Treating with protein, elasticity damage

Protein accounts for about 85 per cent of our hair structure.

Hence hair that is lacking protein will easily break or split.

The chemical bonds that hold each hair strand together are found in the cortex of the hair, which is the second layer. The building block of protein is amino acid.

Elasticity is the ability of the hair to stretch and return to its natural length. When elasticity damage occurs the hair will feel brittle and dry and look lifeless. It can also feel soft and spongy when wet and will not return to its normal resilient position when it stretches.

Recognising cuticle damage and moisture protein elasticity imbalances are very important to healthy hair. On your next visit to your hairstylist, request a hair analysis before any chemical service is performed.

Let’s recap what was discussed last week: * Porosity - the ability of the hair to absorb.

* Texture – the way the hair feels – coarse, medium or fine.

* Elasticity – the hair’s ability to stretch.

* Density – the amount of hair per square inch.

* Condition – The level of resilience of the hair- whether there are signs of damage.

* Scalp condition – any signs of flakes, redness, sores, abrasions etc.

To properly analyse hair and scalp takes time and knowledge and there will be a cost. However, it is in your best interest to be aware of any condition of your hair and scalp that requires special attention. I strongly recommend hair analysis since it helps both you and your hair care specialist to determine the most appropriate hair products to use.

Since wet hair is very fragile, a styling aid should always be used on wet hair preparation before thermal styling the hair in order to prevent damage. It makes the hair more slippery and easy to comb out.

Moisture enriched setting lotion is ideal.

After every shampoo, you must use a conditioner or a detangler.

Conditioners fall into four categories – detanglers, moisturizers, proteins and styling aids/leavein conditioners.

It is important for you to understand which category of product is needed to rectify different hair challenges/fractures.

Let us take a moment to focus on each.

Detanglers are acidified and coat the cuticle to prevent and remove snarls to assist in closing the hair cuticle. They do not usually offer any other benefit to the hair. They should be used on hair that is in very good condition or as the final step in multiple conditioning services for complex hair problems.

Moisturisers contain humectants that carry the moisture to regulate the normal moisture balancer in hair. This type of conditioner should be used after every chemical service to maintain the integrity of the hair.

Protein conditioners are either liquid or cream. Since hair fibres are mostly protein this type of conditioner is essential for hair that has been weakened through the use of chemicals.

It can be used as a preventative treatment against protein damage or loss.

At all times be guided by your hair consultant or trichologist.

Germaine Williams- Beckles is a doctor of trichology (DT) and nutrition consultant (NC) http://www.

geesexclusive.com ,1- 868-627-4659 or email us your questions at queries@geesexclusive.

com