Is "Patay na Buhok" Really Dead?

Picture this: you've just spent hours blow-drying and styling your hair to perfection, only to find coils of hair sticking out from your otherwise slick ‘do. Ah, the struggle of "patay na buhok"!

Filipinos know this term all too well. It's that dreaded condition when our locks lose their spark and vitality, not to mention change texture, leaving us feeling less than fabulous. But before you chop it all off out of desperation, check out these tips that might help resuscitate your locks.

Let’s be clear: “patay na buhok” isn’t dead – it’s damaged. Since dead cells make up the visible part of the hair shaft, technically, all hair on your head is, in fact, without life. As the famous Game of Thrones line goes, “What is dead may never die.”

These frizzy, damaged strands manifest when aggressors (read: heat, friction, harsh chemicals) assault the outer protective layer, also known as the cuticle. The attack lifts the cuticles, resulting in rough strands that are prone to breakage. If you’re living this nightmare, there’s still hope! You can reinvigorate damaged hair, but it’s not an overnight process.

Patience is important when dealing with “patay na buhok.” The good news is, addressing hair damage is straightforward. The following can help strengthen and rejuvenate your lackluster locks.

Regular trims are always a great way to revive hair. If you start noticing split ends or a straw-like texture, it's time to head over to the salon. You don't need to lop off all your hair. Just cut an inch or two to rid it of splayed-out tips. If you're feeling bold, a bob or pixie cut is a fab way to say bye-bye to damage.

Playing around with hair color can give you an instant glow-up. But overexposure to bleach can be the death of your strands. Too much color processing damages hair. And if your tresses are already weak, dye and bleach will lead to breakage, dryness, and scalp irritation. Yikes!

Hair straighteners, curling wands, and hair dryers are daily arsenals for many women. Unfortunately, heated styling tools are the biggest culprit behind fried-looking hair. Recover from hair damage by ditching these devices or at least refrain from using them daily. Applying heat protectants when you style your hair is also good practice.

Did you know that swapping out your daily shampoo for a revitalizing one can help nourish and replenish “patay na buhok?” Restore your hair’s lost moisture with a botanical oil-enriched shampoo.

Start by massaging a pump or two (depending on hair length) of Dove Botanical Silicone Free Shampoo for Damaged Hair Restore onto wet hair. Focus on the scalp and roots to remove sebum and product build-up before working your way down to the tips. Rinse your hair with lukewarm water.

It doesn't matter if your hair is straight, curly, fine, or coarse. Using conditioner each time you wash is a must. Why? Your hair loses moisture from daily wear and tear, and not nourishing it leaves your locks prone to breakage.

Apply Dove Botanical Silicone Free Conditioner for Damaged Hair Restore on your strands, carefully avoiding the roots. This conditioner has 100% botanical oil to moisturize your hair and remove frizz without weighing it down.

Remember, friction can also damage your strands. To avoid frizz and breakage, spare your hair from a harsh cotton towel rub down. Instead, use a soft microfiber towel or a clean cotton tee to dry fresh-out-of-the-shower hair.

Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to pull out your "patay na buhok." You can revive your locks by adjusting your hair care routine. Practice the tips above, and your crowning glory will be alive and kicking in no time.