A castle from a fairy tale has nothing on us. Our hair comes with its own strong stone walls and battlements—called the cuticle—and though modern life will lay siege to it, nothing will breach our defenses if we learn how to care for it.
The cuticle, or outer layer of our hair, is what keeps our hair healthy, shiny and moving fluidly (like you see in all those slow motion commercials). But if we don't take special care of it, our damaged cuticle will have our hair looking dull, lifeless, brittle or stringy. Here's some ways to keep your hair cuticle healthy:
What goes in, must come out: Remember, hair grows from the inside out—so watch your diet. Fruits (organic if possible as pesticides can stay stored in your hair's cuticle—for years!), veggies, lean protein, carbs will help the condition of the cuticle. And don't forget the oil, Keeping a daily dose of olive or sunflower oil (as well as fish oils) in our diet will ensure our cuticle is healthy (and help our skin from drying up.) Make sure to get biotin and vitamin B every day as well, as they can actually help hair grow thicker.
Don't be a roughneck: Your hair's cuticle can't take the rough stuff. Don't yank a brush or comb through your hair—wet or dry--and choose a brush that is gentle on your hair. Watch also when you take clips out of your hair and always use covered elastics and a gentle touch. A rough hair cuticle will make you hair less than smooth, affecting the shine and the way it lays.
You're a sponge: Or at least your hair cuticle is, taking in smoke, air pollution, chlorine, hot tub chemicals. If it is in the atmosphere around you, your hair cuticle will take it in and be weaker for it. Limit your exposure to these toxins and don't forget to
rinse your hair with clear water after you've been swimming in fresh or saltwater.
Taking the heat: Blow dryers, curling irons, electric curlers and flat irons can damage hair's cuticle with excessive heat. Air dry your hair and use hot implements for the least amount of time possible. Always use a conditioner (like AESTALANCE PROTEIN) if you notice your hair drying out and again, don't pull too hard when brushing, drying, curling or straightening.
Baby your cuticle: If you hair is colored or straightened, be sure to use a good shampoo and conditioner formulated specifically for your hair. Deep condition often (remember to make an appointment at Believe for a monthly deep conditioning to keep your cuticle in tip-top shape). Also, don't believe the hype that you need to wash your hair daily. You don't. Rinse it out and apply conditioner. That regime will keep your cuticle healthier.
A word about your “other” cuticle: The cuticles on your nails can get ragged and dry, too. A little Aestelance body butter rubbed in them daily can keep them moisturized and healthy.
Let the season with its hot sun and baking heat try to take your cuticles' battlements by storm. With a little care (and some help from Believe) you can withstand the siege.