What are the Characteristics of Straight Asian Hair?
Features of Straight Asian Hair
Asian tresses are typically straight, with very round and thick fibers and a high level of black melanin.
It’s thick.
The reason Asian hair tends to be thicker is that it has around 10 layers of cuticles. Cuticles are the small areas around the inner protein structure of your hair–they are there to protect those proteins. Hair tends to have 5-10 cuticle layers, so Asian hair has the most layers possible, making the hair thicker and stronger.
It grows fast.
Asian hair tends to grow much faster than other hair types, averaging around 1.4cm of growth per month. This is great news for those looking to switch up their haircut–if you don’t like it, it won’t take long to grow out.
It tends to be on the drier side.
Because Asian hair is thicker, it loses moisture more easily and becomes dry and prone to damage. It’s crucial to use hair care products that replenish moisture and nourish strands to make sure they stay healthy and moisturized. We recommend washing with a moisturizing system like Dove Hair Therapy Hydration Spa Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner. This duo uses a hyaluronic serum to inject moisture into the follicle, for ultimate nourishment and hydration.
Coloring Asian Hair
Understanding that Asian hair is traditionally on the thicker side is important when shopping around for new hair color. Bleach almost always has to be involved when dyeing your hair. Something to keep in mind: It is harder to change the color [of Asian hair] due to its high levels of melanin. It requires a professional-strength bleach/developer (persulfate booster/40 vol. bleach) to reach the desired lift, and may sometimes have to be done more than once. Help maintain your color in between sessions with a color depositing conditioner like TRESemmé Gloss Clear High Shine Deep Conditioner. This conditioner comes in 4 different shades and helps revive color brilliancy and shine.
Best Ways to Care for Asian Hair
Knowing the general makeup of Asian hair can definitely help us make informed decisions as regards our hairstyles and hair color of choice. Mostly though, it impacts our day-to-day hair care routines. Knowing that this hair type is thicker might urge us towards products with more moisturizing or detangling benefits. We suggest a leave-in conditioner like TRESemmé Pro Pure Detangle and Smooth Leave-In Conditioner. We also suggest less frequent use of color, to avoid internal damage to the strand. Remember to condition regularly and lay off on over-bleaching; otherwise, as with all other hair types, have fun and get creative!
