Hair structure
On the right you see a healthy strand of hair, magnified of course. Hair has an outer layer, which looks very much like snake skin.
It is important that the scales are laying close above each other, and are not spread like a Christmas tree. If scales are laying flat, the hair will look shiny, and a comb or brush will glide smoothly.
Many hair treatments either coat the hair, or bring in substances, so that the scales are forced to lay flat. You will agree that achieving flat scales by good care is much better than forcing them; unfortunately there are quite a lot of ways to do things wrong.
On the left you see hair with damaged scales. Using combs with unpolished teeth may be a reason for such damages, also sharp hair clamps. With such a damage, the strand will rip more easily, the opened scales do not allow other strands to glide over as smooth as before, which can result in tangles.
On the right you see a split hair. Damages like this are caused by hard combing or brushing, especially on wet hair. Furthermore hair can split after it dried out, because it lost its natural flexibility. Tiny trims of the lower ends is recommended to prevent that splits grow.
Everything which is hard and sharp may harm your hair. If you use force against hair, it will be damaged.
As a very simple example you see on the left side a strand which was damaged by a simple hair elastic. Those small bands are often applied with much force, and strands will break under the stress. It is much better to use larger bands, which can hold your hair just as good as the tiny elastics.
Hair may revert to the state it had before. Straight hair is wavy after you took out a tight braid, but after the next wash it will be straight again. Slight bending, as through a braid, a bun or other styles, don't harm your hair. Just take care that you do not force your hair.
Products
- Anti-frizz liquid
- Clear, silicone-based formula; surpresses kinks and curls.
- Botanical
- Fruit and floral extract added to products for extra cleansing, conditioning and fragrance.
- de-tangler
- Spray to make towel-dried hair smooth; also available in a formula that won't make kids cry.
- Foam, lotion, spritzer
- Light styling formula to use on a wet or dry head; gives soft control and body.
- Gel, molding mud
- Thicker solution to give body to whole head or specific areas. Use to create curls, finger waves or spikes. Leave "wet" or comb to fluff hair.
- Leave-in conditioner
- Smoother and body-enhancer applied to a wet, clean head; adds silkiness to curly hair.
- Moisturizer
- Nutrient that improves texture of damaged or brittle hair; found in conditioners or available as supplemental treatment.
- Shampoo-conditioner
- One-step solution to tangling; leaves fine hair less limb than conventional conditioners.
- Shine
- Ingredient that provides brilliance; used in conditioners, shampoos and in-salon perms.
