Kinking hair refers to a specific type of curly hair that has a tight, zigzag pattern. It is characterized by sharp bends and twists in the hair shaft that give it a unique texture and appearance. This type of hair is often associated with people of African descent, although it can be found in people of other ethnicities as well.
Kinking hair is a result of the shape of the hair follicle. The hair follicle is the structure within the skin that produces and grows hair. In people with kinking hair, the hair follicle is shaped like a spiral, which causes the hair to grow in a curly pattern. This spiral shape also causes the hair to be more susceptible to breakage and damage than straight hair.
Causes
Kinking hair is a common hair problem that affects many people, particularly those with curly or coily hair types. Kinking hair refers to hair that is tightly curled or crimped, making it look dull, frizzy, and unruly. In this article, we will explore the main causes of kinking hair and how to prevent it.
- Genetics
One of the primary causes of kinking hair is genetics. The shape and texture of our hair is determined by the genes we inherit from our parents. If you have curly hair, you are likely to have kinky hair as well. This type of hair is naturally curly and tends to be more prone to kinking and frizzing.
- Lack of Moisture
Another major cause of kinking hair is a lack of moisture. Curly and coily hair types are more susceptible to dryness because the natural oils produced by the scalp cannot easily reach the ends of the hair. This can cause the hair to become brittle, frizzy, and prone to kinking. To prevent kinking hair, it is important to keep your hair hydrated by using a deep conditioning treatment and using a leave-in conditioner.
- Overuse of Heat Styling Tools
Overuse of heat styling tools, such as flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers, can also cause kinking hair. The heat from these tools can cause the hair to become dry and brittle, making it more susceptible to kinking. To prevent this, it is important to limit the use of heat styling tools and to use a heat protectant spray to help protect the hair from damage.
- Chemical Treatments
Chemical treatments, such as relaxers, perms, and hair dyes, can also cause kinking hair. These treatments can weaken the hair and make it more susceptible to breakage, which can lead to kinking. To prevent this, it is important to limit the use of chemical treatments and to use gentle, sulfate-free hair products.
- Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes can also cause kinking hair. This can occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, as well as when taking certain medications. Hormonal changes can cause the hair to become more brittle and prone to kinking. To prevent this, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and to use gentle, nourishing hair products.
- Environmental Factors
Environmental factors, such as wind, humidity, and sun exposure, can also cause kinking hair. Humidity can cause the hair to frizz and become more prone to kinking, while wind and sun exposure can cause the hair to become dry and brittle. To prevent this, it is important to protect your hair from environmental factors by wearing a hat or scarf and using a leave-in conditioner with SPF.
- Poor Hair Care
Poor hair care can also cause kinking hair. This can include using harsh shampoos and conditioners, neglecting to deep condition your hair, and not using a leave-in conditioner. To prevent kinking hair, it is important to use gentle, nourishing hair products and to maintain a regular hair care routine.
Symptoms
The symptoms of kinking hair can range from minor to severe and can cause significant distress and frustration for those who experience it.
- Frizziness: One of the most common symptoms of kinking hair is frizziness. This occurs when the hair shaft becomes dry and brittle, causing it to frizz and become unmanageable. This can be exacerbated by environmental factors such as humidity, which causes the hair to absorb moisture and become frizzy.
- Tangling: Another common symptom of kinking hair is tangling. This occurs when the hair becomes matted and difficult to comb or brush, causing pain and discomfort. Tangling can also lead to breakage and hair loss, making it a serious concern for those with kinking hair.
- Dryness: Kinking hair is often dry, which can cause itching and flaking of the scalp. This dryness can also lead to breakage and split ends, making the hair look dull and lifeless.
- Split Ends: Split ends are a common symptom of kinking hair. This occurs when the hair shaft becomes damaged, causing it to split and become frizzy. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including heat styling, chemical treatments, and environmental factors.
- Brittle Hair: Brittle hair is another common symptom of kinking hair. This occurs when the hair shaft becomes weak and prone to breakage, making it difficult to style and manage. This can be caused by a lack of moisture, improper styling techniques, and environmental factors.
- Dandruff: Dandruff is a condition that can occur in people with kinking hair. This is caused by an overproduction of sebum, which can cause itching and flaking of the scalp. This can be exacerbated by a dry scalp and can lead to further hair damage if left untreated.
- Shrinkage: Shrinkage is a common symptom of kinking hair. This occurs when the hair shrinks and becomes shorter, making it difficult to style and manage. Shrinkage can be exacerbated by environmental factors such as humidity, which can cause the hair to absorb moisture and become frizzy.
- Knots: Knots are another common symptom of kinking hair. This occurs when the hair becomes matted and tangled, making it difficult to comb or brush. Knots can lead to breakage and hair loss, making them a serious concern for those with kinking hair.
- Breakage: Breakage is a common symptom of kinking hair. This occurs when the hair shaft becomes weak and prone to breaking, making it difficult to style and manage. Breakage can be caused by a variety of factors, including heat styling, chemical treatments, and environmental factors.
- Dullness: Dull hair is another common symptom of kinking hair. This occurs when the hair becomes lifeless and lacks shine, making it difficult to style and manage. This can be caused by a lack of moisture, improper styling techniques, and environmental factors.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of kinking hair involves a thorough examination of the hair and scalp. The following tests and diagnoses can help determine the underlying cause of kinking hair and the best course of treatment.
