Healthy hair is an important part of our appearance. Silky shiny hair makes us appear healthy and enhances our overall look. Healthy hair is also a sign of health. Dull, lifeless and brittle hair could be a sign of disease or vitamin deficiencies, according to the Mayo Clinic. Eating a balanced diet is just as important for our hair as using a daily conditioner. Knowing the signs of healthy hair helps us find the best solution or products to make hair look its best.
Smooth Texture
Healthy hair is smooth and moves easily. In healthy hair, the cuticle edges lay flat against the hair shaft. Chemical dyes, hair treatments and daily wear and tear peel away the cuticle edges from the shaft, according to researchers at Ohio State University. Hair salons work hard to give every style that fresh, healthy smooth look by using moisturizers, finishing oils and a professional blow dry.
Shine
Hair shines because the outer layer of the hair shaft lays flat. This allows the hair to reflect light and look shiny. Damage to the hair cuticle causes frizz and inhibits shine. Conditioner builder and residues on the hair also keep the hair from having a healthy shine. Correcting the PH of the hair and removing residue from shampoos and conditioners will bring back the shine.
Light Shedding
Another sign of healthy hair is light hair loss. Most people lose 50 to 100 hairs daily and this is considered normal, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. If you are losing more than this, stress or other factors may be the problem. Hair has a growth cycle, called an anagen, and a resting cycle, or telogen, which lasts two to three years. At the end of the cycle, the hair falls out. Normal hair loss is not noticeable because the average person has around 100,000 hairs in the scalp.
Elasticity
Healthy hair has elasticity and does not break off from gentle tugs or combing. Unhealthy hair can become brittle for a variety of reasons including diet and nutrition. Brittle hair can be caused by vitamin deficiencies such as iron, biotin and lack of protein, according to the Hair Health Spotlight in "Men's Magazine."
Detangles When Wet
Excessively dry hair with damaged cuticles will be hard to comb when wet. This is because the cuticle edges have peeled away from the hair shaft causing friction, according to the American Chemical Society. Conditioners are designed to coat the hair shaft and smooth out the cuticle, thus making combing easier.
Responds to Moisture
Healthy hair responds to moisture without looking fuzzy. Unhealthy hair, when exposed to moisture in the air, gets frizzy. This is because the hair plumps up and causes damaged cuticles to stick out even further, giving hair that frizzy look.
Healthy Scalp
Healthy hair comes from a healthy scalp. Excess oils and built up of sebum from the scalp will coat the hair making it oily or causing dandruff. A healthy scalp keeps hair looking normal without the excess buildups that can dull hair and make it look lifeless.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology: Dermatology Insights
- Ohio State University: Nanotechnology Confronts the "Bad Hair Day," Tests New Conditioner
- Men's Health and Fitness Magazine: Hair Health
- Mayo Clinic: Hair Loss Causes
- American Chemical Society: Study of Hair Dynamics May Lead to Better Hair Care Products
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