How to test your hair elasticity

We spend so much time (and money) on hair care searching for the perfect shampoo, investing in treatments, and following the latest hair trends. But what if the real key to healthy, resilient hair isn’t about piling on products, but about truly understanding what your hair needs?

If you’ve ever wondered why your hair feels dry no matter how much you hydrate it, why it breaks easily when you brush it, or why your curls don’t hold the way they used to, the answer might lie in your hair’s elasticity.

What is hair elasticity and why is it important?

Hair elasticity refers to the hair's ability to stretch and return to its original shape without breaking. This characteristic is a key indicator of hair health, reflecting the balance between protein and moisture within the hair shaft. Proper elasticity contributes to hair's strength, resilience, and overall appearance.

Why is hair elasticity important?

Assessing hair elasticity helps in understanding the hair's structural integrity. Hair with good elasticity is less prone to breakage, holds styles better, and appears more vibrant. Conversely, poor elasticity can lead to brittleness, dullness, and difficulty in managing hair.

Simple hair elasticity test

To evaluate your hair's elasticity, follow these steps:

1. Prepare the hair strand: Select a single strand of hair from your head. It's recommended to perform this test on clean, damp hair for accurate results.
2. Stretch the strand: Gently hold the hair strand between your fingers and slowly stretch it.
3. Observe the reaction:
   • Balanced elasticity: If the hair stretches slightly and returns to its original length without breaking, it indicates a healthy balance of moisture and protein.
   • Low elasticity: If the hair stretches very little or breaks almost immediately, it suggests a lack of moisture, making the hair brittle.
   • High elasticity: If the hair stretches significantly and doesn't return to its original shape or breaks after extensive stretching, it may indicate an excess of moisture and a deficiency in protein.

Improving hair elasticity

Based on the test results, consider the following adjustments to your hair care routine:

• For low elasticity (needs moisture):

  • Hydration: Incorporate moisturizing shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in treatments containing ingredients like aloe vera and glycerin to infuse moisture into the hair.
  • Deep conditioning: Use deep conditioning treatments regularly to enhance moisture retention and improve elasticity.

• For high elasticity (needs protein):

  • Protein treatments: Introduce protein-rich treatments to strengthen the hair shaft and restore the protein-moisture balance.
  • Balanced products: Opt for hair care products that offer a balance of protein and moisture to maintain optimal elasticity.

Additional tips for maintaining hair elasticity

• Limit heat styling: Excessive use of heat styling tools can weaken hair bonds, reducing elasticity. Minimise heat exposure and always apply heat protectants when styling.
• Healthy diet: Consume a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support hair health from within. Targeted nutrients like those found in Mane Event, Crowning Glory and Hair Atelier provide the essential nutrients and building blocks for overall hair health to ensure new growth of strong and flexible strands.
• Regular trims: Schedule regular hair trims to eliminate split ends, which can travel up the hair shaft and affect overall hair health.

Understanding and regularly assessing your hair's elasticity allows you to tailor your hair care routine effectively, promoting stronger, more resilient hair.