A simple test to determine your hair's health
June 25th 2010 01:20
Extremely damaged hair is not hard to spot. The symptoms are obvious: it feels dry and porous, tangles easily, and will make an awful crunching sound when rolled between your fingertips. But slightly damaged hair is not as easy to diagnose, unless you know this little trick... a technique that one of London's top hairstylists, Tom Thaw, calls "strange but true." Interested? Read on!
Thaw, who owns the exclusive London salon bobsoho, shared this simple but effective trick with Australia's Notebook magazine last month.
"You can actually test the health of your hair by floating it in a glass of water," says Thaw. "Damaged hair will have split cuticles which make it look dull and lifeless. The cuticles also act as a sponge, making it heavy and causing it to sink. A healthy strand (or hair that has been repaired) will have no cracks, and will float."
Now obviously, this technique only works if your hair is long, and I found it easier when I used a bowl of water, instead of a glass. But it really does work: I haven't had my hair trimmed for more than four months, and the very tips, which I had noted were starting to split, sank into the water while the rest of the strand floated (whew!)
For me, this was to be expected as I take excellent care of my hair (you may have guessed that already, given that I write a blog devoted to that very topic) but if you're not sure of your own hair's health, then it's a really handy little diagnostic technique.
As for repairing the damage? "To revive your hair, the follicle has to be moisturised," says Thaw. "An overnight treatment or leave-in product will infuse your hair with the right ingredients to protect and nourish it so you wake up in the morning with soft, supple tresses. Plus, don't underestimate the positive effects of eating well, drinking enough water and getting lots of rest - your skin and hair will glow!"
Thaw also suggests applying a small amount of olive oil to the tips, letting it soak in for an hour, then washing and drying your hair as normal in order to obtain "a glittering sheen."
But of course, hair repairs will only go so far, and if your hair is really sinking deep into that bowl or glass of water then you will have to face the fact that your hair needs a proper trim. Maintaining your hair's health through a good diet, gentle handling, the right products and by keeping heat styling to a minimum will help make those trips to the salon a much less regular occurrence.
Test your hair's health in 30 seconds flat.
Thaw, who owns the exclusive London salon bobsoho, shared this simple but effective trick with Australia's Notebook magazine last month.
"You can actually test the health of your hair by floating it in a glass of water," says Thaw. "Damaged hair will have split cuticles which make it look dull and lifeless. The cuticles also act as a sponge, making it heavy and causing it to sink. A healthy strand (or hair that has been repaired) will have no cracks, and will float."
Now obviously, this technique only works if your hair is long, and I found it easier when I used a bowl of water, instead of a glass. But it really does work: I haven't had my hair trimmed for more than four months, and the very tips, which I had noted were starting to split, sank into the water while the rest of the strand floated (whew!)
As for repairing the damage? "To revive your hair, the follicle has to be moisturised," says Thaw. "An overnight treatment or leave-in product will infuse your hair with the right ingredients to protect and nourish it so you wake up in the morning with soft, supple tresses. Plus, don't underestimate the positive effects of eating well, drinking enough water and getting lots of rest - your skin and hair will glow!"
Thaw also suggests applying a small amount of olive oil to the tips, letting it soak in for an hour, then washing and drying your hair as normal in order to obtain "a glittering sheen."
But of course, hair repairs will only go so far, and if your hair is really sinking deep into that bowl or glass of water then you will have to face the fact that your hair needs a proper trim. Maintaining your hair's health through a good diet, gentle handling, the right products and by keeping heat styling to a minimum will help make those trips to the salon a much less regular occurrence.
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