The Damaging Effects of Heat

I read an article recently on the damaging effects of curling irons and blow dryers on African American hair. The article began by discussing the cuticle, which is the outer-most layer of the hair shaft. Apparently, when left unprotected or exposed to excessive heat, it becomes irreversibly damaged and cannot be repaired. The article went on to say that once the cuticle is damaged, the hair shaft becomes more porous thereby making the hair prone to dryness. When the hair shaft is dry, breakage is almost inevitable. If the cuticle is worn away at the end of a hair strand, the cortex, --- the shaft's middle layer --- begins to unravel and split. Split ends cannot be repaired and must be cut to prevent further splitting. Granted, there are ways to make those ends “appear” to be mended. But once, the damage is done, it’s done!

So, as I continue to explore transition options, it appears that any style that requires heat is off the table.

Want to know if you have split ends?

Visit: http://blacknaps.org/2011/03/25/how-to-spot-split-ends/