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Leo possesses more than 17 years of valuable experience as a researcher and lecturer within the fields of Biology and Genetics. Holding a PhD in Biology from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina...
During a phase of my hair journey, I encountered extreme dryness, with my strands clinging together whenever I tried separating them.
I was left puzzled, unsure of the cause and unable to pinpoint a specific term for the phenomenon. This led me to the discovery of what many refer to in the natural hair community as “hair webbing.”
Hair webbing is a result of insufficient moisture, which prevent the hair cuticles from lying flat. Consequently, individual strands cling and interweave, resembling a spider web.
While “hair webbing” may not be a scientific term, it is widely recognized within the curly hair community and aptly describes the specific challenges many face due to moisture imbalance.
We’ve crafted this guide – to assist our readers in understanding hair webbing and offering strategies to preserve your healthy hair.
One best way to assess if your hair is adequately hydrated, take two inches of your hair (make sure it’s dry and not wet) and gently pull it apart with your fingers.
If you find individual strands sticking together or appearing glued, you’re likely experiencing “Hair Webbing”. It’s a good idea to try this test on various sections of your hair.
Below is a photo of my hair that captures a close-up of me gently pulling apart a section of hair, revealing strands sticking and webbing together, providing a clear visual of the “Hair Webbing” phenomenon.
Understanding whether you’re dealing with hair webbing or another hair concern is crucial. Accurately diagnosing the specific issue ensures you’re addressing the root cause, rather than just treating symptoms.
This precision not only aids in finding the most effective solutions but also prevents potential damage or worsening of the condition.
It paves the way for tailored treatments that can restore the health and beauty of your curls.
Hair webbing can result from various factors, often interconnected, that compromise the hair’s natural balance and structure. Here are some potential causes of hair webbing:
Understanding these causes is the first step in preventing hair webbing and ensuring your locks remain healthy and resilient.
There is another phenenmenon called, “wet frizz” and you may have noticed this on a wash day. If you’ve experienced immediate frizz after washing your hair, or your hair strands feeling dry, tangled, and clump together even when damp, this is known as wet frizz.
It often emerges post-conditioner rinse or after squeezing out excess water. It can also manifest during the application of styling products or while air drying.
To combat this, ensure you’re using a moisturizing conditioner, and gently pat your hair dry using a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt to minimize friction.
Applying a leave-in conditioner or a frizz-control product while your hair is still damp can also help in keeping wet frizz at bay.
Hair webbing can be mistaken for several other hair concerns, particularly for those unfamiliar with the nuances of hair health and maintenance.
At first glance, all of the nuances spelled out below can seem quite similar since they involve hair strands sticking together.
However, the underlying causes and the manifestation of each issue can differ. Some of these include:
Understanding the specific characteristics and causes of each of these issues is essential to differentiate them from hair webbing, ensuring that the appropriate care and treatment are applied.
Hair webbing is an issue that can be caused by many factors. One reason may be that your hair is not properly hydrated. If not corrected, your hair may begin to form more tangles, single knots, then snap and break.
Hair webbing is something that happens to me from time-to-time if I rush through my wash n’ go’s or deep conditioning sessions, and don’t take care of it after getting color.
Mastering healthy hair is not just about aesthetics, but delving deep into the holistic wellness of our crowning glory.
By embracing these three foundational pillars, we set forth on a transformative journey towards achieving and maintaining the our hair vitality.
Conditioning is central to the well-being of your hair. Insufficient conditioning can lead to hair webbing, intensified tangles, single-strand knots, split ends, and eventual breakage.
I’ve personally experienced this when I’ve hastily moved through my wash and deep conditioning sessions or neglected post-color care.
It’s essential to remember that the foundation of hair health is not just about external treatments but also hydration from within. Drinking water is paramount for maintaining luscious and hydrated locks.
Dehydration has widespread effects on our health, notably impacting hair follicles, and may lead to hair loss. It also may reduce the ability to produce new hair.
Prioritizing hydration, therefore, safeguards and promotes healthy hair growth.
Neglecting hair health can cause dryness and breakage. Addressing dry hair means ensuring three aspects: regular scalp cleaning, product choice, and consistent moisturizing.
Contrary to instinct, merely adding more products to dry hair can exacerbate the issue, increasing product buildup and drying hair even more.
The optimal solution is to regularly cleanse with a clarifying shampoo, eliminating build-up and enabling products to nourish the hair shaft.
If sulfate-free cleansers don’t suffice, alternating with a cleansing conditioner (co-wash) or incorporating a pre-poo oil or conditioning treatment can make a difference.
To achieve the best outcomes from your hair treatments, patience is key. Taking the time to wash, condition, and deep condition meticulously ensures that every hair strand is treated and receiving enough moisture.
While the frequency of hair washing varies among individuals, experts suggest that not everyone needs daily shampooing. Only specific groups, like those with fine hair or living in humid conditions, might require it.
For exceptionally dry hair, use a deep conditioner to revive moisture levels. These treatments, especially those containing natural oils like argan or coconut oil or shea butter, penetrate the hair shafts deeply.
Pre-poo treatments, applied before shampooing, can also boost hair health, making the subsequent washing process gentler and more effective.
For heightened results, some opt to use mild heat during deep conditioning to further “open” up the hair cuticle.
While protective hairstyles, like buns, offer many benefits, prolonged wear can escalate hair webbing issues. Switching styles occasionally can mitigate webbing-related damage.
Though protective styles are undoubtedly beneficial, it’s equally crucial to periodically let your hair breathe.
Protein treatments can help address hair webbing to some extent, especially if the webbing is a result of damaged or compromised hair structure. Here’s why:
However, it’s important to approach protein treatments with caution:
Remember, everyone’s hair is different. It’s always a good idea to consult with a professional or conduct a strand test before diving into regular protein treatments to ensure it’s the right solution for your specific hair needs.
Hair webbing can be challenging, but with appropriate care, it’s entirely manageable. Regular cleansing and moisturizing are key to optimal hair health.
Remember to take your time with hair treatments, deep condition often, and use protective styles in moderation to maintain hydration.
Armed with these foundational hair care techniques, implementing them will set you on a path to vibrant, well-moisturized curls in no time!
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