What's Your (Hair) Damage?
Good House Keeping - US|July 2019

Almost everyone has some, from dryness to split ends and breakage. Now the GH Beauty Lab breaks down the types and causes, plus gives prevention tips and fixes for your healthiest hair ever

April Franzino
What's Your (Hair) Damage?

problem type PHYSICAL VS. CHEMICAL

Knowing the difference between the two kinds of hair damage — and their causes — is the key to preventing it.

DAMAGE - PHYSICAL

Occurs when hair’s outer layer (cuticle) and/or cortex (inner structure) is disrupted, fractured or removed by a physical force such as styling or heat.

CHEMICAL

The process during which chemicals in certain hair treatments such as coloring break the bonds that hold together the hair shaft.

CULPRITS

Brushing and combing, hot-tool use (blowdryers, flat irons, curling irons, etc.), hairstyling (wearing hair accessories such as elastics with metal components or tight styles like braids and ponytails), everyday wear and tear (friction during sleep, catching on surfaces such as purse straps, etc.) and even water, which causes the hair fiber to swell.

Haircolor (permanent, semi and demi-permanent dye and bleaching, including highlights, lowlights, balayage, etc.), straightening and smoothing processes (including keratin treatments), hair relaxers and perms, plus exposure to other chemicals such as chlorine. (Beauty Lab notes: Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can also damage hair, but only at high levels of exposure.)

ID YOUR DAMAGE

Determine where your hair falls on the spectrum with help from Joyce Davis, M.D., a dermatologist specializing in hair in New York City:

MINOR - SEVERE

DRYNESS

This story is from the July 2019 edition of Good House Keeping - US.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the July 2019 edition of Good House Keeping - US.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM GOOD HOUSE KEEPING - USView All
inside the GH Textiles Lab
Good House Keeping - US

inside the GH Textiles Lab

GH textiles pros reveal their top-tested tricks to help you make informed decisions about fabrics for your home and wardrobe.

time-read
1 min  |
January - February 2024
Deep-Fried Favorites
Good House Keeping - US

Deep-Fried Favorites

Crispy food, coming right up! Pick an ingredient and a coating (if you wish). Add vegetable oil to the fill line in the deep fryer and heat to 350°F per manufacturer directions. Fry until golden brown.

time-read
1 min  |
January - February 2024
EASY WEEKNIGHTS
Good House Keeping - US

EASY WEEKNIGHTS

Make a fresh and delicious dinner in less time than you'd need to order takeout.

time-read
4 mins  |
January - February 2024
Find the Right Pet Pros
Good House Keeping - US

Find the Right Pet Pros

Deciding on a new veterinarian, boarding facility or trainer can be stressful. Here's how to get the pick of the litter.

time-read
3 mins  |
January - February 2024
Crispy Chorizo Tacos
Good House Keeping - US

Crispy Chorizo Tacos

5-INGREDIENT DINNER

time-read
1 min  |
January - February 2024
A Healthier Frying Oil
Good House Keeping - US

A Healthier Frying Oil

It comes from one of our nutrition director's favorite fruits.

time-read
1 min  |
January - February 2024
Your Ultimate Deep Frying Guide
Good House Keeping - US

Your Ultimate Deep Frying Guide

The sizzle, the crunch, the color-nothing quite compares to fried food. Here, our GH culinary pros dive into different techniques, tools and tips to help you master every step of the delicious process. Grab some oil and go for it!

time-read
2 mins  |
January - February 2024
HOST A COOKBOOK PARTY
Good House Keeping - US

HOST A COOKBOOK PARTY

The holidays may be over, but the fun doesn't have to be! This winter, gather a few friends to prepare a meal together from a well-loved cookbook or swap recipes. Here, our kitchen pros share their favorites.

time-read
5 mins  |
January - February 2024
Healthy Fating Guide
Good House Keeping - US

Healthy Fating Guide

Nourishing your body doesn't have to be complicated. Our GH Nutrition Lab experts deliver simple, practical solutions that are also delicious!

time-read
8 mins  |
January - February 2024
HOW TO Take Better Care of Yourself
Good House Keeping - US

HOW TO Take Better Care of Yourself

Have a healthier, happier 2024! We tend to associate \"joy\" with the holiday season, but striving for happiness should happen all year-even after the wrapping paper and tinsel have been packed away. A big part of that involves taking care of your health, both mental and physical. Here are 28 ways to do just that - at least a few will work for you!

time-read
6 mins  |
January - February 2024