HEAT DAMAGE

[Napia Mia]

A picture is worth a thousand words.

A while ago, I found this online reference manual on Proctor and Gamble's web site. Many of you veteran NP members may be familiar with it. Anyway, it's written by Dr. John Gray and it's provided by the Proctor & Gamble Hair Care Research center. You can have a look see at it by clicking on the World of Hair. (http://www.pg.com/science/haircare/hair_twh_toc.htm)

It's an excellent scientific resource. It can help clear up a lot of common misconceptions and notions that we all tend to have about hair. The only thing I don't like about it is that the nice doctor obviously thinks straight, caucasian/asian hair is the be all standard of beauty. So much for objectivity.

There's a wonderful section with magnified pics of hair which has been damaged in a variety of way. Every time I see them, particularly the heat damaged pics, it's enough to make me never want to see another heating implement again -- let alone use one again -- ever in my life.

So, I thought I'd share. Enjoy.

The Life Cyle of Damaged Hair
Usually hair damage takes place gradually, stage by stage, as follows:

*The hair is weakened

*The cuticle begins to break down

*The cuticle disappears, layer by layer

*The cortex is exposed

*Split ends appear

*The hair breaks.

[caltron]

Wow. This is so interesting. I used to get my natural hair burnt chemical fire cream straight on the regular ever 2 weeks. That proved to be just as damaging as relaxing.

If I ever break down and use direct heat again, I won't use anything on my hair that is hot enough to burn my skin.

[Tha0ne]

Wow *shakes head* I never knew. Sheesh. I haven't used heat for about 10 months and I'm glad about it.

[pacunurse30]

I've been afraid to use heat, and now I'll continue to stay away from it!!

[Napia Mia]

Trichorrhexis nodosa
This is an explosion of the cortex at a single point on the hair. It looks like a tiny white bead on the hair, and can lead to hair breakage. It is a classic sign of cosmetic and chemical over-treatment of the hair.

http://imephotography.smugmug.com/photos/79615685-L.jpg
A case of trichorrhexis nodosa, where the cortex was disrupted by an overheated hair dryer

[nappysurgeon]

One word. Scary.

[pookeylou]

Dang...that aint no joke!

[miss_kn]

wow! thanks for educating us!

[cimary]

Thanks for this.

[seafuss]

Thanks for this.
[/b]

Thanks :wub:

[RenGib123]

Okay my comment is not about the heat damage, that seems credible and reliable. But about the information in article/website. While I was reading it seems to me that a lot of the information seemed somewhat biased and faulty. Proctor and Gamble is a HUGE company that owns several lines including Pantene, Herbal Essences, Clairol, Head & Shoulders, Vidal Sassoon, and Physique. Not that I'm saying to dismiss their information, but I'd be weary.

[Napia Mia]

Okay my comment is not about the heat damage, that seems credible and reliable. But about the information in article/website. While I was reading it seems to me that a lot of the information seemed somewhat biased and faulty. Proctor and Gamble is a HUGE company that owns several lines including Pantene, Herbal Essences, Clairol, Head & Shoulders, Vidal Sassoon, and Physique. Not that I'm saying to dismiss their information, but I'd be weary.
[/b]

Biased? Very much so. Yes, I'd agree with that. But faulty? What information did you find faulty, and what other information would you use to support your assertion that the information is faulty? I do a lot of research on hair and much of the information I find on this site, I can also find on other sites that I consider to be reputable sources about the science of hair.

[Cammydoll]

Wow is right!
Thanks to this site even without graphic depections such as the above LOL.
I refuse to use heat no blowing out no torture devices. I have no desire to see my hair straight in any shape or form...and if I did Id just band. I dont need to straighten to trim either I clip the ends at the tip when my twists are in.

[daydreamr]

Ugh...those pictures look disgusting! I didn't know heat could make your hair strands look like 3rd degree burns. If that isn't enough to make one stop using heat, I don't know what is!

[monalisa02]

Wow *shakes head* I never knew. Sheesh. I haven't used heat for about 10 months and I'm glad about it.
[/b]
I know this is off topic but wow, you and your hair...absolutely beautiful

[Fuesha]

WOW?! This has truly scared the living daylights out of me. When I BC no heat other than the rays of sunshine shall touch my hair