The Cuticle Cure: How to Fight Frizz and Keep Your Hair Healthy

This article explores how keeping your hair cuticles healthy is essential for soft, shiny, and manageable hair. Learn what a hair cuticle is; what causes damage; and many ways to protect and repair your hair cuticle, including sleeping on a pure silk Mulberry Park Silks Pillowcase.

Are you a weary veteran in the war on frizz? You're not alone. Of course, sleeping on a Mulberry Park Silks pillowcase can make a tremendous difference in keeping your hair healthy, smooth, and tangle-free. But there's a bit more to the art and science of smooth, lustrous hair. Today we're going to take a close-up look at one specific part of your hair's structure-the cuticle-and explain how this protective layer can (quite literally) make or break the look, feel, and condition of your hair.

The Anatomy of a Hair Strand

To truly understand the importance of the cuticle, it's helpful to know about the entire structure of a hair strand. Each hair is composed of three main layers: the medulla, a soft, spongy, innermost layer; the hair cortex, which determines hair texture, wave, and color; and the cuticle layer, which is the outermost protective layer that shields the cortex from damage. A healthy cuticle is made up of overlapping cells that resemble shingles. These "shingles" are actually tiny, overlapping scales that lie flat against the hair shaft. When your cuticles are in good condition, they create a smooth surface that reflects light, giving your hair a healthy shine and making it more manageable.

Healthy Cuticles: The Foundation of Fabulous Hair

Healthy hair cuticles lie flat and tight against the hair shaft. This smooth surface not only looks great but also serves several important functions including protecting the inner layers of the hair; helping lock in the hair's natural moisture; reflecting light for a shiny, glossy look; and improving manageability while reducing tangles.

A damaged cuticle, on the other hand, happens when the "shingles" begin to lift and separate from the hair shaft. This creates a rough, uneven surface that leads to several hair woes, including the telltale frizzy appearance. Damaged cuticles are also dull and lackluster since the irregular surface doesn't reflect light. Open cuticles also allow moisture to escape, leaving hair parched and brittle. Additionally, raised cuticles tend to snag on one another causing knotting and breakage.

"When the hair cuticle is flat and intact, with all its shingles in place, it is healthy," explains Ghanima Abdullah, a cosmetologist at therighthairstyles.com. "If the hair shingles are sticking up, they can get caught on each other, which leads to difficulty detangling or parts being ripped off when you try. If the cuticle is compromised, the inner core, which is more sensitive, can be subject to corrosion. This means breakage, split ends, and poor-quality hair. "

Common Causes of Cuticle Damage

There are so many factors that contribute to cuticle damage. Here are a few of the big contributors to dryness, frizz, and breakage: factors that contribute to cuticle damage and the resulting frizz and breakage.

1. Heat styling: Excessive use of flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers can lift and damage the cuticle.
2. Chemical treatments: Hair dyes, perms, and relaxers can weaken and lift cuticles.
3. Overwashing: Frequent shampooing, especially with harsh products, can strip natural oils and raise cuticles.
4. Environmental factors: Sun exposure, wind, cold weather, and humidity can all take their toll on your cuticles.
5. Mechanical damage: Towel drying, aggressive brushing, heavy hair extensions, and tight hairstyles can physically damage cuticles.
6. Sleeping on cotton pillowcases: This is another form of mechanical damage. The rough texture of cotton can cause friction, leading to raised cuticles and frizz.

One of the inherent problems is that hair treatments and products are meant to penetrate the hair shaft. The problem occurs when the cuticle doesn't close properly or gets worn. Ghanima Abdullah explains, "The cuticle has a hinge that is worn out the more times it's opened. So, if you use heat, chemicals, and shampoo, your hair is opening and closing too rapidly. This can lead to the loss of portions of the hair cuticle. Some chemicals also corrode the cuticle."

A quick note for our curly girls and guys: Simply by having curly hair, you may find yourself more prone to frizz and damage. This happens because the bends and twists in curly hair cause the cuticle to be slightly raised, even in its natural healthy state. This makes curly hair more vulnerable to moisture loss; more susceptible to environmental damage; prone to tangles and breakage; and, unfortunately, more frizz-prone. Not to worry, though! With the right care, even the curliest locks can achieve smooth, defined curls.

