

[Casey]

Miss Zippy, which Redken shampoo/conditioner do you recommend for coloured hair? And to use with a hairdryer and straighteners?

[Miss Zippy]

Casey, try the Extreme range from Redken, it's for damaged and distressed hair. I found it to be brilliant for conditioning over processed hair. Use the Redken CAT protein treatment too, as well as the shampoo and conditioner. If you don't have a Redken salon near you, you can buy Redken from lookfantasic.com (make sure you join to get the 15% discount). I'm afraid I don't use a hairdryer or straighteners (my hair is poker straight unfortunately) so can't help there, but try Redken's anti-snap treatment, which is a leave in conditioner for use before blow drying etc.

[Miss Zippy]

P.S I'm not a Redken employee - having read my post it sounds like one big plug! I've tried loads of products and brands over the years and have just found Redken to be the best.

[Casey]

Thanks Miss Zippy, I have just ordered a 4 pack of Redken Extreme products, can't wait to try them!

[christina801]

My hair stopped growing. It has been the same length for like 3 years. So,I do think its possible for hair to stop growing if it is severely damaged (It depends on the person.)

[charlottemis]

hair does NOT stop growing...it simply grows at different stages. meaning,the back may grow one month,then the front the next,which is why haircuts are important to keep shape. hair may appear not to grow if it is damaged because it can break off...this can be remedied by getting regular trims and good conditioning...a great product is nexxus emergencee when hair is in critical need of help.My hair has been bleached many times...twice when i went from black hair to blonde hair and has always continued to grow because I care for well. When staying blond,only color your roots once the color you want has been acheived,and you should be fine....you may want to try an ionizing blow dryer which doesnt dry hair so much and makes it shiney.