You brush it, style it, and sometimes even worry about it, but have you ever stopped to wonder what happens to hair over time? Whether it’s on your head or a strand left in an old hairbrush, hair doesn’t last forever. It’s a natural fiber, and like all things in nature, it undergoes a process of change. The simple answer is yes, hair does degrade, but the journey it takes is a fascinating one.
This process isn’t just about split ends from too much heat styling. The degradation of hair is a complex dance between its internal structure and the world around it. Let’s look at what’s really going on with the hair we shed and the hair we care for every day.
What Happens to Hair After It Falls Out?
Once a hair strand leaves your scalp, it’s essentially a lifeless structure. Made mostly of a tough protein called keratin, it’s surprisingly resilient. However, without the nourishing environment of the follicle, it becomes vulnerable. Exposure to sunlight, moisture, and bacteria will slowly break down the keratin proteins. This process is very slow, which is why you might find old hairs in your hairbrush that still look intact. Given enough time, typically years, the strand will become brittle and eventually disintegrate.
How to Slow Down Damage to Your Living Hair
While the hair on your head is alive at the root, the visible shaft is not. This means you can’t “heal” damage, but you can absolutely prevent it and protect your hair from degrading too quickly. The main culprits are environmental stressors like UV rays from the sun, which can weaken the protein structure and fade color. Chlorine and salt water can also strip away natural oils, leaving hair dry and porous.
Heat styling tools are another major factor. Consistent high temperatures can literally cook the hair, leading to brittleness and breakage. A simple way to combat this is by using a heat protectant spray before styling. Think of it as sunscreen for your hair. When spending time outdoors, wearing a hat can provide a physical barrier against the sun’s damaging effects.
Keeping Your Hair Strong and Healthy
Healthy hair starts from within. A balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals provides the essential building blocks for strong hair growth. Gentle handling is also key. Using a wide-tooth comb on wet hair instead of a brush can prevent stretching and snapping. Regular trims don’t make your hair grow faster, but they do remove the oldest, most weathered ends, preventing splits from traveling up the hair shaft and making your hair look and feel healthier overall.
So, while all hair will eventually submit to time and the elements, the care you provide makes all the difference. By understanding what hair is up against, you can take simple, effective steps to keep the hair on your head looking its vibrant best for as long as possible.