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It is a common desire to have stunning, healthy locks, but sometimes, your hair doesn’t quite live up to your expectations. Environmental factors, excessive heat styling, or simply a lack of good hair care practices can leave your locks looking pretty damaged and not so amazing. (1)
This article will dive into the world of damaged and healthy hair to explore the differences between the two. Continue reading to learn more.
How Do You Know If Your Hair Is Healthy or Damaged?
| Aspect | Healthy Hair | Damaged Hair |
|---|---|---|
| Hair Fall | Less than 100 hairs per day | More than 100 hairs per day |
| Hair Elasticity | Very elastic and hard to break | Not elastic and breaks easily |
| Split Ends | Absent | Present |
| Hair Frizz | Absent | Present |
| Hair Appearance | Shiny and smooth | Dull and frayed |
Looking for these telltale qualities in your hair can let you know if your hair is healthy or damaged:
1. Hair Fall
Hair fall is a natural part of the hair growth cycle, where old hair sheds to make way for new growth. While hair fall is not a sign of damaged hair, losing more than 100 hairs per day may indicate a problem and may point to hair damage. (2)(3)
Keep in mind that hair fall can also be due to medical issues such as thyroid disorders, polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD), alopecia areata, pregnancy, and stress and not only due to poor hair health. (4)(5)
Remedy: Regular hot oil massages can improve blood flow to the hair follicles, providing essential nutrients and oxygen to prevent hair fall. (6)
2. Hair Elasticity
Healthy hair is naturally elastic, capable of stretching and returning to its original form without any breakage. Hair is made up of keratin fibers that are responsible for its flexibility.
Unhealthy hair is prone to breakage when stretched, which points toward notable hair damage. (7)(8)
Remedy: A diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can moisturize hair and maintain scalp health, enhancing hair elasticity. (9)
3. Split Ends
When the protective outer layer of hair becomes damaged, split ends or hair fraying may occur. Hair strands appear as splits at the hair ends, creating a messy appearance and increasing susceptibility to breakage. (1)
Remedy: Coconut oil, with its moisturizing properties and fatty acids, can nourish hair and prevent split ends and thus enhance hair health. (10)(11)
4. Hair Frizz
Smooth hair often indicates healthy hair. In contrast, excessive frizziness can be a sign of unhealthy hair, often caused by frequent heat styling or chemical hair treatments.
Dry and damaged hair tends to become frizzy. (12)(13)
Remedy: A yogurt and honey mask can help tame frizzy hair. These ingredients have excellent hydrating properties that condition and smooth hair. (14)
5. Hair Appearance
Healthy hair is smooth and shiny, reflecting its structural integrity. Pollution and chemical damage can strip away shine, leaving hair looking dull and weak. (15)
Remedy: Using egg masks can nourish and add shine to dull hair, as eggs contain peptides that promote hair health. (16)
Most-Asked Questions
Can diet affect hair health?
Yes, a diet rich in vitamin D, biotin, and iron can be good for hair health.
Can hair damage be hereditary?
Many aspects of damaged hair such as hair loss can be hereditary.
Final Word
Knowing about common hair issues and learning effective remedies can help you maintain healthy hair and say goodbye to damaged hair. Welcoming the right hair care practices in your hair care routine can lead to improved hair health and better hair appearance.
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