Restore Strength, Shine, and Health to Damaged, Mature, Coloured, and Curly Hair with a Science-Backed Multi-Step Method

Damaged, dry, or chemically-treated hair can lose strength and shine over time.

Do you struggle with damaged, chemically-treated, coloured, dry, or curly hair—or notice your hair becoming weaker and drier as it matures? You're not alone. Hair can become stressed from colouring, chemical treatments, heat styling, and natural ageing, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. The good news is there are science-backed methods and natural products that can restore shine, strength, and vibrancy to all hair types, even mature or greying hair.

In this article, we’ll explore the science of hair structure, explain why different hair types are vulnerable to damage, and show you how Holistic Hair’s innovative multi-step conditioning treatments & method, combined with scalp treatments and specialised products, can restore your scalp and hair’s health, resilience, and beauty.

Understanding Hair Structure and Damage

Hair is made up of three main layers: the cuticle, cortex, and medulla. Damage to any of these layers affects strength, moisture retention, and shine:

• Cuticle — the protective outer layer. Lifts and cracks from chemical treatments, heat styling, and mechanical stress, causing frizz and dullness.
• Cortex — the core of the hair shaft, responsible for strength and elasticity. Colouring, bleaching, and chemical treatments weaken keratin bonds here.
• Medulla — the innermost layer, which can become hollow with ageing, reducing thickness and shine.

Each hair type has unique challenges:

• Curly hair — naturally drier due to the spiral structure; prone to shrinkage and frizz.
• Coloured & chemically-treated hair — weaker keratin bonds and compromised cuticle integrity increase breakage risk.
• Mature or greying hair — reduced natural oils, thinning strands, and loss of elasticity lead to dryness and fragility.

Why Traditional Haircare Often Falls Short

Most shampoos and conditioners are designed for general use and may not address the root causes of hair damage. Key issues include:

• Hair swelling during washing — water absorption expands the cuticle, causing hygral fatigue and breakage.
• Over-conditioning or incorrect products — can weigh hair down or leave residue, especially on curly or fine hair.
• Neglecting the scalp — dry or irritated scalp affects hair growth and overall strand health.

To truly restore hair, a methodical approach is needed—one that protects during washing, nourishes deeply, and strengthens both scalp and strands.

Holistic Hair Multi-Step Method for Damaged, Mature, and Chemically-Treated Hair

This method combines pre-shampoo protection, scalp treatment, post-shampoo hydration, similar to a deep-conditioning mask to tackle damage, dryness, and frizz while restoring shine and strength.

1. Pre-Shampoo Protection

Before washing, apply the Conditioner & Oil blend to dampened hair. This helps protect against water damage caused by swelling of the hair strands during shampooing, creating a shield, and keeping your mid-lengths and ends stronger and more resilient. Experiment with the ratio of oil to conditioner for your hair type. Start with 10-12 drops and increase or decrease as required.

Hydrating & Repairing Hair Ritual Treatment Set 

Shop Hydrating & Repairing Hair Ritual Treatment Set

2. Scalp Treatment

Apply a light film of Scalp Treatment Oil directly to your scalp. Gently massage to soothe dryness, calm irritation, and soften flakes. Leave on for at least 30 minutes, then shampoo as usual to cleanse and refresh.

Deep Repair Treatment Duo: Apply to scalp & hair to soothe & hydrate.

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3. Post-Shampoo Hydration

After shampooing, reapply the Conditioner & Oil blend to damp hair. Leave on as long as possible before rinsing to boost moisture, reduce frizz, and leave hair soft, shiny, and manageable.

4. How to prepare the Oil & Conditioner for Double Conditioning 

Mix 10–12 drops of Scalp Treatment Oil into your usual amount of conditioner. Apply to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair as a nourishing mask to hydrate, repair, and smooth. Adjust the number of drops of conditioner to suit your hair type. This method and mix of oil and conditioner can be used both pre- and post-shampoo.

Targeted Products for Every Hair Concern

Quinoa Pro NPNF™ Colour Protect Conditioner 250ml

Protect and restore coloured, chemically-treated, curly, or greying hair with this rich, hydrating conditioner. It locks in colour, strengthens strands, and improves manageability for soft, glossy, resilient hair.

Quinoa Pro NPNF Colour Protect Conditioner for coloured, chemically-treated hair, curly or greying & maturing hair.

Shop Quinoa Pro NPNF™ Colour Protect Conditioner

Hydrating Conditioner

Geranium-scented conditioner that restores moisture to dry, dehydrated hair. Strengthens strands, enhances elasticity, and boosts shine while protecting hair from environmental stressors.

Hydrating Conditioner for dry, dehydrated hair.

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Scalp Treatment Oil

Soothes, moisturises, and strengthens the scalp. Ideal as a pre-shampoo treatment to protect hair from hygral fatigue and improve scalp health, reducing dryness, irritation, and flaking. Can also be used as a spot treatment for compromised skin and scalp.

Scalp Treatment Oil to nourish and protect your scalp.

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Treatment Sets & Shampoo/Conditioner Sets

Explore our curated Treatment Sets and Shampoo & Conditioner Sets for complete, multi-step regimens designed for sensitive, irritated scalps and dry, damaged, mature, coloured, natural, and curly hair types. These sets combine protection, hydration, and repair to restore hair to its healthiest state.

Strengthen Your Hair from the Inside Out

Healthy hair requires more than just topical care. Key nutrients help strengthen strands, enhance elasticity, and reduce breakage:

• Biotin & Zinc: Support keratin production and hair growth.
• Omega-3 & Vitamin A: Nourish the scalp and improve shine.
• Vitamin C & Selenium: Provide antioxidant protection against environmental damage.

Maintain hydration, eat protein-rich foods like nuts, beans, and lean meats, and minimise excess sugar and refined carbs for optimal hair and scalp health.

Conclusion

Damaged, chemically-treated, coloured, curly, natural, or mature hair doesn’t need to stay dry, brittle, or lifeless. With a consistent multi-step routine, including pre-shampoo protection, scalp treatments, post-shampoo hydration, deep-conditioning masks, and targeted products, you can restore strength, shine, and health. This science-backed method nurtures your hair from root to tip, helping you enjoy soft, vibrant, and resilient strands every day.

Find Your Balance with Holistic Hair

Explore our Hair Care Collection, Scalp Care Collection, Treatment Sets, and Shampoo & Conditioner Sets to find natural solutions tailored to your hair needs. Restore strength, shine, and manageability while protecting your scalp and hair with a holistic, multi-step method that works for all hair types.

About the Author:

Nicky James-Baird is the Co-Owner of Holistic Hair, a premium natural hair care brand based in New Zealand. She holds a Diploma of Higher Associate Trichologist from the World Trichology Society in New York and a Diploma in Personal Care Formulating. Nicky brings together expertise in scalp and hair health with a commitment to sustainable, plant-based product development. To learn more about the Holistic Hair brand story, visit our About Us page.