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Our hair, to us, is one of the most prominent features of our appearance, may even be an extension of our personality and on most days commands our mood as well. It even offers us protection from the sun. As it takes on so many roles, keeping it healthy is essential. As such, we must first understand a little more about our hair, what it comprises, and the factors that play a role in its condition in order to achieve shiny, soft, and manageable hair sans frizz.
Understanding the structure and composition of our hair is the first step. The deepest layer of the hair shaft, the medulla, is made up of air and sometimes does not even exist in hair with a very thin diameter. The next layer is the cortex, which holds the hair's colour, texture, and strength. The cuticle is the last and outermost layer of the hair that is made up of cells overlapping each other to form a protective barrier for the other two layers. We need to focus on the health of our cuticles as it helps us determine how frizzy or smooth our hair will appear. Cuticles that are smooth and flat will make your hair look glossy and healthy. Alternatively, raised or damaged cuticles automatically translate to dull and frizzy hair which can lead to breakage and split ends.
What Hair type are you?
Having understood the basics, the next step would be to identify your hair type so that you can customize your hair care routine accordingly. There are straight, wavy, curly, and coily or coil-like hair types, and figuring out which hair type you belong to helps you understand what your hair needs for better hair health.
- Straight Hair - Straight hair is known to be predominantly resistant to frizz and less porous which means it has a lower absorption capacity and ability to retain moisture. However, it can still be prone to oil buildup.
- Curly Hair - Curly hair, on the other hand, is more porous, allowing it to absorb more moisture and lose it quickly. Its texture also prevents oils from traveling from the head to the shaft.
- Wavy Hair - If your hair is S-shaped then you have wavy hair, an in-between of straight and curly hair, which requires extra effort to care for and maintain its shape. If not properly moisturized, wavy hair can turn frizzy.
- Coily Hair - If you have a coily hair type, you have a zig pattern that is more prone to tangles and breakage. Thoroughly moisturizing your hair is key to reducing frizz.
Now that we have identified our hair type, it is also important to acknowledge some of our day-to-day habits and practices that can lead to hair damage and breakage. Hair frizz and breakage occur when the hair is deprived of moisture or exposed to harmful conditions. Exposing our hair to pollution, sun, and humidity, overwashing, heat styling, and chemical treatments are some of the biggest culprits that can weaken your hair strength and damage your hair cuticles over time.
With a basic understanding of the structure of our hair, our hair type, and what leads to frizz and damage, let’s dive into some effective ways to maintain healthy and frizz-free hair.
Change to Silk Pillowcases
Silk is a smooth material that is much more gentle on the hair and face. Spending hours tossing and turning on any other fabric in your sleep can lead to frizzy hair or even breakage. Investing in luxury silk pillowcases is a great way to keep your hair smooth, tangle-free, and less frizzy. Another plus point is that a silk pillowcase helps your hair retain its moisture and natural oils so you wake up with shiny locks. Read our blog on why we think silk pillowcases are a gamechanger!
Microfiber Towel for the win
Washing your hair already strips away some of the oils and there can also be some amount of friction which may lead to breakage and frizz. Opt for a microfiber towel as it is gentler on the hair and has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that protect the scalp. It works great for all hair types but is especially great for curly hair types as it is more gentle on your curls, avoiding breakage. Remember to pat your hair dry instead of rubbing it which can damage the cuticles and cause frizz.
Stay hydrated with leave-in conditioner or serum
Staying hydrated is key to good health. This is especially true for your hair as well as it can also prevent frizz, and keep it moisturized and protected from external factors. Once you are done with towel-drying your hair with a microfiber towel, apply a leave-in conditioner or hair serum. Make sure to properly coat the ends of your strands and run your hair through a wide-toothed comb to evenly spread the product. This practice will reduce frizz, provide extra moisture, and protect your hair from any heat styling tools and humidity. Do this once a week for optimal results.
Pro-tip: if you tie your hair, keep your locks away from rough hair ties and clips with metal wiring as they can pull, stretch, weaken, and even break your hair strands. Buy silk hair scrunchies online as they are softer and much gentler on your hair.
Incorporating these small changes in your daily routine can lead to bringing your beautiful locks back to life. With consistent care and the right products, your hair will be smoother, healthier, and more manageable everyday.
