DAMAGE: is it hydration, moisture or keratin/protein that I need?

Hair is a very delicate thing. I mean it is strong but it is also so delicate. You must know how to take care of your hair too. There is a different between being in need of hydration, moisture or keratin/protein. Too much of any of these and it can have horrible adverse consequences for your hair.

We are talking DAMAGE.

That is right if you add too much keratin/protein it can be responsible for causing dry, brittle and lack luster hair.

If you add too much moisture it can leave you with a limp, gummy-feeling of the hair when wet.

If you add too much hydration it will lose some of its strong core protein structure and become weak, limp and stretchy.

This is why we need to know what exactly it is that your hair is NEEDING and LACKING.

Because you made end up seeing that your hair is dry but gummy when wet so you add a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. THIS could make your situation worse.

So how do you know?

Protein:

It is quite rare but it is possible for your hair to lack protein. When this happens, your hair will feel brittle and be more vulnerable to breakage. Lacking protein is typically related to your diet, so products that promote adding protein to your strands may not reverse the issue. You will come to two options you will either need to cut off the damaged hair or grow it out after figuring out what the issue is.

Moisture:

The purpose of moisturizing your hair is to use a butter or oils to coat the OUTER surface of the hair, sealing and locking down the hair shaft so moisture can not get in or out of the fiber. It is designed to keep liquid in the hair. Moisturizing hair creates a barrier around the hair so that water does not leach out. Moisture loss feels a lot like a lack in protein. A few signs that your hair is lacking moisture are:

• Split ends

• Dullness

• Frizz

• Hard to detangle

• Weak hair

A lack of moisture can be the cause of the use of chemical treatments like bleaching, relaxers, hair coloring, or using hot tools on the hair without proper protection or at too high of temperatures which cause damage.

Hydration:

Hydration is the process of adding water, humectants, proteins, amino acids and critical vitamins that penetrate the hair fiber. Some signs that your hair may be lacking hydration are:

• Your hair feels dry even after you shampoo and condition

• Your hair isn’t able to retain moisture with products

• Your hair won’t grow longer and breaks off

• Your hair is difficult to manage and style

• Your hair won’t hold styles for long

I hope that this finds you some help!

xoxo,

Hairdresser Jess