Healthy Habits for Happy Cuticles

Fortunately, some healthy hair habits will help prevent damaged hair cuticles:

1. Limit heat styling: When possible, air dry your hair. If you must use heat, always apply a heat protectant first.
2. Use gentle hair care products: Choose sulfate-free shampoos and nourishing conditioners designed for your hair type.
3. Deep condition or use a hair mask regularly: Treat your hair to weekly deep conditioning treatments to keep cuticles moisturized and smooth. (Conditioners in general are meant to help your cuticles lie flat, so use them religiously to manage frizz.)
4. Finish with a cool rinse: End your shower with a cool water rinse to help seal the cuticles.
5. Protect your hair while you sleep: Sleep on a silk pillowcase or wear a silk bonnet or head scarf.
6. Be gentle: Pat your hair dry with a microfiber towel instead of rubbing, and use a wide-tooth comb to detangle wet hair.
7. Use leave-in treatments: Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to help seal the cuticle and protect it throughout the day.

The Silk Secret: Silk Pillowcases Are a Game-Changer for Your Hair

 

One of the best things you can do for your hair cuticles is to switch your cotton pillowcase for a pure silk pillowcase from Mulberry Park Silks. Cotton is naturally absorbent, and actually pulls moisture away from your hair. Cotton also causes friction; even the finest cotton pillowcases contain tiny fibers that tug and pull at hair, which causes stress damage.

Silk pillowcases, bonnets, and scarves, on the other hand, are an overnight beauty treatment for your hair. Here's why:

• Friction-free surface: Silk's smooth texture allows your hair to glide across the pillowcase without catching or snagging. This means less mechanical damage to your cuticles as you sleep. And you can rest easy knowing that all Mulberry Park Silks pillowcases, bedding, and accessories are made with the finest silk on the market, Grade 6A, in a lustrous charmeuse weave. The smooth surface of silk is especially gentle on fine hair or anyone experiencing hair loss.

• Moisture retention: Unlike cotton, which can absorb moisture from your hair, silk (like human hair) is protein-based and helps your hair retain its natural oils and hydration. This keeps cuticles lying flat and reduces frizz.

• Temperature regulation: Silk naturally regulates temperature, which can help prevent excessive sweating that can lead to frizzy, puffy hair in the morning.

• Hypoallergenic properties: Silk is naturally resistant to dust mites, mold, and other allergens that can irritate your scalp and affect hair health. Mulberry Park Silks products are also independently certified as safe according to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®.

• Long-lasting benefits: With proper care, a high-quality silk pillowcase can provide these benefits night after night, making it a worthwhile investment in your hair's health. Our silk pillowcases can be easily washed by hand or machine, no dry cleaning is required.

Kate, a Specialist at wig and hair extension retailer, Irresistible Me, is a big fan of sleeping on silk. "A silk pillowcase can reduce friction on your hair while you sleep, which helps prevent cuticle damage. It's much gentler on the hair than cotton, helping to maintain the smoothness and integrity of your hair cuticle."

"A silk pillowcase is a game-changer for your hair," adds NYC-based hair entrepreneur, Dalya Harel. At Mulberry Park Silks, we absolutely agree! By incorporating a silk pillowcase, head scarf, or bonnet into your hair care routine, you're giving your cuticles the chance to repair and stay smooth while you sleep. This means waking up to smoother, shinier, and more manageable hair with significantly less frizz. Our silk is also wonderful for your skin!

Of course, our luxurious silk pillowcases and hair accessories are about so much more than protecting your cuticle. They look and feel indulgent; pamper your skin; and promote a comfortable night's rest. We carry a range of silk pillowcases in varying momme weights and colors with either envelope or hidden zipper closures. If you're not sure which pillowcase is right for you, drop an email or give our team a call. We are here to help you find your perfect silk pillowcase!

Our Clients Also Ask These Questions:

How can you protect your hair cuticles naturally?

You can protect your cuticle by protecting it from environmental damage and not using heavy-duty heat-styling tools. Air dry your hair when you can, and comb with a wide-tooth comb to remove tangles. Use chemical treatments sparingly and condition your hair regularly, including a mask or deep conditioner once a week. You should also sleep on a pure, silk pillowcase from Mulberry Park Silks,

How do you close your hair cuticle?

Using a deep conditioner or mask should help close your hair cuticle. If you are undergoing a salon treatment like hair color, your stylist will use a special product to close the cuticle. You can also finish with a cold water rinse after washing and conditioning your hair to close your cuticle.

What causes hair cuticles to open?

Hair cuticles open because of chemical treatments such as hair dye or bleach. Hair cuticles can also open from heat styling, friction, mechanical damage (heavy brushing, rubbing on a rough pillowcase, extensions), or from environmental factors like hot water, UV rays, and wind.

What is better for your hair, silk or satin?

Pure silk is much better for your hair. Silk is a natural, protein-based fabric that helps your hair (and skin) retain natural moisture. It is breathable, temperature-regulating, and hypoallergenic. Satin is a synthetic fabric made from petroleum-based polyester or nylon; it does not breathe and delivers none of the hydrating benefits of real silk.