Dry, damaged hair is usually characterized by a compromised outer hair cuticle layer. The hair cuticle layer consists of overlapping dead cells that protect the inside of your hair (your hair co...
Dry, damaged hair is usually characterized by a compromised outer hair cuticle layer. The hair cuticle layer consists of overlapping dead cells that protect the inside of your hair (your hair cortex and medulla) like “shingles” on a roof. The flatter and more intact this layer is, the smoother, softer and shinier your hair will be. The more it is compromised, the rougher, duller, more break-prone and more lifeless your hair will be. Damage to the cuticle layer occurs through hair coloring, bleaching, extensive heat styling (think flat or curling irons), salt water, exposure to chemicals, etc. It also occurs when you use products in your hair that have a high pH (such as soap!). Your hair is dead tissue so once it’s damaged, it can strictly speaking not be repaired, no matter what some brands are promising. But it can be restored by coating, smoothing and softening it with emollients and conditioning agents from shampoos and conditioners.
These conditioning agents lightly coat your hair, polishing and smoothing it and filling in the gaps in the cuticle layer to detangle, smooth, and soften hair, and to provide shine - because light reflects much better from a smooth surface than from a rough surface. The best shampoo and conditioner bar for damaged hair are our “pink” bars for dry, damaged, curly, and frizzy hair. They are sulfate-free, pH balanced and unlike some silicones that you will find in many other shampoos and conditioners, the conditioning agents in our bars wash out easily with our sulfate-free shampoo, thus avoiding ugly build-up that can make your hair unsightly and limp over time. For long-term care for damaged hair, the hard truth is that you should bleach less, color less or more gently, use less heat styling and heat exposure, protect your hair from environmental stressors, and get regular haircuts.
