How do you know if your hair is dry or damaged? The signs of dry and damaged hair are similar, making it difficult to figure out whether your hair needs moisture or repair.
To determine whether your hair is in need of moisture or repair we would first recommend doing an elasticity test. To test the elasticity of your hair you first need to select strands of hair from four different areas from your head, whilst the hair is wet. Hold the strand securely and stretch the hair, Healthy hair stretches to 5 cm and then bounces back; Hair with a lack of moisture hardly stretches; Hair with a protein deficiency, therefore needing repair, stretches easily and barely bounces back.
What is damaged hair and what are the signs?
If your hair snaps easily, it’s probably damaged. There are many factors which damage hair, from UV rays, pollution to heat styling, overbrushing and bleach and chemicals. All these factors can cause stress on the hairs strands eventually causing split ends and broken bonds. Unlike dry hair, damaged hair has compromised cuticles which are unable to protect the inner layers of the hairs shaft. This can then lead to breakage, split ends, and an overall weakened structure.
Signs of Damaged Hair:
- Increased number of split ends
- Hair is frizzier than usual or feels rough
- Hair is difficult to brush through
- Hair is dull and colour fades quickly
How To Treat Damaged Hair:
Strengthening and rebuilding the hairs’ structure is the key thing to focus on when treating damaged hair. Alterna’s Restructuring Bond Repair Range has been designed with Caviar Bond Enforcing Technology, which is specifically engineered to seal the hairs cuticles which have been damaged trough chemical process or physical stress. Bond Enforcing molecules detect cracks and fissures in the cuticle, locking down the cuticle, smoothing the hairs fibre and decreasing friction.
Suggested Routine:
Start by cleansing the hair with Alterna’s Bond Repair Shampoo, a colour safe shampoo which is designed to gently cleanse the hair, remove daily build up and add shine with each use. Once the hair is double cleansed, apply Alterna’s Restructuring Bond Repair Conditioner to the mid lengths and ends. This is a moisturising, reparative conditioner, which protects the hair, mends split ends, reduces frizz and leaves hair smoother and softer. Rinse thoroughly. Before blow-drying apply Alterna’s Restructuring Bond Repair Leave-In Heat Protection Spray, designed to strengthen hair strands while protecting from heat styling.
What is dry hair and what are the signs?
Dry hair occurs when the hair lacks moisture and struggles to retain it. This can happen due to a number of factors such as excessive sun exposure to the hair, over washing, using harsh/stripping shampoos or even the natural process of aging. You may then notice your hair becoming brittle, dry and prone to frizz.
Signs of Dry Hair:
- Hair is rough/has a straw like texture
- Hair looks dull or lacks shine
- Prone to frizz or tangles easily
- Ends may appear split
How To Treat Dry Hair:
The most important thing is to replenish lost moisture and seal it in. Alterna’s Replenishing Moisture Range is clinically proven to provide moisture, smoothness and manageability. Formulated with luxurious Caviar extract, rich in Omega fatty acids, vitamins and minerals and contains our exclusive sea silk which helps to provide exceptional moisture to renew hair health.
Suggested Routine:
Begin by cleansing the hair using Alterna’s Replenishing Moisture Shampoo, a luxurious cleanser which restores, and hydrates dry hair improving the overall look and feel of the hair. Once double shampooed, condition your mid lengths and ends with Alterna’s Replenishing Moisture Conditioner, a luxurious conditioner that works to restore moisture while protecting hair from colour fade, daily stresses and future damage. Next, apply Alterna’s Replenishing Moisture CC Cream to either damp or dry hair. Known as the “Complete Correction”, this leave in treatment and styling cream delivers 10 benefits in 1 easy step for beautiful, healthy-looking hair. It can be used as a quick fix or a foundation for other styling products.
How to choose the correct product for your hair type
If you’re still struggling with what product you think your hair type needs, we recommend taking our Hair Diagnostic Quiz. By answering specific questions our quiz will help to design a haircare routine tailored to your specific needs.
Understanding whether your hair is dry or damaged is the first step toward restoring its health. With Alterna’s Bond Repair and Replenishing Moisture ranges, you can target your hair’s specific needs, whether that’s rebuilding strength, replenishing moisture, or a combination of both. Healthy, beautiful hair is just a routine away.
