The nature of our hair can evolve over time under the influence of several factors. While genetics play a key role in texture and hair thickness, elements like hormonal fluctuations (puberty, pregnancy, menopause), diet, chemical treatments, and the environment can alter the structure of the hair. It is common to see previously straight hair become curly or curls loosen over time.
How to identify your hair texture?
Knowing your hair texture is the first step in understanding how to care for it and enhance it.
The first thing you can do is observe the regrowth at the roots. For example, if your lengths are straight but the roots form waves, your hair type is likely curly.
Another thing you can do is let your hair air dry after washing, without applying anything on it, to see how it defines itself naturally.
Knowing the natural shape of your hair is the first step to understanding your hair type. However, it is not the only step. It is also important to check if your hair is porous and elastic. Depending on the results, the hair care you need to use will differ.
Porous hair
To determine your hair’s porosity, you can perform this simple test. Place a clean, dry hair strand in a glass of water and observe what happens:
Your hair floats: This means your hair fiber is low in porosity. The advantage of low-porosity hair is that it is more resistant to damage and tends to be smoother. However, because the cuticles are closed, it may be harder to hydrate it.
Your hair sinks slowly: Your hair has medium porosity. It absorbs moisture evenly. This type of hair retains good hydration and is often shinier and more resistant.
Your hair sinks quickly: The porosity is high. This means your hair absorbs moisture quickly but cannot retain it. High porosity makes hair more fragile and prone to breakage.
Elastic hair
Hair elasticity refers to its ability to stretch and return to its original shape without breaking.
There is a very simple test to determine the elasticity of your hair fiber. Gently pull one of your wet hairs. If it bounces back into place without breaking, your hair is healthy.
On the other hand, if your hair does not return to its original shape or breaks, your hair is weakened.
How to regain your natural texture?
Identify the causes
Determining the causes of the texture change is necessary to adapt your hair care routine.
The causes can vary: genetics, hormones, pregnancy, menopause, diet, stress, etc. To learn more, read our blog article "Why does hair texture change over time?"
Chemical treatments such as straightening, smoothing, or coloring are also factors that can impact the natural structure of your hair.
To fight the negative effects of these harsh treatments, it is necessary to adopt a hair care routine with restorative treatments.
Adopt an appropriate hair care routine
Deep hydration
To restore your natural hair texture, use hair care products containing natural oils that will restore and hydrate the hair fiber deeply.
The Cair Repair Mask is a powerful treatment made with 93% natural ingredients. It contains a blend of broccoli oil, mango butter, and a complex of fermented oils that open and penetrate the cuticles to regenerate the hair structure. It also contains a unique concentrate of plant collagen that acts on the keratin structure and helps regenerate the hair.
This sulfate-free and silicone-free hair care product is formulated with hyaluronic acid, which can retain up to 1000 times its weight in water. Even in very dry environments, your hair will stay hydrated.
Also found in this hydrating mask is vitamin B8, which strengthens the keratin structure and helps prevent hair loss, as well as panthenol, known to fortify and enhance hair from root to tip.
Use gentle shampoos
To avoid damaging, irritating, or drying out your hair fiber, choose sulfate-free gentle shampoos.
The Cair Natural Shampoo gently cleanses the hair while removing suffocating residues for sleek and shiny hair. Like the mask, it contains hyaluronic acid, which helps retain moisture and prevent dehydration. It is also formulated with 40% active rice, organic grape, bamboo, and fermented raspberry waters, known for their hydrating, soothing, and nourishing properties.
Lastly, the plant proteins in this gentle shampoo reduce the damage caused by external aggressions.
Limit heat styling tools
The last step in your hair care routine is to limit the use of heat styling tools that can damage your hair's structure.
However, if you cannot go without them or use them occasionally, always remember to protect your hair from the heat with a protective mist.
The Cair Mist contains high molecular weight polysaccharides that protect hair from heat, UV rays, and pollution by forming a non-occlusive film on the hair fiber.
This detangling mist also contains encapsulated cellular oil that penetrates the damaged hair, releasing proteins and lipids that offer protection against oxidative stress and high temperatures.
Thanks to this product, your hair is easier to detangle, nourished, and revitalized.
Gradually cut damaged ends
If your hair is weakened by chemical treatments such as coloring, permanent straightening, or bleaching, it may be necessary to cut the damaged areas to regain its natural texture.
Stimulate healthier hair growth
Stimulating the microcirculation of your scalp helps promote the growth of healthier hair.
To do this, perform a scalp massage using the N.04 massaging brush from La Bonne Brosse. This hairbrush provides an invigorating massage that enhances blood circulation and delivers essential nutrients for healthy hair.
This stimulation will also encourage the growth of stronger, more vibrant hair.
If you have very curly or thick hair, prefer the N.07 stimulating brush.
Finally, healthy hair growth also depends on diet. Providing the nutrients, vitamins, and proteins your hair needs is essential for strong, healthy hair fibers.
Find the list of foods to promote healthy hair in our article: "Which Foods to Choose for Healthy Hair?"