— The Science
"What matters most is to understand what healthy hair really looks like, beyond its texture, porosity or curl pattern. And what changes when its structure is damaged."
Hair has an outer cuticle that influences its smoothness, shine and resistance to friction; an internal structure that contributes to strength and elasticity; and a natural lipid layer that helps protect its surface and maintain its hydrophobic properties.
The structure of hair can be affected by heat, bleaching and chemical straightening. But hair can also look damaged without being structurally damaged. Sometimes, the explanation is much simpler, and easy to overlook.
Hard water leaves mineral deposits that regular shampoo may not fully remove. Styling products and heavy conditioners can accumulate over time. Frequent exposure to protein-rich products can leave some hair feeling stiff. Repeated use of overly alkaline products can also affect the cuticle and leave hair rougher.
Rather than treating every change as damage or adding more products to your routine, you can make more informed choices about how you care for it.
