Everything You Need To Know About Hair Elasticity

Elasticity is, in my opinion, one of the most important properties of hair. This is the hair's ability to be able to spring back to its original shape and length without damage. Hair's elasticity depends mostly on the keratin levels and sulphide bonds in the cortex of the hair. Chemical services such as relaxers, perms, or bleaching will then create poor elasticity in your hair. This will limit the amount the hair will be able to stretch. The hair may also not curl, be weak, fragile and will break easily. Elasticity is rated as being low, normal, or high. To test the elasticity of your hair, you need to select strands of hair from different areas on the head. Be sure the hair is wet. Hold the strand securely and stretch the hair. If the hair stretches and returns to its original length when released, then it has good elasticity. If the hair breaks or doesn't return to its former shape, you have low elasticity. Poor elasticity can be corrected by the use of good treatment conditioners that contain vegetable proteins such as wheat, rice and corn proteins. Some of the products that have been particularly effective for me are: Roux Porosity Control, Vitale Super Intensive Reconstructor, Apple Cider Vinegar Rinses, Miss Key Wheat Germ Conditioner, Salerm Wheat Germ Oil Conditioner, At One Botanical Reconstructor. So if your hair suffering from low elasticity, implementing small changes into your regimen will really help to increase your hair’s overall health.

The “New Way” to Wash Your Hair

You may not know this, but learning how to properly wash your hair is going to have a tremendous impact on the health and brilliance of your tresses. Start by lightly detangling your hair from hair ends to root with a large tooth comb, then placing your dry hair into large braids to shampoo. In the shower, pour streams of diluted shampoo and warm water from a large cup over your braids. Squeeze the braids to shampoo and rinse. While the braids are still in, add your favorite detangling conditioner to your hair. I like Queen Helene with Ginseng and LeKair Cholesterol Plus. This will make your hair easier to untangle and comb through. Take one braid down at a time and gently comb through with a wide toothed comb, beginning at hair ends and working your way up, and then rinse by squeezing your hair as you pour the water over it. Squeezing will help with the rinse. Braid the section back up. Repeat with all of your braid sections. After you have done all sections, your hair should still remain in the big loose braids. Take each section down to add hair strengthener and oil. Oil will give it more moisture after it air dries. Air dry your hair to keep in moisture. You can also roller set or roller wrap the hair. Look for styles that do not require direct heat; this will help keep your hair at its healthiest.