Hair Strengthening

Understanding Hair Structure

To comprehend hair strengthening, it's essential to understand the basic structure of a hair strand. Each strand is primarily composed of keratin, a fibrous protein. The outermost layer is the cuticle, consisting of overlapping, scale-like cells that protect the inner cortex. The cortex provides hair with its strength, elasticity, and color, while the innermost medulla is present in some, but not all, hair types and has an unknown function.

Factors like chemical treatments (coloring, perming, relaxing), heat styling, environmental exposure, and even aggressive brushing can damage these layers, particularly the cuticle, leading to a compromised cortex and weakened hair.

Mechanisms of Hair Strengthening

Hair strengthening aims to reinforce the hair shaft through several mechanisms:

Protein Reinforcement

Since hair is mainly protein, introducing hydrolyzed proteins or amino acids can help fill in gaps and repair damaged areas within the cuticle and cortex. These smaller protein fragments can penetrate the hair shaft, temporarily binding to existing keratin and fortifying the hair's internal structure. Common examples include:

• Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein: Known for its ability to penetrate the hair shaft and improve elasticity.
• Hydrolyzed Keratin: Directly replaces lost keratin, strengthening the hair and reducing breakage.
• Amino Acids: The building blocks of proteins, which can help rebuild and repair damaged hair.

Moisturizing and Humectant Action

Well-hydrated hair is more flexible and less prone to breakage. Humectants attract and retain moisture from the air, while emollients smooth the cuticle, reducing friction and increasing shine. Strengthening formulations often include:

• Hyaluronic Acid: A powerful humectant capable of holding a significant amount of water, providing deep hydration.
• Glycerin: Another effective humectant that draws moisture into the hair.
• Natural Oils (e.g., Argan Oil, Coconut Oil): These oils can penetrate the hair shaft to moisturize from within, reduce protein loss (especially coconut oil), and smooth the cuticle.

Sealing the Cuticle

A smooth, intact cuticle acts as a protective barrier, preventing moisture loss and reducing damage to the cortex. Ingredients that help seal the cuticle contribute to overall hair strength.

• Conditioning Agents: Cationic surfactants can lie flat on the hair surface, smoothing the cuticle and reducing frizz.
• Acidic pH Products: Hair and scalp have a natural pH of around 4.5-5.5. Products with a slightly acidic pH (e.g., some conditioners) help to flatten and seal the cuticle, making hair smoother and stronger.

Protection from External Stressors

Preventing damage is as crucial as repairing it. Strengthening strategies often include ingredients that offer protection against environmental and styling-induced stressors.

• Antioxidants: Combat oxidative stress from pollution and UV exposure, which can degrade hair proteins.
• Heat Protectants: Form a barrier on the hair shaft to minimize damage from hot styling tools.

Ingredients for Hair Strengthening

Many ingredients contribute to hair strengthening by addressing the mechanisms described above. Here

---

Find these ingredients in Watermans products

• Argan Oil — you will find this ingredient in our Hair Growth Shampoo.
• Wheat Amino Acids — you will find this ingredient in our Heat Protection Spray.