Shampoo and Cuticle Damage

Did You Know?

Shampooing can be very damaging to your hair. According to Dr. Ali Syed, a shampoo with a pH level higher than 5.5 will cause an imbalance in the pH level of the hair and "rough- up" the cuticle layer. It will also strip the hair of it's natural oils. A stripped, rough cuticle layer sets the stage for combing and styling damage.

The cuticle layer, which tightly binds the fibers of the cortex layer and accounts for much of the hair's strength, can be dissolved by shampoo detergents to some extent. High pH detergents and products break down the cuticle layers of the hair shaft, therefore, exposing the hair cortex (hence a damaged weakened hair shaft). Coconut oil has a high affinity for the proteins in the hair, meaning it's great for preventing protein loss (cuticle chipping, damaging/abrasion due to washing and wet combing). Once you apply it to your hair, it prevents the constant swelling and shrinking which means less stress on the hair shaft.

Tips from Dr. Ali Syed:

• Cleanse only with high-quality conditioning/ detangling shampoos, formulated especially for excessively curly hair. Make sure that the pH of the shampoo is properly balanced, within the range of 4.5 and 5.56.5. Avoid harsh detergent formulas (those in the alkyl sulfates group, such as sodium lauryl sulfate) that strip the hair of its natural oils.

• While shampooing, try not to tangle the hair. Massage the shampoo into a rich lather throughout the hair and scalp, using the pads of your finger tips, not your fingernails. Be sure to rinse the hair thoroughly to remove all traces of shampoo.


♥ Sunshyne