Did you know a strand of human hair has four main layers? The cuticle (outermost layer), the cortex (protein-rich layer), the medulla (innermost), and a cell membrane complex that glues the layers together. And you gotta take good care of every layer!
Your hair’s porosity is determined by your cuticle layer which is made up of “shingles” that overlap like a roof or pinecomb. When the shingles are close together, evenly layered and flat your hair is considered “low porosity”. When the cuticle is chipped, uneven, raised or missing your hair is considered “high porosity”.
Did you know that a single strand of hair can hold 3 ounces of weight? 💪 (Yes, that’s the same amount that TSA allows in your carry-on containers!) Strength in your hair comes from a protein called keratin. It’s the same protein that is found in our fingernails.
Melanin, found in both your skin and hair, protects your hair from UV rays. Those blessed with darker hair, have more natural protection from the sun. Just 30 minutes of sun exposure everyday for about a year causes permanent hair damage. Those with light color hair, may experience the brittleness and roughness of sun damage more easily.⠀
Did you know that hair oil (sebum) production will decrease by 50% between the ages of 45 to 60 in the average woman? This means that as women age they need to be attentive to changes in their hair moisture and adjust their products and styling accordingly.
Frizz…like nails on a chalkboard, we all hate it. Simply put, frizz happens when your hair absorbs too much water (frequently from humid air) causing the cuticles to swell and rise. Then, the cortex of the hair, that gives the hair structure, also swells. The absorbed water disrupts the protein bonding necessary for bouncy curls. This is why frizzy hair has inconsistent curl patterns.