Normal, everyday routines may be stripping your strands of vital nutrients. The result: hair that's broken, frayed, split and parched. Pantene principal scientist Cheri McMaster intervenes with some simple damage control. Here's what you need to know now.
The basic facts
Each strand of hair originates from a pouchlike depression in the scalp called a follicle. The hair's root extends down into the follicle and widens into an indented bulb at its base. Also in the bulb is the papilla, or the center of hair growth. These units work together to form a healthy hair shaft, comprising two layers: The outermost coating is the cuticle, which lies flat when healthy; when damaged, the cuticle splits away from the shaft's inner layer, or cortex.
What to look for
Signs your hair needs attention:
* Rough, dry ends If your hair is shoulder-length or longer, the bottom third is between 2 and 3 years old, which is why the ends are driest (the most hydrated area is near the scalp, where the oil glands are located).
* Flyaways and frizz A damaged cuticle causes the cortex to fray.
* Lack of vibrancy Hair that needs repair often has a matte, dull finish that doesn't reflect light well--a result of the scaly, damaged cuticle.
Simple solutions
You can review weathered locks with these easy fixes:
* Trim 1/4 inch every six to eight weeks to keep your ends in tiptop condition; this way, they're less likely to split.
* Avoid teasing or backcombing; both tug in the opposite direction of the cuticle scales, eventually ripping them and leaving the cortex exposed to damage.
* Condition post-shampooing to moisturize and maintain flexibility, helping the cuticle stay healthy. Try Matrix Biolage Smooththerapie Smoothing Conditioner ($15; matrix.com).
* Apply a thermal protector before using heated appliances or swimming, to protect against burning. One safeguarding solution: L'Oreal Nature's Therapy Heat Control Protection Creme ($7; www.sallybeauty.com).
* Massage your scalp daily to bring oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to the area, encouraging hair growth.
RELATED ARTICLE: REVIVE HAIR
1. strand
2. root
3. papilla
4. cuticle
5. cortex
RELATED ARTICLE: WHAT WORKS
"In addition to conditioning after every shampoo, use a deep-penetrating treatment once a week to repair existing damage and help prevent future problems," suggests Cheri McMaster, a Cincinnati-based principal scientist for Pantene and one of the country's leading hair scientists. The bottom line Damaged hair demands a diet of key conditioning/strengthening ingredients, such as amino acids and panthenol or pro-vitamin [B.sub.5]. (Check the ingredient labels on your products.)
COPYRIGHT 2006 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2006 Gale Group
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