Whether hair has become weak due to an overload of heat damage, one too many balayage sessions, or the lingering effects of COVID, reinstating its strength is the secret to getting it shiny, smooth, and voluminous. Rest assured that even though our hair is constantly under a barrage of damaging elements, plenty of expert-recommended tips, tricks, products, and treatments can help strengthen it.
So, how can you tell if your hair is weak or just needs a little pick-me-up? According to certified trichologist William Gaunitz, FWTS, and the founder of Advanced Trichology, you can scope it out by examining hair’s overall density close to the scalp. If it’s weak, it will appear fragmented and stringy. Helen Reavey, a celebrity hairstylist, trichologist, and the founder of Act + Acre, says an elasticity strand test is also an easy way to validate the hair’s strength. On wet hair, gently pull a single strand until it reaches its resistance point. Then, release it. “Hair that bounces back is strong and elastic, but if it stays stretched out, it is likely weak and damaged,” she says.