What Is A Hair Cuticle and Why You Need To Seal It

Hair care is more than just washing and moisturizing your hair. In fact, caring for your hair goes beyond the physical strands; it starts in the hair’s cuticle. If you’re now asking, what is a hair cuticle then keep reading. We sat down with L’Oréal Paris Creative Director of Style and Color, Jonathan Colombini, to get the 411 on the hair cuticle, including what it is, how to care for it and what products he recommends to keep hair healthy from the root to the tip.  

What Are Hair Cuticles?

In order to care for the hair cuticle, it’s important to understand what it is first.According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the hair cuticle is the outermost part of the hair shaft. 

“Each individual hair’s cuticle is formed from dead cells that overlap in layers, forming scales that strengthen and protect the hair shaft,” Colombini explains. “It’s important to keep hair cuticles healthy since each one protects the innermost layers of hair, which affects the health of each of your strands.”

How Can You Care For Hair Cuticles? 

Hair cuticles are normally closed, but things like chemicals in hair dye, hot water, too much moisture, wind and cold weather can sometimes cause the hair cuticles to open up, making hair more vulnerable to damage like breakage and frizz.The health of the hair cuticle also dictates the texture of hair and how well it retains moisture, so if your cuticle is unhealthy or left open, hair might become dry and hard to manage. To avoid this from happening, Colombini recommends sealing the hair cuticle. 

“Sealing, otherwise known as shutting or closing the cuticle, is the best way to protect the cuticle and ensure the hair shaft looks healthy,” he explains. “One of the best ways to seal the hair cuticle is to use pH balancing hair care products, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Glossing System.” 

How to Seal Your Hair’s Cuticle

The L’Oréal Paris EverPure Glossing System consists of a sulfate-free shampoo, conditioner and an in-shower treatment, each of which helps to balance the pH of each and every strand. 

Step 1. Use a pH Balancing Shampoo and Conditioner Consistently

Start your hair cuticle sealing routine with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing Conditioner. The argan oil-infused shampoo and conditioner duo help to seal the cuticle by balancing out the pH level of each hair, leaving damaged, color-treated hair looking shiny, glossy and healthy. 

Step 2. Use An In-Shower Glossing Treatment

Because chemical processes like coloring and dyeing can alter hair’s ideal pH range and affect the hair cuticle, Colombini recommends using the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Glossing In-Shower Acidic Glaze to reverse any damage. 

Two to three times a week after shampooing and before conditioning, spray the glaze evenly throughout clean hair and wait one to three minutes (don’t rinse it out) before layering on the conditioner. The result: Salon-level shine. 

Step 3. Protect Your Strands

Take your regimen a step further and spray the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free 21-in-1 Color Caring Spray, Leave In onto your freshly-cleansed strands. The multi-benefit leave-in treatment preserves color vibrancy, detangles and refreshes hair.

Top everything off with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Weightless Blow Dry Primer, a lightweight cream heat protectant that prevents further damage during styling and helps to achieve the perfect blowout. 

Next: Why The pH of Your Hair Matters and How to Find Yours

Written By: Caitlyn Martyn, Photo: Chaunte Vaughn