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It seems like such an enigma.
Of the hundred or so emails I receive daily, the same question pops
up endlessly. "Why is my hair so, FRIZZY and dry, coarse or
brittle?" I intend to try and solve this mystery. And my first clue
has to do with moisture deficiency! |
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Oil and Water...
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90% of us suffer with dry
brittle or frizzy hair because our hair is deficient of (moisture)
WATER! There is a certain preconceived notion that has been passed
on from generation to generation. That is the idea that our hair is
dry, because we are lacking in natural oils. We are told that if we
nurture our hair by brushing vigorously 100 times a day, or if we
nurture our hair with hot oil treatments and cholesterols. If we do
all of these things, then we are sure to be blessed with beautiful,
shiny and healthy locks. This might be the case, if you have young
virgin (hair that is not chemically treated) hair. But this is
certainly not the case, once you have impaled your tresses, with
harsh chemicals such as bleaches and alkaline permanents. Or if you
have naturally curly hair, |
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Naturally Curly Hair...
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Those of you who have curly
hair, have these curls, because of a curvature of the hair follicles
.A normal hair follicle under a microscope would be seen as
perfectly straight. However yours would have a definite bend in it.
This causes the hair to curl. Where the hair curves it compels the
cuticle (the outer layer of the hair) to lift. |
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The cuticle...
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Under a microscope, A cuticle
is similar in appearance to shingles on a roof. When the hair is in
good condition, and is straight and has good porosity the tiles or
cuticle layers are tight together and in perfect in shape, giving
the hair a smooth appearance. This makes light reflect off the hair
enhancing shine! When hair is in bad conditioner, is curly or has
poor porosity, the cuticle layers are lifted and sometimes damaged
and broken. This makes the hair feel coarse and brittle. It also
causes the hair to absorb light, giving the appearance of dull
lifeless hair.
To sum up this scenario. Because curly haired cuticle layer is
permanently lifted, it feels, coarse, and brittle and has no
brilliance. Hence the dull, lifeless look. It also means that our
hair has poor porosity. |
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Porosity...
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Is the
ability for hair to be able to absorb and retain moisture. The best
way for me to explain this is to would be for you to imagine a
sponge. First of all imagine a brand new sponge. It will have tiny
holes in it, and when you immerse it in water, it will soak up a
large quantity, and be able to hold that liquid for a long period of
time. This is because it has good porosity. Now imagine an old
sponge. Its holes have become damaged and distorted. It might even
be torn in some areas. When you immerse this sponge in the same
amount of liquid, it will absorb far less and will certainly not be
able to retain the moisture so readily.
It is the same with hair. Hair that has poor porosity will not be
able to absorb or retain moisture as well as hair that has good
porosity. making hair permanently dry. |
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Hot oil treatments...
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| Traditions
have taught many of us that lavishly applying oil to our hair will
give us the soft, shiny hair that we all desire. However more often
than not, the opposite takes place. Most oils if they are not
essential oils do not have the ability to penetrate into the hair
shaft. Nor do heavy cholesterols. What they will do, is to lay on
top of the cuticle, and coat the cuticle. This may give the hair
some Brilliance. However, it will also coat the hair. And causes
product build up. |
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Product build up...
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Once the hair
is coated, your problems will commence. First of all, the moisture
that our hair so desperately needs will not be able to permeate
through the wall of product build. The moisture is then not able to
find it’s way underneath the cuticle layer. The hair cannot then be
conditioned. Also the oils will not diffuse, but sit on top of the
cuticle layer. If you use any kind of hot styling tools such as blow
dryers or hot irons, what will happen to your hair, is exactly what
happens when you put an egg into a hot pan. It will fry!
If you live in a sunny climate, the oil will do the same thing. The
sun will heat the oil and fry your hair. You must have heard the
term, my hair feels fried. |
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Optimum condition...
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be in tiptop conditioner is has to have a moisture (water) content
of at least 8%, and the right balance of protein and natural oil.
Most of us produce enough natural oil (sebum), to keep our hair
healthy, but lack the moisture. After having a chemical service your
moisture level will drop as low as 2%, causing, drying of the hair,
followed by split ends. The same will happen with constant use of
blow-dryers and hot styling tools, such as curling or flat irons. If
the moisture level is not restored to it’s optimum 8%; by the use of
good moisturizing products your hair will ultimately become brittle
and possibly break. |
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What to do...
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You need to
give your hair lots of TLC, with shampoos that are designed to
restore your hair’s moisture level to its optimum 8%. Along with
intense conditioners that will help to repair damaged cuticles,
improve porosity, elasticity and general health and appearance of
your hair. Avoid product build by using products that contain
natural ingredients. Also avoid hot oil treatments, heavy
cholesterol type cpnditioners, petroleum-based and silicone-based
products. Also hairsprays, mousses and gels that have a high alcohol
or butane content.
Those of you with naturally curly, wavy or frizzy hair, those of you
who use hot styling tools or who chemically treat your hair, will
need to give your hair extra nurturing by supplying it with the
necessary nutrition and moisture that it needs. Sun worshippers need
to make sure that your hair care products have sunscreen properties
to protect your hair from the damaging affects of the UV rays.
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Summary...
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| Our hair
needs MOISTURE, MOISTURE, and MOISTURE! Who needs to add moisture
more than most? People with naturally curly hair, chemically
treated, hot styling tool users or people who live in hot sunny and
arid climates. |
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© |
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Author is an expert with more than 28
years experience in the beauty industry. She has answered over 2000
questions for allexperts.com and has had her work published in many
well-respected beauty magazines both online and off. |
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