What happens to hair when the cuticle is damaged?

When the cuticle, which is the outermost layer of the hair, becomes damaged, the hair is unable to effectively protect the inner layers. This damage often leads to a number of undesirable changes in the hair's texture and overall health. Specifically, when the cuticle is compromised, the hair tends to become frizzy and porous.

Frizziness occurs because the damaged cuticle cannot lay flat, which allows moisture to escape and can lead to a rough, uneven surface. Additionally, porosity increases because the damaged cuticle allows moisture and products to penetrate more easily, but it also means that the hair cannot retain moisture effectively. This results in a lack of shine and an overall unhealthy appearance, making it critical to maintain cuticle integrity for optimal hair health.

Other outcomes, such as increased strength or faster growth, are not associated with cuticle damage and do not reflect the physiological changes that occur when the outer layer of hair is harmed.