Is Your Hair Dry Or Damaged?

By Lora Brown

Dry and damaged: Two terms that have become interchangeable to most women. Maybe it’s because half of the hair care products available say something along the lines of “For dry or damaged hair.” But in reality, one doesn’t always mean the other.  

What’s the Difference Between Dry Hair And Damaged Hair?

Can your hair be dry and damaged? Definitely. But it can also be one or the other. Knowing if your hair is dry, damaged, or both is the best way to keep your locks healthy and gorgeous.

Signs Of Dry Hair

​To determine if your hair lacks moisture, consider if the following symptoms apply:

• No flexibility - Flexible hair stretches without snapping.
• Coarse, rough texture - If your hair feels like straw, it’s dry.
• Split ends - These are indicated by single strands of hair peeling away from themselves, or by tiny white balls on the ends of strands.
• Dullness - Moisturized hair is shiny and bouncy.
• Breakage - If your hair breaks off halfway down when pulled on, it’s lacking adequate moisture and protein.

Signs Of Damaged Hair

​If your hair is damaged, you’ll notice some or all of these:

• Brittleness - This results from heat styling.
• Shedding - Large amounts of hair falling out every time you style signals damage.
• Split ends - Split ends can be found in both dry and damaged hair.
• Repetitive styling - If you dye, straighten, blow dry, or curl your hair regularly, it’s most likely damaged.

What If My Hair Shows Signs Of Both?

Many of the signs of dry and damaged hair are similar, and it can be difficult to tell which applies to you. Fortunately, there’s a pretty simple way to make that determination: the wet strand test.

Pull out one strand of wet hair and gently stretch it. If the hair stretches by approximately one-third and then returns to its original shape, it’s healthy. But if the strand breaks immediately or after only stretching a bit, it’s damaged. On the other hand, if it does stretch but doesn’t return to its original form, it’s dry.

How Can I Keep My Hair Healthy?

Once you’ve determined if your hair is more dry than damaged or vice-versa, you can begin proper treatment. Damaged hair requires protein-based conditioners in order to be restored, while dry hair needs moisture-based conditioners.

It’s important to remember that your hair can be a little of both. The trick to a healthy mane is balance. Alternate between protein-based and moisture-based conditioners, using a deep conditioner about once a week.

To jump start your new journey to gorgeous tresses, see the beauty experts at The Salon by Lora Brown. We’ll recommend products and services that help control dryness and prevent damage.

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