You can tell if your hair is damaged by looking for several common signs and performing simple tests:

Common Signs of Damaged Hair

• Dry or Brittle Texture: Damaged hair often feels dry, rough, or straw-like because the protective cuticle layer is compromised, causing moisture loss

• Hair Feels Thick at Roots but Thin or Split at Ends: Damage usually affects the mid-lengths and ends, making them feel thinner or rougher, with visible split ends

• Increased Shedding or Breakage: More hair falling out during brushing, washing, or on your pillow can indicate breakage from damage

• Hair Is More Tangled Than Usual: Rough cuticles cause strands to catch on each other, leading to knots and tangles that are hard to comb through

• Dull Appearance: Healthy hair reflects light and looks shiny; damaged hair appears lackluster and dull due to cuticle damage and moisture loss

• Frizziness and Flyaways: Cuticle damage causes hair to frizz and short broken strands (flyaways) to stick out, making hair hard to manage

• Changed Texture: Hair may feel rough, coarse, or frayed, and curls may lose their bounce or straight hair may feel less smooth

Simple At-Home Tests for Damage

• Elasticity Test: Gently stretch a strand of hair. Healthy hair stretches slightly and returns to shape; damaged hair snaps or breaks easily

• Texture Check: Run your fingers through your hair. If it feels rough, dry, or brittle instead of smooth, it may be damaged

• Visual Inspection: Look closely at the ends for split ends or frayed tips, which are clear damage indicators

By observing these signs and tests, you can assess if your hair is damaged and take steps to repair it with appropriate treatments and care