Ceramides exist naturally on our healthy hair cuticle, acting like glue that keeps the cuticle of the hair sealed down to the hair shaft.
So, what is the hair cuticle anyway? Each of our hair strands has an outermost layer that looks a lot like scales, and the scales face downward. This is why a great blowout involves blowdrying the hair down the hair shaft; it closes the cuticle for shiny, smooth hair. When hair is damaged, these scales are raised, causing tangling and the loss of moisture.
Ceramides are important to keep our hair strong, shiny, smooth and manageable. They also give our hair the ability to stretch without breaking. If you have ever heard the term “porous hair,” it means that the hair cuticle is raised and moisture can flow in and out of the unprotected hair shaft.
Ceramides are helpful to all hair types, but they especially help repair hair that has lost natural ceramides. This includes dry, damaged hair, chemically treated hair, or naturally curly hair. Naturally curly hair loses ceramides faster. Because the hair shaft is curved, the cuticle has a harder time laying flat, so dryness is inevitable.
Some product lines include synthetic ceramides, but there are many oils that naturally have high ceramide content. Kavella uses these oils in our Recovery line of products alongside other strength- and shine-building ingredients. Some oils that contain natural ceramides are Sunflower, Grapeseed, Safflower, Macadamia Nut and Soybean Oil.
Have damaged or dry hair? Try our Recovery Mask to get your ceramide fix! Our new Scalp & Hair Oil also contains organic Sunflower, Safflower and Grapeseed Oils for natural ceramides to strengthen and protect your hair cuticle.
