You may have heard that hair is very fragile when wet, but do you know why? What’s the science behind this phenomenon? To help us understand, we consulted with a hair scientist with a Chemistry Ph.D. This article dives into the science of wet hair and explains why it’s more vulnerable, what happens when hair absorbs water, and how you can protect it. Understanding these concepts can help you maintain healthier, stronger hair. Understanding Hair Structure Hair is a unique natural fiber made primarily of a protein called keratin. This protein forms microfibers arranged in unique patterns, giving ..read more

A common post I see on social media claims that you can tell if a product will work for your hair by simply looking at the ingredient list. If you want to be a more informed hair care shopper, the first step you might take is to read your hair care products’ ingredient lists. I’ve seen lots of curly hair influencers singling out ingredients and immediately judging that the product will not work for them. But is it that simple? Can you really judge a book by its cover—or in this case, a hair product by its ingredient list? The only problem with that is ingredient labels are sometimes hard to re ..read more

I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about whether salon-grade hair products are truly better than those you can buy at the store. This is a burning question on many of your minds, and I wanted to answer it for you. In short, the answer is no, but let’s dive into the details. To help answer this, I contacted an expert—a hair scientist with a Ph.D. in Chemistry specializing in cosmetic formulation. Here’s what he had to say: The Quality of Ingredients Firstly, it’s essential to understand that salon-grade products are not inherently better or of higher quality than store-bought product ..read more

Curly hair is a unique characteristic often linked to the porosity and coarseness of the hair fibers.1,2,3 Everyone’s curls are unique, with their own shape, pattern, and texture. That’s why it’s so important to have a hair care routine tailored just for you, to bring out the best in your curls’ natural body and shape. Whether your hair is thick or fine, oily or dry, finding the right products and care techniques can make all the difference in defining and enhancing your curls. Curly hair is wonderfully diverse, and a one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t cut it. Each curl type comes with it ..read more

Curl patterns are unique characteristics of human hair that vary across different ethnic groups and regions worldwide.1,2 These variations arise from the different structures within the hair cortex. So, why does knowing your curl pattern matter? Does it affect the hair’s physical and chemical properties? And, do different curl patterns require customized hair care routines? The answer is a resounding yes! Identifying your curl pattern is important for tailoring your hair care regimen to meet your specific needs. To provide expert insight into this topic, I’ve enlisted the help of a hair scient ..read more

In the curly hair community, discussions often revolve around embracing natural textures, defining curls, and maintaining overall hair health. However, one topic that has remained somewhat underexplored is how perimenopause and menopause affect hair texture. As someone deeply entrenched in this community, I’ve noticed a recurring theme in the questions and concerns raised by members: the impact of hormonal changes on hair texture during perimenopause and menopause. Despite the wealth of information available on curly hair care, the specific challenges and nuances faced by women undergoing thes ..read more

A hair care formulation is a carefully crafted mixture of various ingredients designed to achieve specific results. These ingredients can be either synthetic, manufactured through chemical processes, or derived from natural sources such as plants. Plant-based ingredients, including extracts from fruits, flowers, seeds, bark, oils, and butters, are particularly popular. They are valued for being sustainable and environmentally friendly, offering a “green” alternative to synthetic components. Due to their natural origins, these ingredients are often marketed as being gentler and safer for the ha ..read more

2B hair is a subcategory of type 2 wavy hair. It might just be the ideal pattern for those beachy waves, the most versatile hair, and is easy to manage. But that only applies if you use the right products to ensure it always looks and feels its best. Below is a list of my 10 best 2B hair products.  Shampoos  From daily cleansers to clarifying washes, shampoo is an essential haircare product, and finding the right one is crucial for your hair’s health. Try these options for 2B hair:  1.  Twist Hit Reset Light Clarifying Shampoo  If there is a product I will keep re ..read more

Fact Checked & Reviewed By Leonela Paladino Leo has more than 17 years of valuable experience as a researcher and lecturer in Biology and Genetics. Holding a PhD in Biology… Learn More Using oil on curly hair has been turned into a trend, but there is a long history of oil used for hair care. While some believe oils are too heavy for curly hair, science explains how oil can retain moisture and help with hair health. So, how do you use it for curly hair?  Oil for curly hair can serve several benefits, like moisturizing, detangling, protection, and styling. The scientific and biologic ..read more

Last Updated on February 21, 2024 by Verna Meachum Hair is a fascinating, complex structure primarily composed of alpha-keratin protein. This protein forms the backbone of hair through its polypeptide strands, which are intricately linked by various chemical bonds.1 Just like other biological materials, water plays a pivotal role, and keratin is no exception. Keratin has a remarkable ability to adsorb and retain water molecules.2 To answer the question, “Does hair contain water?” – yes, it certainly does. Hair fibers house water in two forms: external, where water molecules are adsorbed onto ..read more