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You might be spending a ton of money on hair care products but still wonder whether they are really working, whether your hair is healthy enough, or whether you need to change something in your hair care routine.
The answers to these questions are not a simple yes or no. To properly judge whether your hair is healthy or not, you need to look in-depth and observe various aspects of your tresses.
There are many telltale signs of whether your hair is healthy or not. According to scientists, strong and healthy hair has the following properties: (1)
- Good hair density and less hair fall
- Absence of split ends
- Absence of frizziness
- Absence of tangles
- Shiny appearance
- Good hair elasticity
- Absence of dandruff
Signs That You Have Healthy Hair
Here are the different signs that tell you about the health of your hair:
1. Controlled hair fall
If you think that your hair is unhealthy just because your hair falls off in the shower or comes out with the comb when you brush your hair, then you’re wrong!
Hair fall is a very natural process and is a part of the hair growth cycle. The old hair has to fall for new hair to grow in its place. So, hair fall is not a sign of unhealthy hair but only if it occurs in a limited and controlled manner.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a person can easily lose 100 hairs per day. (2)(3) In simple words, if your hair fall is controlled and not excessive, your hair is growing healthily.
The problem arises when you experience hair shedding, which is defined as losing a whole lot of hair in a day. This can be an indication of poor hair health and is usually because of pregnancy, post-surgical stress, sudden weight loss, or any significant illness. (2)
2. Good hair elasticity
If you have ever watched a hair product advertisement on TV, you may have noticed how the model has super bouncy hair that moves every time she moves. Well, this is one of the signs of healthy hair.
Having bouncy hair that does not stay in one place but is able to move around with your neck and head is extremely important. This is because the bounciness of hair is an indicator of good hair elasticity. (4)
Hair fibers have an inherent elastic property, so as long as your hair showcases elasticity, your hair fibers are doing pretty well.
3. Absence of split ends
Your hair strands are naturally safeguarded by a protective outer covering. When your hair retains this outer covering, your hair remains healthy.
However, many a time, this protective layer undergoes wear and tear, because of which your hair breaks, giving rise to split ends.
Therefore, the absence of split ends is a good sign that your hair is healthy and well protected. On the other hand, the presence of split ends indicates that your hair is prone to breakage. (1)
4. Absence of frizziness
Hair frizziness is often the result of the environmental damage your hair undergoes in daily life that makes the hair lifeless and dry. This can be due to stressors such as pollution, excess humidity, and harmful chemical products. (5)
Frizzy hair is a sign that your hair needs help and shielding from such damage. (6) In contrast, soft hair is the complete opposite of frizziness and is an indicator of well-moisturized hair.
So, if upon touching you feel your hair is super soft and not frizzy, your hair is in a pretty good state.
5. Absence of tangles
Dermatologists always ask people to take good care of their hair and follow a suitable hair care routine based upon their hair type. A very important step for hair care is making sure your hair remains untangled and well managed.
If you neglect your hair and do not have a regular hair care routine, your hair can become very tangled, which leads to the formation of stiff mats. These mats can also contribute to scalp inflammation and poor hair growth. (7)
Thus, tangled up and hard hair is not a good sign, while untangled locks are a sign of healthy hair.
6. Shiny and smooth appearance
Smooth and shiny hair is widely considered a hallmark of hair health. This is because hair smoothness is not only an external feature, but it also reflects the integrity of the hair’s cortex.
Environmental or chemical damage can harm the hair shaft. That is why loss of hair shine mainly affects those who frequently alter their hair’s natural state or have intrinsically weak hair.
If you have shiny and smooth hair, you can take a chill pill, as it is a sign that your hair is healthy on the inside. (8)
7. Absence of dandruff
A healthy scalp is characterized by a good oil balance. There are sebaceous glands in your scalp that secrete sebum and natural oils that keep your scalp moisturized and protected from dryness. (9)(10)
However, if there is too much or not enough oil released, flakiness on the scalp, called dandruff, can occur.
Dandruff is a common issue nowadays, and it’s troublesome because it promotes the accumulation of dead cells on the scalp, which hinders hair growth and development. (11)
So, if your scalp is dandruff-free, you can smile, as it is a sign of healthy hair!
Most-Asked Questions
Can hair health be determined by its shine?
Yes, the shine is often associated with healthy hair.
Does hair color affect its health?
Hair color doesn’t determine hair health; it is of genetic origin.
How can I prevent tangles and mats in my hair?
Regularly combing or brushing your hair can help prevent tangling and matting.
Can scalp conditions affect hair health?
Yes, scalp conditions determine hair growth patterns.
Is hair health linked to genetics?
Genetics do play some role in determining hair health.
Final Word
Healthy hair can be recognized by several key signs, including controlled hair fall, good hair elasticity resulting in bounce, absence of split ends, and a shiny, smooth appearance. Additionally, a dandruff-free scalp with balanced oil secretion contributes to overall hair health.
These signs collectively help assess the condition of your hair and guide your hair care routine.
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