Humidity Treatment for Hair
High humidity tends to bring out the worst in hair's natural texture. Moisture doesn't cause the hair to frizz, it brings out the natural frizziness or damaged texture of the hair shaft. Does this Spark an idea?
-
Hair's Composition
-
Hair is made up of two main parts: a follicle root beneath the scalp which produces the protein and pigment of the hair shaft; the cuticle is the visible part of hair above the scalp's surface, covered with scale-like sheets of protein called keratin.
What is Humidity?
-
Humidity refers to the content of water vapor in the air. The higher the moisture or dampness in the environment, the higher the relative humidity percentage.
-
Humidity and the Hair
-
Humidity affect the bonds that determine hair's texture, shape and appearance. High humidity affects the keratin bonds and weaker hydrogen bonds by penetrating the cuticle because hair absorbs water, even when you can't see it. Water breaks up the bonds, causing frizziness.
Preventive Products
-
Silicones called dimethicone and cyclomethicone seal the cuticle, minimizing moisture penetration and loss, leaving the bonds intact and flat for a smooth texture. Acidity also makes the shaft smooth, so some products contain citric acid.
Smoothing Agents
-
Conditioners and smoothing agents contain fatty alcohols, humectants such as panthenol, and surfactants which bind to the hair's protein making it feel smooth and slippery. These agents can be applied as creams, mousses, gels, serums and sprays.
-
References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Klaus Post
