If you’re noticing excessivedryness, frayed ends or morefrizzthan usual, your hair may need some TLC. “Physicallydamaged hairhas a raised outer cuticle layer that makes it look dull, causes it to snag and lacks movement. It doesn’t swing or sway the way healthy hair does,” saysChris Appleton, a celebrity hairstylist and the global creative director forColor Wow.
When this happens, things can snowball quickly. As Appleton explains: “The raised cuticle layer allows for moisture to leach out of your hair, so it becomes more and more dehydrated. Over time, the sulfur bonds that keep your hair strong and elastic begin to break down and the hair becomes fragile and prone to splitting or breaking.”
“For dried or fried hair, using a mask can be a saving grace,” he adds. “Between heat styling, color and chemical treatments, UV rays, and harsh products, your hair is exposed to many different elements that can cause damage daily. So, if you want to keep your strands strong and glossy, a mask should be a regular staple in your regular routine.”