Our hair can be categorized in three different ways: Healthy Dry Damaged

Characteristics of Healthy Hair Smooth texture and feel Shiny Hair loss is 75–100 strands per day Hair loss consists of entire hair strands (contains bulb) Holds curl well Relatively easy to comb while wet Good elasticity (hair strand stretches when pulled) Healthy scalp No breakage Minimal split ends

Characteristics of Dry or Stressed Hair Hair loss is 75–100+ per day Hair is dry to the touch but responds well to moisture May have some scalp problems Dull appearance Itchy scalp Loses curl easily May be frizzy Hair has poor elasticity (does not stretch before breaking) Breakage (hair strands are short) Split endsCharacteristics of Damaged Hair Dull Dry Coarse Frequent use of oil does not help retain moisture and/or the effects do not last long Tangles easily, difficult to comb while wet Frizzy Breakage is severe in spots Visible split ends Scalp may be unhealthy May have excessive dandruff

About the Author

Nicole Elizabeth Smith, the author of "Healthy Black Hair" (2003), is a freelance health and beauty writer and a graduate of Michigan State University. She and her son Zack live in Michigan. Currently, she is beauty editor for www.myhairbook.com.
nicole@myhairbook.com