What Are the Signs of Healthy and Undamaged Hair?
Written by Dr. Griffin
We all want thick, lustrous locks, but all kinds of factors can have a negative impact on your hair health throughout life, including genetics, hormonal conditions, chemical damage, and UV damage. Don’t assume that your hair is thinning or “fried” just because you happen to be shedding a little when you brush it or the ends have split. Hair restoration from our Philadelphia-based practice can help get you get a fuller head of hair as necessary if your scalp is gradually becoming easier to see, but keep in mind that a little hair loss is natural. In general, if you notice the following characteristics, you can trust that your hair is healthy:
Your Hair is Silky
Your hair should have a soft texture and not become overly tangled or stiff. Shiny, smooth hair indicates that your follicles are functioning as they should and the natural oils from your scalp are being spread evenly from the roots to the ends of the hair strands.
Your Hair Sheds a Little
It might seem contradictory, but losing a few strands of hair every day—when you’re washing or brushing it, or even when you’re asleep—is actually a normal part of the hair growth cycle that allows new hairs to grow in. On the other hand, if you’re worried that you might be shedding an excess amount of hair, that might be cause for concern.
It Doesn’t Break Easily
Overly stressed hair is usually brittle and breaks or frays easily. Healthy hair has good elasticity. When your hair is healthy, you should be able to tug or stretch it without much or any breakage and your hair should bounce back to its normal state. Test it out by gently brushing your hair to its full length.
It Reacts Well to Moisture
Does your hair get frizzy when there’s a lot of moisture in the air? When your follicles are damaged, your hair will frizz more easily in humid conditions. You can test how well your hair is holding water: If the strands float when placed in water, they’re healthy. Extremely porous strands will sink.
Remember that even patients with healthy hair can experience loss due to genetics. Androgenic alopecia is a common problem that leads to thinning and balding. If you have questions about the state of your hair, feel free to contact The Griffin Hair Restoration Center of Philadelphia. Call (215) 561-9100 or submit a contact form to set up an appointment with our team.