
What is the role of hair lipids in water retention?
Hair lipids form a protective barrier, reducing water loss from the hair shaft and preserving its essential moisture content.
Meaning ❉ Water retention, for textured hair, refers to the strand’s inherent capacity to maintain hydration, a gentle anchor against the whisper of dryness. This fundamental insight guides a deeper understanding of your hair’s unique needs, moving beyond superficial observations to appreciate its intrinsic thirst. Recognizing this ability allows for the thoughtful systematization of care, much like a well-calibrated system, ensuring consistent moisture delivery. This translates into practical application through mindful product selection and layering techniques, such as the L.O.C. or L.C.O. methods, which seal moisture within the cuticle for lasting softness. A sustained level of internal moisture is paramount for the pliability and strength of Black and mixed-race hair, aiding in styling ease and reducing breakage. It signifies a quiet strength, allowing coils and curls to move with natural grace, reflecting diligent, informed care.