Elasticity Explained

Perfect Hair under a microscope







Not enough importance is placed on the value of elasticity in the quest for our best and healthiest hair. Hopefully with a better understanding of elasticity you will also develop a greater yearning for achieving it.

What is Elasticity?
Elasticity is the ability of the hair to stretch and return to its normal state without breaking. The latter part is equally important because I’ve seen hair stretch not break but retain the stretched shape and length. This strand of hair has now been weaken and is prone to breaking. Though hair is a think fiber, strong, healthy hair can stretch to 50 percent of its length before it breaks while damaged hair can only stretch to 20 percent.

How do I test my hair’s elasticity?
As you style your wet hair, select a few strands from the front, sides, center and nape areas. Hold the strands securely on both ends and stretch the hair slowly. If your hair stretches and return to its original state when released, you have good elasticity. If the hair breaks or remain stretched, you have low elasticity.

How does elasticity affect my hair?
As mentioned before, hair with low elasticity is susceptible to breakage and therefore requires more gentle treatment. Hair with very good elasticity extends when it is wet and shrinks as it dries (sounds familiar ). See shrinkage isn’t always a bad thing! Embrace it and be thankful that you are well on your way to your healthiest hair!

What can affect your hair’s elasticity? How can you improve it?
Chemical treatments (relaxing, highlighting, coloring and straightening) are the number one reason for reduced elasticity in hair. Ultimately they can weaken the hair and make it prone to damage. Routine styling (brushing, combing, etc.) can also cause damage to the hair. Therefore, avoid pulling too tightly on the hair and wearing hairstyles that overexert your hair’s ability to stretch. Also remember that just because your hair is curly does not mean it cannot be negatively impacted by your styling choices.

Caution
Since most of our styling is done on wet hair, it is particularly important to use gentle tools that do not pull at our hair while styling. When at all possible, use your fingers for parting and styling. Optimizing your healthy food intake is essential as much of the nurture that your hair and body need come from your plate. Upping your hair’s moisture intake and retention is a definite step in the right direction as well. Hair care products that contain Jojoba oil, Shea butter, Emu oil, Panthenol, vitamin E have long been associated with increased moisture to the hair. Many treatments previously discussed will also help you as you try to increase your hair’s elasticity.

Knowing what you now know about how fragile your hair is when wet and the impact of styling on your hair’s elasticity, I hope handling your hair gently and with utmost care makes even more sense to you now.



Courtesy of Texture Playground