Hair Structure and Behavior

Have you ever wondered why everyone’s hair is so different? Why one person needs a smoothing shampoo and another person needs a volume boosting shampoo?  All hair is made up primarily of protein however their are three factors that play a role in hair structure and behavior. Heredity, Environment and Products or Appliances. 

1.  Heredity: The gene that each person inherits from his/her parents will determine many things about the makeup of the hair, such as its color, shape and diameter. 

2.  Environment: If it’s rainy or humid, hair will absorb moisture from the air. The extra moisture will alter some of the bonds that give hair its shape and, depending on the type of hair, it may become either limp or frizzy. On the other hand, wind may dry out the hair and sun may damage it. Both of these weather conditions-unusually wet or dry-can cause a need for products that either take excess moisture out of the hair or put more moisture back in. 

3.  Products or Appliances: These things include: shampoos, conditioners, hair dryers, curling irons, flat irons, perms, relaxers and hair color all affect the structural organization of the hair. 

*Heidi Mitchell is a hair stylist that works out of a salon in Colorado Springs called Mateos Salon and Day Spa. Heidi specializes in mens and womens haircuts, color, highlights, and styling. Heidi is a graduate of Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy and has been making people look amazing for the last 7 years.