What Type Of Hair Is More Susceptible To Damage?
Every strand of hair is made up of the medulla, cortex, and cuticle. And each of these layers plays a part in the health and beauty of our hair. Hair damage occurs when the hair structure is changed – through not washing or drying properly, or excessive styling and colouring.
What type of hair is more susceptible to damage? Read on…
Hair Types Defined
In general, there are four basic hair types and these are categorised as:
- Straight – hard to damage and tricky to curl – this is the oiliest and most resilient of all hair types
- Wavy – fine wavy hair can be easily styled but medium and coarse waves can be more difficult to control – and frizziness can be an issue
- Curly – hair patterns resemble an S shape – curly hair is often voluminous and prone to changes in the weather and damage
- Kinky – fragile and shrinks when wet – tightly coiled curl patterns have a high density and are also vulnerable to damage
Find the Answer to Frequently Asked Questions here…
What is hair texture?
Hair texture is determined by the circumference or thickness. And defined as:
Fine: thin and fragile with two layers – the cortex and the cuticle – becoming oily and greasy quickly, and breaking more easily than thicker hair.
Medium: has more volume than fine hair, is less prone to breakage and holds styles better.
Thick or coarse: with three layers hair is more tolerant to heat, product, and colouring.
What does damaged hair look like?
Dull hair caused by damaged hair cuticles feels brittle and rough and can look frizzy. It also tangles with no trouble. Split ends and hair breaking easily can be due to cuticle and cortex damage – the cortex is responsible for hair colour, pattern, and strength – and can be caused by water during hair washing.
Slow hair growth, patchy hair, and thinning hair can result from damaged hair follicles – the living part of your hair.
What causes hair damage?
There are countless reasons for damaged hair and these include:
- Excessive brushing and combing
- Product build-up
- Straighteners or perms
- Styling tools that are set at a temperature that’s too high
- Choosing the wrong shampoo
- Exposing hair to extreme weather conditions
- Chemically damaged hair from dyes or treatments
How can I repair hair damage?
Ways to repair damaged hair are often simple and straightforward. Straight hair has lots of natural shine and can be kept clean by dry shampooing in between washes. Layers added to your cut will give hair movement.
A calligraphy haircut can transform flat and lifeless hair. Specialised training given to stylists at the Frankie Cochrane salon will ensure your hair is cut at an angle that creates up to 300% more volume. This technique also reduces split ends and gives a fuller and bouncier look from the roots to the tips.
Look for shampoos and conditioners that care for your hair type. Volumizing options give fine hair more life – wavy hair works well with hydrating and moisturising varieties. Mousse, oils, and gels will help to control any curly hair frizz.
Haircut tips for curly hair depend on how curly you want your hair to look – the shorter your style the curlier it’ll be. Regular cuts will keep the ends healthy if you choose to have longer hair.
Haircare systems focus on protecting hair – from pre-wash water defence that prepares the hair for washing by closing the cuticles – to rebalancing hair washes that gently cleanse the hair. And restorative leave-in conditioners provide all the hydration you need without weighing the hair down.
