Ever wondered about those stray hairs that refuse to conform to the rest on your head? Instead of dismissing them as unruly, consider them unique individuals. To comprehend them better, stylists recommend focusing on their ends. According to Ona Diaz-Santin, owner of 5 Salon & Spa in Fort Lee, New Jersey, breakage often manifests as frayed or split ends, while new growth tends to showcase a smooth, tapered tip.
Determining the shape of a hair tip might sound challenging, but a closer look can unveil distinctive characteristics. Examining the final quarter-inch of a hair reveals whether it tapers to a fine point like new growth or has a messy, blunt end indicative of breakage.
If uncertainty persists, take note of the location of these hairs. Damage tends to occur in areas subjected to styling practices like heat styling or accessories that create tension. If irregular hairs appear along a section you routinely style, chances are it’s breakage.
However, exceptions exist, particularly concerning baby hairs along your hairline. According to Diaz-Santin, these hairs might have a shorter growth cycle and a different growth pattern. If they consistently remain shorter without growing over time, they are likely part of your natural hairline. Changes in length, simultaneous shortening, or alterations in styling habits may indicate breakage.
Once you identify the cause, devise a plan to address the issue. If damage is the culprit, adopting hair-friendly practices becomes crucial. Minimize chemical usage, heat exposure, friction, and tension while maximizing moisture. Simple changes, like sleeping with a silk or satin bonnet or using a silk or satin pillowcase, can make a significant difference.
Dealing with these free-spirited hairs also involves styling strategies. For short, baby-fine hairs along the hairline, edge-control products can help slick them down or style them. Hairstylist Gregory Patterson recommends using the right tools, such as a toothbrush or kabuki makeup brush, to tame fly-aways. Additionally, products like Baby Tress’s Imperfect Edge Styler and Leaf & Flower’s CBD Tame & Fix Flyaway Stick can be effective in managing unruly hairs without the crunch.
Here’s a final tip for reshaping wonky hairs with minimal heat exposure: Set a curling iron to the lowest heat, let it cool for a minute, and gently glide the warm barrel over the hairs you want to encourage in a new direction. The mild heat helps set the hair without causing damage, resulting in a more polished appearance.