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Hair Elasticity: C'mon & Get Flexible!!!Everyone knows elastic deals with flexibility so the elasticity structure measures how much your hair will stretch and return to its normal state. This is a crucial and important aspect to know about your hair because the more you know, the more you grow. Elasticity is an indication of how strong the side bonds are in your hair, which are the bonds that hold the individual protein chains of the hair strand into place. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN??? Many of us view elasticity as a negative thing, especially in afro-textured hair but truth be told elasticity determines how healthy or unhealthy our hair really is. Dry healthy hair stretches up to 35% of its length before snapping off whereas, dry unhealthy hair breaks off more quickly because it does not have much elasticity. Wet healthy hair will stretch up to 50% of its original length and return to its normal shape without breaking. Dry healthy hair on the other hand will only stretch about 20%. More than any other property though, elasticity is what dictates your hair's ability to hold its curl, whether you are natural, or relaxed. TEST THE STRECH... To test the elasticity of your hair, begin by selecting strands of hair from different areas on your head, wet each section and pull the strands slowly to stretch your hair. If your hair stretches and returns to its original length when you release it, then it has good normal to high elasticity, if your hair breaks or doesn't return to its former shape, you have low elasticity. Hair with normal or high elasticity are easier to manage and style with different tools and accessories as opposed to low elasticity which can be difficult. Hair with low elasticity is highly susceptible to breakage and will be hard to curl, and perm. certain styling tools like straighteners and dryers can cause damage your hair when used improperly.
IMPROVE YOUR HAIR ELASTICITY!!! Poor hair elasticity can be resolved by the use of good and proper treatment. Every time you wash your hair take a few moments to massage your scalp. By massaging your scalp you are helping to stimulate hair strength and growth. Condition properly and be sure to use treatments containing Keratin protein which are best for adding strength because of the ability of vegetable proteins immediately penetrating the hair shaft. Mayonnaise Because of its protein-rich ingredients like eggs, mayonnaise makes for a good overall conditioner to add some strength back in to your tresses. Rub it into your hair, then leave it on for about 5 minutes, before you thoroughly shampoo it out. Vinegar rinse Dilute apple-cider vinegar (ACV) in water (one part vinegar to seven parts water) and rinse your hair with it after your shampoo. A vinegar rinse is great for removing build-up and adding beautiful shine to your hair. Limit sun exposure Humidity is highest in the summer time, but the sun is hot always and too much sun can damage your hair as well as your skin. If you can’t limit your sun exposure, apply a creamy conditioner or a watery leave-in with UV protection built into it. Additionally * Utilize shampoos and conditioners that contain proteins, keratin or amino acids. These ingredients bond to the hair shaft to fill in the cracks caused by damage and deliver stronger, healthier hair. * Use a leave in conditioner or spray on conditioner 2 to 3 times a week. The extra moisture keeps hair healthy and reverses the signs of damage. * Detangle your hair with a wide tooth comb when wet rather than a brush to prevent breakage or weakening, and do trimmings on a "regular" period. Removing damaged ends and breakage keeps hair healthy and strong. * Take a multivitamin daily and add foods to your diet rich in calcium, protein and iron. Often, weak hair is a result of a lack of vitamins and minerals. The right balance in your diet strengthens hair and promotes growth.
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