This article provides tips on how to repair hair suffering from minor fire damage, i.e. a few strands of hair that caught on fire by exposure to a candle or other open flame. If any part of the scalp or skin is burned, please consult with your doctor or dermatologist first.

Here are a few tips to help you restore the condition of your hair...and your piece of mind.

1). See a Doctor or Dermatologist for Root Damage

As mentioned above, if any part of the skin or scalp was burned, please see a Doctor or Dermatologist.

But, even if the hair was burned within three or four inches of the scalp, see a Doctor or Dermatologist to have your roots and scalp looked at...just in case. Even though it was only the hair shaft that caught fire, there may be some residual scalp and/or root damage.

Also, let your Doctor or Dermatologist know if you relax or use color so that he or she may advise you on when you can use chemical treatments again and at what strength. For example, you may not be able to use relaxers for 6 months to a year. Or, you may need to use mild or "kiddie" relaxers for a period of time.

2). Cut Away Singed Areas

Next, cut away any burnt or singed parts of the hair. This will ensure that the hair you are trying to regrow is healthy and the ends are blunt and even.

If the damage occured mid shaft, it is still important to cut the hair at a point above the burnt area. The burnt section of the hair shaft will eventually start to split and break off anyway. And we don't want the burnt hair to start splitting UP the hair shaft, ruining the healthy parts of the hair.  It's better to cut it off and start with a healthy strand of hair.

3). Camoflouge Damaged Areas

After you cut away the singed areas, you may have some short sections of hair. Here are a few ways you can easily camouflage the short parts so they are less noticeable. You can:

• Get an instant weave to even out the length.
  
• Wear a wig for a few weeks or months until the hair becomes easier to camouflage.
• Cut the hair into a bob so the shorter sections are less noticeable.
• Wear the hair in ponytails or buns to hide damaged areas.
  
• Wear decorative accessories like headbands, clips to pin back or draw attention away from shorter sections along the nape, temples or hairline.
  
• Use temporary color to darken the hair, making shorter hair less noticeable.

4). Focus on Fast Regrowth

Now that you are working with a healthy strand of hair, I'm sure you want to get back to your original length as quickly as possible.

Here are 4 quick and easy ways to speed up regrowth:

• Eliminate heat for 3 months. Check out our Air-Drying Courses for quick and easy styles.
• Eliminate chemical procedures for 3 months. Stretch relaxers and opt for temporary rinse or plant-based hair color treatments like Henna to color your hair.
  
• Protective style for 3 months. Wear the hair in a bun or updo to "protect" the ends of the hair, allowing you to stretch trims and retain more length.
• Co Wash for 3 months. Instead of washing with shampoo, wash with conditioner to allow your hair to retain more moisture. Shampoo as needed to remove occasional build up.

5). Watch Product Ingredients

Lastly, if you use products that contain alcohol or have the words "Caution - This Product is Flammable" on the bottle, now would be a good time to throw them out.

These ingredients and warnings are common on gels, hairsprays and other holding agents. Of course, hair will always burn when its exposed to an open flame but using products that contain flammable ingredients will only speed up the process.

Even if you've never had the experience of having your hair catch on fire, I hope you will take this article as a reminder to watch your hair around birthday candles, gas grills and stove tops or any other open flames, especially during the Spring and Summer. Please take this opportunity to get rid of any flammable hair products.

If you have been the victim of a fire, be grateful that it was only your hair! Your hair will grow back! Your life is much more valuable :)

I hope that helps! Please feel free to leave comments below! Please note - You must be a member to create and view comments!

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