If you’ve dipped a toe in the haircare pool, you’ve definitely heard of the cuticle. No, not the ones the nail tech clips back for you – the ones that are part of your hair strands! That’s right, every single one of your hair strands has a shaft that is comprised of three layers: the medulla, the cortex, and the cuticle. Today, we’re talking about the outermost layer in charge of keeping the innermost parts of your hair safe, healthy, and shiny: the cuticle.
What Is the Hair Cuticle?
To keep it simple, the hair cuticle is the external layer of the hair shaft that protects the inner layers of the hair. It’s made of overlapping cells that vaguely resemble fish scales or roof shingles and is ultimately the first line of defense between your hair and anything threatening to compromise its overall health. Basically, when the hair cuticle is strong and healthy, that’s exactly the way your hair will look and feel.
Signs of Damaged Hair Cuticles
As we stated above, healthy cuticles are made up of thin layers of cells that overlap like fish scales or roof shingles. However, when the cuticle becomes damaged, these shingles open up and become sharp and uneven. Frizz, breakage, dryness, and split ends are all signs of an unhealthy or weakened hair cuticle. Too much heat exposure, frequent chemical processing, or poor grooming habits can all contribute to damaged cuticles, and ultimately, damaged hair strands that lead to overall faulty hair structure. Other factors like too cold weather and overly hot water can also damage the hair cuticle, causing them to open up and make hair susceptible to breakage or frizz.
Caring for Your Hair Cuticles
Sealing the hair cuticle is the best way to prevent long term damage. Luckily, there are a few simple ways to do this!
Deep Conditioning Products
Using products with Argan oil or other specialty hair oils can help maintain hair’s moisture and keep the cuticle sealed. A leave-in conditioner or other deep conditioning mask can also give hair necessary hydration and smoothness.
Heat Protection
Always use a heat protectant spray like Jousse Vitality Spray before styling with any heat styling tools to ensure your cuticle remains protected.
Cool Water Rinse
Finish up your shampoo routine with a cool rinse of water to properly seal the cuticle and lock in smoothness and shine
When you think about a healthy hair cuticle, look for an individual hair strand that is uniformly smooth and thick from top to bottom. Think of your hair cuticle as the protector of your hair and make sure you take action to keep it safe, healthy, and strong! Want to know more about the properties of your hair strands? Let us know in the comments!
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