How Do You Know If Your Hair Cuticle Is Damaged?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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This swelling can cause the cuticle fibers to stick up in the air or flyaway at a strange angle.

Hair color fading

– When the hair’s cuticle is damaged, color treatments can fade out easily. Dry hair–With a misaligned cuticle, damaged hair dries out more quickly than undamaged, resulting in straw-feeling hair.

What is damaged hair cuticle?

A damaged cuticle is

rough and dull, with scales that are either raised or stripped away

. This kind of cuticle leaves the vulnerable core of the hair fiber exposed. Hairs that have damaged cuticles are also very tangly, as scales that normally point downwards have been raised so that they cause friction.

Can you repair hair cuticles?


Hair damage to the cuticle can be repaired and really there is no need for

forcing the cuticle to open. Wetting the hair or using most shampoos will open it while conditioning and deep conditioning (which should be done after every wash) will close it after it has applied the necessary moisture.

How do you know if your hair strand is damaged?

  1. It’s dull and dry. Damaged hair often lacks the natural oil and moisture that coat the outside of the cuticle. …
  2. It’s frizzy. …
  3. It’s brittle and breaks easily. …
  4. Environmental Factors. …
  5. Heated Tools. …
  6. Chemical Styling. …
  7. Over Colouring. …
  8. Harsh Brushing.

How can I rebuild my cuticles?

  1. 01 of 07. Rub on Shea Butter or Vitamin E Oil to Nourish Cuticles. …
  2. 02 of 07. Apply a Moisturizing Hand Cream (and Gloves) to Boost Moisture. …
  3. 03 of 07. Repair Dryness With a Cuticle Oil. …
  4. 04 of 07. Avoid Biting and Picking to Prevent Cracking. …
  5. 05 of 07. Do an Argan Oil Soak. …
  6. 07 of 07.

How can I seal the cuticle of my hair?

  1. Cold Water. Many people recommend rinsing hair with cold water to improve shine and reduce frizz, because cold water helps flatten and seal hair cuticles. …
  2. Blow Drying. …
  3. Correct pH. …
  4. Cleaning. …
  5. Oils.

What does a dead hair look like?

What Does Damaged Hair Look Like? Damaged hair has

a brittle, straw-like appearance

. The hair shaft is fragile and prone to breakage, resulting in split ends and stray, unruly hairs. It will feel stiff and “crunch” upon touch with little movement.

What does damaged hair look like curly?


Stringy, straight ends and looser curl patterns

. These sorts of noticeable changes in texture can be a red flag. Excessive heat is usually the culprit, but bleach/color damage, dryness or over-manipulation can be contributing factors as well.

How does hair breakage look like?


Extreme dryness and a lack of moisture

are clear signs of breakage. Healthy hair should have a natural shine to it. Try deep conditioning your hair and if it still looks dull after, then your hair is probably damaged. Check a few different sections of your hair, feeling for a rough, brittle texture.

What products help close hair cuticle?

  • People have been using apple cider vinegar or ACV as a natural hair care product for centuries. …
  • The key to a healthy hair sheen is keeping your hair cuticles closed and smooth.

What opens the hair cuticle?


A relaxer

opens the cuticles, moves into the cortex, and breaks the bonds that make a hair strand curl. Once the characteristics of the cortex are altered, the process can not be undone. The cuticles help to prevent damage to the cortex.

What are the 7 types of hair damage?

  • Dull and Unruly Hair. The Look: Frizzy, easily tangled, lacking shine, unmanageable. The Cause: Damaged hair cuticles. …
  • Fragile Hair. The Look: Split ends, visible hair breakage. The Cause: Cuticle and cortex damage. …
  • Thinning Hair. The Look: Patchy or slow hair growth, excessive hair falling out.

Does apple cider vinegar close hair cuticle?



Apple cider vinegar coats the cuticle

, leaving the hair soft and shiny,” Joico celebrity colorist Denis de Souza says. “It also helps to strengthen your hair by closing the cuticles and the hair shaft.” Shiny hair, healthy scalp, and unclogged hair follicles—it’s an all-around do.

How can I fix my dead hair at home?

Put the life back into your limp or damaged hair with this terrific home remedy: combine

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 3 egg whites

, then rub the mix into your hair. Keep your hair covered for about a half hour using plastic wrap or a shower cap, then shampoo and rinse.

How long does it take to repair damaged hair?

If your hair isn’t too damaged, Judy says you might see results after the first treatment. If things are a bit more serious, it might take

two to three months of bi-weekly treatments

, along with conservative heat styling. AKA grab hold of that heat protectant, kids— and don’t let go.

How can I restore moisture in my hair?

  1. Use a true moisturizer that has water as 1st or 2nd ingredient.
  2. Seal in moisture with an oil like Shea butter, castor oil, or avocado oil.
  3. Trim your ends regularly.
  4. Avoid heat.
  5. Keep your hands out of your hair.
  6. Sleep with a satin bonnet or pillow.
  7. Deep condition regularly.
Rebecca Patel
Author
Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.