Lipid tips to care for and repair your hair

Maintaining soft, shiny, and even hair from root to tip is a desire shared by many. To achieve this, we often turn to numerous hair care products available on the market, but often we don't get the desired results.

We don't realize that most of the time the answer lies in understanding the physiology of our hair —that is, understanding what our hair is like. Once we understand this, we can give our hair what it needs and achieve success with our treatments.

Our hair is composed primarily of proteins, particularly keratin, but also of lipids and fats, the latter of which are currently the subject of much scientific publication. This importance is due to the fact that lipids are capable of transforming dull, lifeless hair into silky, strong, and protected hair.

Today we reveal the secret to healthy, rejuvenated hair with lipids.

What are hair lipids?

Lipids are fats, and like proteins, they are components of hair fibers . Lipids play a very important role in protecting hair from external, environmental, or chemical damage that impacts it daily. They also act as protectors against breakage and thinning.

What are the lipids in hair?

In hair we can find two types of lipids:

• Exogenous lipids are produced in the sebaceous gland that pours into the hair follicle and we can find free fatty acids, triglycerides, cholesterol, wax esters, squalene.
• Endogenous lipids, are produced in the matrix of the hair follicle and we can find free fatty acids, cholesterol, ceramides, glycosylceramides and 18MEA

Lipids are closely involved in protecting hair from chemical and environmental damage and in its performance. They have the ability to transform dull, lifeless hair into vibrant and revitalized hair .

In this article, we'll explore the incredible benefits of lipids for hair care and repair, and provide valuable tips and information that can help you achieve and maintain lustrous hair. Let's get started!

The importance of lipids for hair health

Human hair consists of three parts: the cuticle, the cortex, and the medulla. Lipids are found in the cuticle and the medulla.

Although lipids comprise only 5% of the dry hair fiber, unlike proteins, which can reach 95%, lipids play a very important role and are essential for the health and beauty of our hair.

Lipids protect and strengthen hair, improving its strength, elasticity, and overall appearance . When our hair lacks sufficient lipids, it can become brittle, weak, and prone to breakage, which is why lipids exert a significant influence on its mechanical properties.

Lipids can be lost due to hair treatments, but there is also age-related lipid loss. Recent scientific studies have shown that when melanin is lost and hair turns gray, lipid loss also occurs, leading to changes in the properties of the hair fiber. These differences may explain why gray hair becomes drier.

Recommendations to ensure the lipid content your hair needs for proper function.

When it comes to scalp and hair care, choosing the right products that are gentle on your scalp and hair can make all the difference.

If you notice that your hair is dry, malnourished, that is, lacking lipids due to the use of chemical treatments or exposure to conditions such as intense cold, wind, or UV radiation, we recommend a lipid-replenishing hair routine that begins with washing.

How to perform a lipid replacement hair routine?

Step 1: Choose your shampoo

It's one of the most important steps in your skincare routine. Choose a shampoo that meets your scalp's needs and also contains active ingredients that give your hair the shine and protection we always love.

If your scalp is dry, you can use nourishing shampoos containing natural oils and lipids such as argan oil, olive oil, castor oil, and vitamin F—active ingredients that will restore softness and shine to your hair. They will offer comfort to your scalp and beauty to your hair, right from the start.

Now, if your scalp is oily and you use a deeper cleansing shampoo to effectively remove oil, the shampoo may leave your hair drier. In this case, and as long as you deep cleanse your hair, We recommend protecting the length of your hair with a pre-shampoo treatment . Protecting the mid-lengths and ends during washing.

Step 2: Condition and seal in moisture

Follow with a lipid-rich conditioner, applying it from the mid-lengths to the ends. Leave it on for a few minutes to allow the active ingredients to penetrate deeply. Rinse well and gently remove excess water from your hair.

Step 3: Treat yourself to a lipid-rich hair mask

Once a week, treat your hair to a luxurious hair mask rich in lipids and oils such as olive, argan, brassica, and jojoba. This intensive treatment provides hair restoration, resulting in healthier, shinier, and protected hair.

Apply the mask generously to the lengths of your hair, avoiding the roots if it's oily, and focusing on the most damaged areas. Leave it on for the recommended amount of time and rinse well to reveal silky, soft hair.

Additional tips for optimal hair health

In addition to incorporating lipids into your hair care routine, here are some additional tips to help you maintain optimal health.

1. Protect your hair from heat

Overuse of heat styling tools can damage your hair and strip it of its natural lipids. Whenever possible, opt for natural hairstyles and limit the use of styling tools to occasional occasions . If you must use them, regulate the temperature carefully to minimize damage.

2. Avoid washing your hair too much

Although cleansing is important, over-washing your hair can strip it of the natural oils and lipids necessary for its health, especially if you have a dry scalp and hair. If you experience oily hair, wash it as often as needed and protect the lengths of your hair with a protective pre-shampoo treatment.

3. Cut the tips evenly

Trimming damaged areas of your hair, such as the ends, regularly helps prevent split ends and breakage , allowing your hair to grow longer and healthier. Schedule regular visits to your stylist to keep your hair in optimal condition.

And beyond taking care of your hair, don't forget to

Include lipid-rich foods in your diet

Just like our body, our hair needs an adequate intake of lipids, fats, to stay healthy. Include lipid-rich foods such as avocados, walnuts, fatty fish, dried fruits, flax seeds, and olive oil in your diet can provide essential nutrients that promote hair health. These foods are rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for scalp health and hair beauty.

Protect hair from external factors

Sun exposure can damage hair and alter its natural lipid content. We recommend protecting your hair with a cap or similar during periods of high sun exposure. This is the best protective treatment you can offer your hair.

Conclusion

Understanding the role of lipids in hair care and repair can revolutionize your hair care routine. By incorporating lipid-rich foods into your diet and using lipid-enriched hair products, you can nourish, protect, and repair your hair from within . Follow this lipid replenishment routine along with other hair care tips, and you'll notice a dramatic improvement in the health and vitality of your hair.

Harness the power of lipids and discover the secret to strong, shiny, and dazzling hair!