Difference between dry and damaged hair – Moisture v/s Protein

There was a time when I used to stare at salon shelves looking for products that “reversed damaged hair” because I just assumed my hair was damaged because it looked ugly :p. This was before I started embracing my curls. In one such salon, a lady told me – Your hair isn’t damaged. It’s dry. Me – *eye rolling*. If you are confused too, and do not know if your hair is damaged or if it’s just dry, let’s clear it all!

Dry hair is hair that lacks moisture or hydration. Moisture provides elasticity to hair.

Damaged hair is hair that has been robbed off its building blocks (proteins) due to heat or chemical treatments, low protein diet etc. Proteins provide the body to hair.

So now how do we tell the difference between dry hair and damaged hair?

1) The Strand test

* Take a strand of hair that has just fallen off your head.

* Hold the strand at both ends and gently pull it. Do not apply too much force or it will break nevertheless.

Results

Healthy hair – If the hair stretches a little before returning to its original length

Dry hair – If the hair doesn’t stretch or stretches a little before breaking

Damaged hair – If the hair keeps on stretching like a rubber band

This test can also be done when you are detangling your hair. Dry hair will just break off easily without stretching. Damaged hair will always stretch first then break because of the low structural protein content.

2) The Feel test

* Feel a single hair strand between your fingers

Results

Dry hair – tough, hard, brittle, stiff

Damaged hair – limp, soft, mushy

3) You can also check some signs your hair needs protein here – How Protein Helps Your Curls + Protein sensitivity

Solutions

Dry hair

Without moisture to provide elasticity to hair, your hair will feel like hard like steel wool. Look for words like panthenol, glycerin, honey, oil, butter etc. in the ingredients of your products. Clarify your hair to remove protein buildup. Avoid proteins in your hair products. You can also try some homemade treatments mentioned here – 3 homemade deep conditioning masks for curly hair

Damaged hair

Without protein to provide body, your hair will feel limp and curls will not be able to hold their shape or definition. Look for words like protein, amino acid, keratin, collagen etc. in the ingredients of your products. Also incorporate protein into your diet. Here is an easy and effective homemade protein treatment – Homemade gelatin protein treatment for damaged curly hair