Hi Byoodiful,
Enter the world of hair elasticity, an important factor that indicates the health of your curls.
You’re hearing more and more about hair elasticity, but what does it actually mean? It’s a measure of how healthy your hair is. To improve elasticity, it’s important to maintain a good balance of moisture and proteins in your hair, avoid damaging heat and chemical treatments, and use nourishing conditioners or masks regularly. This will keep your hair bouncy and healthy.
What is its elasticity?
Elasticity is the ability of your hair to stretch and return to its original shape, like a spring bouncing back after being stretched.
At the core of each hair strand is a complex structure of elements that work together to determine elasticity. The thickness of your hair also plays a role in this, with different thicknesses leading to more or less elasticity. Think of your hair as a mix of protein and moisture. This balance is crucial, because approximately 95% of your hair is made up of keratin, a protein that gives your hair its strength and structure.
If there is an imbalance, what we call low elasticity, your hair can feel brittle, stiff, dry or frizzy. You want to avoid this of course! On the other hand, the high elasticity in your hair provides bounce, vitality and that beautiful, natural curl formation. It ensures that your curls keep their shape and do not break under pressure.
If you are wondering whether your hair needs more protein or more moisture, it is a good idea to do the elasticity test. This simple test will give you valuable insights into your hair's needs.
What affects the elasticity of your hair?
Your hair’s elasticity, that delicate feature that makes it so bouncy and vibrant, can be affected by everyday habits and environmental factors. Heat from styling tools like flat irons and blow dryers, washing your hair at too high a temperature, or the unforgiving sun can challenge your hair’s elasticity. So protect your hair carefully, not just in the summer, but all year round.
Chemical treatments like dyeing, perming, or relaxing can also take a toll on your hair’s elasticity. Even frequent water contact can wear your hair down. It may not be realistic to completely avoid all of these things, but being aware and taking action where you can really makes a difference.
In practice this means being gentle and loving to your hair. Regularly having the ends trimmed keeps your hair healthy and prevents split ends. Using a leave in conditioner and/or a nourishinghair mask is like giving your hair a moisturizing hug, it nourishes and strengthens the hair structure.
By being attentive and gentle with your hair, you will ensure its elasticity and maintain the natural beauty and strength of your locks.
The elasticity test
Understanding your hair’s elasticity is like listening to a secret whisper from your locks. It tells you about the balance of moisture and protein, essential for your hair’s bounce and health. Here’s a gentle approach to measuring your hair’s elasticity:
Preparation : Take a single strand of hair and cleanse it thoroughly with a mild dish soap. This is to ensure that your hair is free of any products or oils that may affect the results.
The art of measuring : Hold your hair between your thumb and index finger, with an initial distance of 4 cm. Use a ruler for precision and a gentle approach.
The Stretch Dance : Pull gently on the hair strand and observe how it responds. Does it feel like a graceful dance, with the hair strand elegantly stretching and springing back? Or is there a hesitation, a reluctance to stretch or return to its original shape?
- Healthy and Bouncy: If your hair stretches to about 2 inches and then bounces back, then it is a sign of healthy elasticity.
- Thirst for moisture : If your hair is barely stretching, this could be a whisper of a need for more moisture.
- Protein Quest : If your hair stretches easily but doesn't bounce back, it may need more protein to regain its structure and strength.
My dear byoodie, remind yourself that this test is just a snapshot, a loving whisper of your hair that invites you to be more attentive. True beauty lies in continuously observing and caring for your locks, getting to know them in all their unique shapes and changes.
High and low elasticity
Low hair elasticity:
If your hair doesn’t give when you stretch it, you’re dealing with low elasticity. This means there’s an imbalance between moisture and protein, often with an excess of protein. This can make your hair stiff and brittle. What to do?
- Protein Break: Cut back on protein products and cleanse your hair with a CG-friendly shampoo .
- Hydration boost : Opt for water-based products, leave-in conditioners and deep conditioners to restore moisture levels.
- Overnight Protection : Use a silk or satin bonnet and pillowcase to protect your curls overnight.
- Stop the Damage : Avoid heat treatments and chemical processes that can dry out or damage your hair.
Normal hair elasticity
Congratulations, Byoodi! Your hair has healthy elasticity when it stretches a little and bounces back nicely to its original shape. This indicates a good balance of moisture and protein.
Maintain Balance: Continue to monitor your hair closely and ensure a balanced mix of protein and moisturizers to maintain this healthy state.
High hair elasticity
If your hair stretches too much and doesn’t bounce back properly, this indicates high elasticity. This is often due to a lack of protein and too much moisture, which can leave your hair feeling dry, lifeless and frizzy.
- Protein Supplement : Boost your hair with protein-rich products to strengthen structure and improve elasticity.
Dear byoodie, remember that your hair is a reflection of your care and dedication. By paying attention to its elasticity, and with the right care, your curls will remain bouncy and beautiful, just like you.
If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below!
Lots of love,
Jessy van Byoode