How to Tell If Your Hair Is Damaged or Healthy

The difference between healthy hair and damaged hair is noticeable. Healthy hair exudes a beautiful glow and carries a naturally smooth texture. In contrast, damaged hair looks dull, feels brittle, and can become very frizzy. Damaged hair is notoriously difficult to style, increasing the time required for grooming and maintenance.

Numerous activities can damage your delicate hair. For example, wearing a tight ponytail all day will apply undue stress on the roots. Likewise, heat styling tools or aggressive brushing may harm your hair in the long term. Fortunately, it is possible to reverse the damaged symptoms. Hair repair products and hair salon visits are two of the best treatments.

How do you tell if your damaged hair is recovering? Read this guide to identify the signs of whether your hair is healthy or not.

How to tell if your hair is damaged

Our hair is delicate. Many activities can cause damaged hair, from certain hairstyles to harsh bleaching techniques. Sometimes, excessive shampooing or conditioning might strip away natural oils. Likewise, brushing too much may damage the scalp from repeated motion. Even our lifestyle habits, such as an unhealthy diet, may contribute to damaged hair.

There are three common signs to tell if your hair is damaged:

1. Damaged hair looks dry and dull.

Has your hair lost its natural shine? Damaged cuticles are often the reason why your strands look dull and dry. You get coarse, rough hair because there is not enough moisture. Additionally, cold air, pollution, and the sun’s UV rays can exacerbate the issue, contributing to your hair’s drab appearance.

You can repair damaged hair by restoring its hydration levels. Moisturize it with the best shampoo and conditioner products for dry hair. Alternatively, you can use home remedies like coconut oil or sunflower oil, applying it gently onto the scalp.

2. Damaged hair is brittle.

Sometimes, your hair can feel flimsy and brittle like straw. Run your hands through the hair to see how it feels. If the texture is rough, then you know there is damage. You may also see random strands sticking out from the rest of the pack.

Recent chemical treatments on your hair could contribute to brittleness. Likewise, heat styling tools or the wrong shampoos may have adverse effects. Consider washing your hair every other day and limit the amount of heat you use to dry it. Also, shampoo your damaged hair with hydrating ingredients.

3. Damaged hair causes split ends.

Damaged hair and split ends are problems that go hand-in-hand. Excessive brushing can hurt the scalp, making the hair strands weaker. Similarly, heat styling tools for drying, curling, and straightening may also increase damage to the hair. When your hair has incurred significant damage, it will likely generate unsightly split ends.

You can get rid of split ends by taking meticulous care of your hair. Be as gentle as possible when cleaning, drying, and touching the strands. Consider washing less frequently to repair the damaged hair. You may also boost the recovery process by including hair care treatments.

How to tell if your hair is healthy

Does your hair look smooth and radiant? Its glowing appearance might be one of the signs your hair is healthy. The key rests in a diligent hair care routine, such as using various shampoo and conditioning products. Regular maintenance will keep your hair hydrated, empowering you to enjoy that beautiful reflection in the mirror.

Here are three signs to tell if your hair is healthy:

1. Healthy hair looks elastic.

Hair elasticity is a positive sign. If you have long, healthy hair, the strands should come with movement and a bounce. The hair will also hold its natural or created curls without any frizz. A quick test is to wet your hair and give it a gentle pull. If it bounces back in place, you have healthy hair.

2. Healthy hair doesn’t get frizzy and tangled.

Does your brush go through hair effortlessly without too many knots? That’s because you have healthy hair. Closed cuticles are much smoother and won’t get caught up in other hairs to form tangles. The moisture in your hair also contributes to the free-flowing strands.

3. Healthy hair has little breakage or shedding.

Unhealthy hair can break easily due to the weak bonds in the cuticles. When your hair is healthy, there is more strength and durability. Your healthy hair should stand up to regular washing and grooming as long as you don’t overdo it. Check the hair around your face because this gets the most attention. If there isn’t much breakage or shedding, your hair is likely healthy.

Hair has a cycle of anywhere from two to eight years before falling out naturally. Fortunately, new hair grows in its place. You will lose hair every day, but it should be a small amount at around 50 to 100 strands. It becomes a problem if you lose significantly more. Observe how much hair falls out daily. If you don’t see a lot of shedding, your hair maintains good health.