As part of any consultation, especially before a color application or chemical process, it is important to analyze the condition of the hair before committing to any service. That’s why every Bellezza team member is trained to perform a thorough analysis and provide each guest with specifically tailored information to help restore the balance of their hair.

Did you know that the scale-like structure of the hair cuticle normally has approximately ten layers of cells? Damaged hair often finds the cuticle degraded, which means fewer layers which weakens the hair itself and reduces the layer of protection surrounding the cortex. Damaged cuticles spread out and expand, leaving the cortex exposed, destabilized and requiring treatment.

Hair care products are usually designed to target a specific problem. Because of this they will vary in intensity; a mild case of dandruff is likely to be treatable at home, whereas serious chemical damage will require expert advice and professional treatment. Damaging influences include:

Mechanical Influence

Factors in this category include combing, back-combing, and the use of hair curlers. These methods can rub against the hair cuticles and lead to flaking and tearing. Wet hair is particularly susceptible to these practices because the cuticles are swollen, which potentially exposes the inner cortex. Extensive brushing can even lead to traction alopecia and can cause breakage in dry and brittle hair.

Environment

Environmental factors consist of light (UV and visible light), salt, and chlorine water. These can all contribute to the breakdown of chemical bonds within hair structure. Heat from sunlight can also dry out hair and make it susceptible to damage.

Heat

It is hardly a surprise to anyone that using a curling iron, straightener, blow dryer or dryer hood can potentially damage your hair. Heat breaks down the temporary bonds that hold together polypeptide chains within the hair, so that hair can then be set into a new style. However, over-exposure to heat can permanently damage the structure of hair and may also damage the scalp, leading to hair loss.

Chemical Influences

This category includes processes such as coloring, bleaching, and perming services, which are designed to penetrate the outer protective cuticle, in order to affect the inner cortex directly. Perming chemicals break down disulphate bonds, which hold together the polypeptide chains of keratin. If hair and scalp are over exposed to these chemicals, severe damage can occur.

Humidity

A humid environment opens up pores and cuticles leaving them more exposed to damaging influences.

Health

Poor hair can be an indicator of an underlying health problem or poor diet. In addition, drugs can have a direct influence on hair condition. Pregnant women, or women taking a contraceptive pill, often have healthy hair because estrogen plays an important role in the growth and health of hair. On the opposite end of the spectrum is chemotherapy, which introduces toxins that disrupt hair renewal.

If you are showing signs of hair damage our Hair Treatment Specialist will perform a free consultation to analyze your scalp and hair condition. A custom tailored treatment plan will be provided to help you reconstruct the inner strength of each hair at a cellular level, restoring vitality, resilience and elasticity – creating the perfect base for future services.