Between colouring, blow-drying or simply the limestone in the water and the chlorine in swimming pools, hair that has been put to the test of life (and of our hair desires) needs a little attention if we want to keep it healthy. The hair fibre is both strong and fragile: let's see what nature offers to enhance it.
Hair growth is a long and laborious process called the hair cycle. During this cycle, the hair goes through three main phases: it grows, it involutes (the opposite of evolves), and it falls out. These cycles recur indefinitely throughout life, and each hair follicle is likely to produce about 25 hairs. The hair growth phase lasts three years on average, and is subject to hormonal variations (which is why it is longer in women). Nature carries out its job well: each follicle evolves individually, so that we do not lose all our hair at the same time. Thus, through the hair cycle, the hair never stops renewing itself and working without us even realising it.
The lengths are the other name given to the hair shaft, which is the hair itself. Implanted obliquely into the skin via the sebaceous follicle, the hair shaft is the free and visible part of the hair and is made up of keratin. Its diameter varies between 70 and 100 microns.
The hair shaft consists of 3 layers of concentric cells:
The medulla, found in the centre, they’re rounded non-pigmented cells with no specific abilities or properties.
The cortex, or bark, which represents 90% of the total weight of the hair, i.e. its thickest part. Although it plays a major role in the hair's resistance, it can be very sensitive to various aggressions (wind, cold, sun, heat, etc.).
The cuticle: made up of scales, it protects the cortex from external aggression. It gives the hair its glossy appearance.
Caption: 1. The medulla 2. The cortex 3. The cuticle
Help, I have dry ends and damaged lengths. How did this happen?
Using too much heat on your hair, harsh dyes, straightening it too often, UV rays, wind, lack of proper treatments...
1. The hydrolipidic film, the hair's protective barrier is affected: attacked by various aggressions, this protective surface shield no longer fully plays its role as a barrier. The already weakened hair is exposed to external aggression.
2. The cuticle lifts up: when the scales that form the cuticle are damages and become detached, the inside of the hair is exposed, the water naturally present in the hair evaporates excessively and the hair dries out.
3. Keratin damage at the heart of the hair: Damaged by these micro-traumas, the keratin chains that make up the hair break up. When this is lacking, the hair becomes porous, brittle, dry and less beautiful.
Hair growth up close...
For its growth, the hair relies on the contribution of numerous active ingredients:
- Sulphur amino acids, methionine, cysteine and cystine, which are necessary for the synthesis of keratin
-Fatty acids (linoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid), which are necessary for the inter-cellular cement that holds the cells together
- Metals and vitamins (zinc, copper, vitamins A, C, B5, B6, B8) which are necessary for many reactions in the body, and in particular for the synthesis of hair constituents.
All these elements are brought to the follicle by the vascular network (blood vessels). The vascularisation of the follicular papilla therefore plays a fundamental role in the supply of nutrients to the hair bulb cells. Hormones also play an important role in the secretion of sebum.
The ends are dry and lack softness and suppleness to the touch.
See our tips
Straw-like, dull or lacklustre hair is a sign of damaged, dehydrated hair that urgently needs to be nourished and repaired in depth. Fortunately, our haircare products with natural ingredients have good you covered.
I blow-dry and/or straighten my hair every week, have trouble managing my curls or my hair tangles easily.
See our tips
Straightening, detangling... You've tried everything, but your hair just won't behave. Whether your hair is unruly by nature (curly, frizzy or coiled hair), or whether it has become so over time due to repeated aggression, it is better to heal than to harm.
I nourish my hair deeply and choose the right care for my natural colour.
See our natural solutions
Whether it’s dyed or not, colour is a major factor in the beauty of your hair. The healthier and more nourished your hair is, the more it can reflect light and look radiant. A haircare routine adapted to your hair colour and needs is therefore essential to revive your colour.
Well, this isn’t completely true as hair grows at the root. But dry, split ends are almost un-repairable hair. And to avoid hair becoming damaged further up, it’s best to cut split ends. Hair will grow back healthier, easier to detangles and with a nicer shape.
Not really as hair is in fact dead. But how about when I have painful knots, or after wearing my hair tied up? This is exactly pain in the hair root due to tension. To relieve pain, you can give yourself a scalp massage in the shower to relieve tension and activate micro-circulation.
Yes, our hair doesn’t look the same when we're 5, 15 or 50 years old. The hair cycle is directly influenced by our hormones, which is why it is not the same for men and women, or why it is different for pregnant women. With age and hormonal changes, hair produces less and less keratin and sebum, and loses density: this ageing of the hair and scalp needs to be accompanied with the right products.
It depends on your hair type, but in general, once or twice a week, no more. Depending on your specific needs, you can also apply a conditioner or hydrating product to detangle and nourish your hair. In any case, washing your hair daily is not recommended: you risk eliminating your hair's natural sebum, which is its best shine and health asset. Dry shampoo is a great alternative to everyday washing!
