Hair Damage is very common and affects all different hair types. Among the various signs of damaged hair are: low porosity, dullness, and lack of elasticity. These signs are caused by chemical treatments, over-combing, over-processing and other factors that cause hair to become brittle. Fortunately, there are ways to repair your hair and prevent further damage. Read on to learn more.
Dullness
Whether your hair is color treated or natural, if it is dull it can be frustrating. Dullness is a sign of damaged hair and you can find ways to restore shine and brilliance.
It is important to keep your hair clean and hydrated to prevent dullness and breakage. To do this, you should use a gentle cleanser on your hair and scalp. Avoid harsh chemicals and products that can damage your hair. You should also try to use less heat on your hair when possible. And avoid using hot tools such as blow dryers and flat irons when necessary. Although heat styling your hair makes it look beautiful, you should know that heat styling too much can cause damage and breakage.
Lack of elasticity
Having a lack of elasticity in your hair can be an indicator of damaged hair. If left untreated, this damage can lead to hair loss. The key to fixing this problem is restoring moisture. Hair is made up of about 25% water, so the lack of it can cause dryness and breakage. In some cases breakage can be severe. In severe cases you may find that your hair breaks right down to the root causing hair patches.
Hair that is low in elasticity snaps when stretched. Having a lack of elasticity can make it difficult to style your hair. It also feels dry and dull. You may notice breakage when you brush your hair or try to curl it. The strands of hair that stretch slightly before snapping have medium elasticity. Healthy hair should be able to stretch to a length of 1.2-1.5 times its original length before breaking.
Knots and tangles
Getting knots and tangles in your hair is not a fun experience, but fortunately, there are ways to get them out. One way is to use the right hair products and prevent tangles before they form. Another way is to comb your hair correctly. Always start at the tips and work your way toward the roots.
How to Prevent Tangles
The first step in preventing tangles is to use products that are made for your particular hair type. These may include detangling products and a wide toothed comb. You may also consider wearing a hat on windy days to prevent your hair from tangling. Opt for hats with either a silk or satin inner lining as these fabrics will not suck moisture from your hair.
Using a shampoo that is sulphate free will help prevent drying your hair too much. This is especially important if your hair is dry or prone to tangling. A sulphate free shampoo also won’t strip your hair of its natural oils.
Low porosity
Having low porosity hair can be hard to manage. The cuticles of low porosity hair are tightly packed, making it difficult for hair products to penetrate. The lack of space between cuticles also makes it difficult for moisture to penetrate.
High porosity hair is more porous and has raised cuticles. Hair with this type of porosity is more prone to breakage. It is also prone to frizzing and losing moisture in dry weather.
If you are unsure of your hair’s porosity, you can try the slide test. Simply wet a section of hair, then slide the section into a glass of water. If the strand sinks slowly into the water, you have low porosity. On the other hand, if the strand floats above the water’s surface, you have high porosity.
Lack of shine
Lacking lustre and shine in your hair can be a downer. Hair that is dry and brittle is difficult to manage. The best way to treat it is to keep it hydrated. You can do this by investing in a good deep conditioner. This will help to soften and revitalize your hair, which is especially helpful if you are suffering from split ends.
You should also consider investing in a good hydrating shampoo and conditioner. This will help to keep your hair in tip top condition. Also invest in a hooded dryer. Once you apply conditioner to your hair, place a plastic cap on your head and sit under the dryer. This will open the cuticles and allow the product to penetrate deep in the hair shaft. Once you rinse it out, you can either air dry your hair or sir under the dryer. If you choose to sit under the dryer make sure that you use a heat protectant before doing so and use medium heat. A hair stylist will be able to recommend the best products for your specific hair type. But once you deep condition your hair at least once a week, you should start to see a positive difference in your hair.
