Meaning ❉ Cortical damage refers to the impairment of the hair strand’s innermost, primary structural layer, the cortex, which holds the hair’s strength, elasticity, and natural curl pattern. For textured hair, particularly coils and kinks, this often stems from practices that compromise the strand’s integrity, such as excessive heat application, aggressive chemical processing, or even persistent, rough mechanical manipulation. Recognizing this degradation offers a guiding light in approaching Black and mixed-race hair care with deeper understanding. It clarifies the necessity of systematizing routines that prioritize gentle handling and moisture retention, shifting away from practices that strip the hair’s vital components. Practical application involves adopting regimens that support the cortex’s delicate balance, like low-heat styling, careful detangling, and the consistent use of deeply conditioning treatments, thereby allowing the hair to maintain its inherent strength and unique formation.
