From the Research
Hair can rapidly transition from a healthy state to a brittle and lifeless state due to sudden exposure to extreme heat, harsh chemical treatments, environmental factors, and product buildup, which can damage the hair's cuticle layer and compromise its ability to retain moisture and shine. The mechanism behind this rapid change involves damage to the hair's protein structure and moisture balance, which can be caused by various factors such as:
- Sudden exposure to extreme heat from styling tools like flat irons or blow dryers
- Harsh chemical treatments such as bleaching, perming, or relaxing, which can break down structural bonds in the hair
- Environmental factors like high humidity causing frizz or very dry conditions leading to moisture loss
- Product buildup from heavy styling products, which can weigh hair down quickly
- Chlorine from swimming pools or salt water, which can strip natural oils almost immediately To prevent this, it is recommended to:
- Use heat protectants before styling
- Limit chemical treatments
- Protect hair from environmental extremes
- Choose lightweight products that won't cause buildup The science behind these changes involves damage to the hair's cuticle layer, which normally protects the inner cortex and helps hair retain moisture and shine, as discussed in general medicine knowledge, although not directly supported by the provided studies 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.