- Trichogram: This is a hair analysis test that is performed by a dermatologist. The test involves plucking a few strands of hair from the scalp and examining them under a microscope to determine the health of the hair shaft and the root. The test can reveal any underlying hair conditions, such as hair loss or damage.
- Scalp Biopsy: This is a test that involves removing a small piece of scalp tissue for examination. The tissue is examined under a microscope to determine any underlying scalp conditions, such as fungal infections or skin conditions.
- Hair Elasticity Test: This test involves gently pulling a strand of hair to measure its elasticity. Hair with good elasticity should return to its original shape after being pulled. Hair with poor elasticity is more prone to breakage.
- Hair Porosity Test: This test involves placing a strand of hair in a bowl of water to measure its porosity, or its ability to absorb moisture. Hair with high porosity will absorb moisture quickly and easily, while hair with low porosity will take longer to absorb moisture.
- Hair Tensile Strength Test: This test involves pulling a strand of hair to determine its strength. Hair with good tensile strength should be able to withstand being pulled without breaking. Hair with poor tensile strength is more prone to breakage.
- Hair Moisture Content Test: This test involves measuring the amount of moisture in a strand of hair. Hair with good moisture content should be soft and pliable, while hair with low moisture content will be dry and brittle.
- Hair Mineral Analysis: This test involves analyzing the mineral content of a strand of hair to determine any deficiencies or imbalances. Minerals, such as iron and zinc, play a crucial role in the health of hair and scalp.
- Scalp pH Test: This test involves measuring the pH level of the scalp to determine its acidity or alkalinity. A healthy scalp should have a pH level of 4.5-5.5, which is slightly acidic. A pH level that is too high or too low can lead to scalp conditions, such as dryness or oiliness.
- Hair Pull Test: This test involves pulling a small section of hair from the scalp to determine the amount of hair loss. A normal amount of hair loss is between 50-100 hairs per day. A significant increase in hair loss can indicate an underlying condition, such as alopecia or stress.
- Blood Test: This test involves analyzing a sample of blood to determine any underlying medical conditions that may be causing kinking hair. Conditions, such as anemia or hormonal imbalances, can affect the health of hair and scalp.
Once a diagnosis has been made, the appropriate treatment can be determined. Treatment options for kinking hair can include topical treatments, such as hair oils and serums, as well as oral medications, such as supplements and vitamins. Lifestyle changes, such as reducing heat styling and protecting hair from environmental damage, can also improve the health of kinking hair.
Treatment
With proper care and treatments, kinking hair can be healthy and strong, and can be styled in a variety of ways.
- Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner Moisturizing shampoo and conditioner are essential for kinking hair to prevent dryness, breakage, and frizz. Look for products that contain ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, and glycerin, which help to hydrate the hair and lock in moisture. Also, avoid using products that contain harsh chemicals, such as sulfates and silicones, as these can strip the hair of its natural oils and lead to dryness and breakage.
- Deep Conditioning Treatments Kinking hair is prone to dryness and breakage, and deep conditioning treatments can help to restore its health and strength. Deep conditioning treatments can be done at home or in the salon, and typically involve applying a conditioning mask or treatment to the hair and leaving it on for 10-30 minutes. Look for products that contain ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, and keratin, which help to nourish and strengthen the hair.
- Co-Washing Co-washing is a popular method of cleansing kinking hair, as it helps to hydrate the hair and prevent dryness and breakage. Co-washing involves using a conditioner instead of shampoo to cleanse the hair. This method is especially useful for those with kinking hair that is prone to dryness, as it helps to prevent the hair from becoming stripped of its natural oils.
- Steaming Steaming is a treatment that uses heat and moisture to help hydrate and soften kinking hair. This treatment can be done at home or in the salon, and typically involves applying a steamer to the hair for 10-30 minutes. Steaming is an effective way to help revive kinking hair that has become dry and brittle, and it can help to enhance the hair’s natural curl pattern and reduce frizz.
- Trimming Trimming is an essential step in maintaining the health and strength of kinking hair. Regular trims help to remove split ends and prevent breakage, and can help to keep the hair looking healthy and bouncy. Trimming should be done every 6-8 weeks to maintain the hair’s health and prevent damage.
- Protective Styling Protective styling involves using braids, twists, or wigs to protect the hair from environmental damage and heat styling. Protective styling is especially useful for kinking hair, as it helps to prevent breakage and promotes healthy hair growth.
- Leave-In Conditioners Leave-in conditioners are a great way to hydrate and moisturize kinking hair, and they can help to define the hair’s natural curl pattern and reduce frizz. Look for leave-in conditioners that contain ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe vera, which help to hydrate and nourish the hair.
- Satin Scarves and Pillowcases Satin scarves and pillowcases are essential for preventing breakage and maintaining the health of kinking hair, as they help to prevent friction and breakage while sleeping. Sleeping on a satin pillowcase helps to keep the hair hydrated and prevents it from becoming dry and brittle.
- Hot Oil Treatments Hot oil treatments are an effective way to hydrate and nourish kinking hair, and they can help to improve its health and strength.
