Hair stylists and technicians examine the whole head of hair as part of their everyday practice. Matters to note include racial type, hair length and hair thickness, and if there is evidence of weathering, of previous cosmetic treatments such as perming and tinting and of accumulated hair spray.
A closer examination of the roots under a good light usually indicates the real state of the hair. The first centimetre or two of growth may look very different from the rest. This could indicate a change in the treatment that the hair has received, perhaps to a persistently harsh regime.
Next comes a look at the individual hair shafts with the naked eye. This may not reveal much, unless there is unusually serious damage. In very long hair that has weathered, the end may look a different color from the rest, or perhaps less glossy. This is almost certainly the onset of split ends.
Under the microscope, however, a very different picture may emerge. Hair scientists use both ordinary microscopes and electron microscopes to examine hair in the laboratory. These allow them to understand what happens to hair when it is heated, permed, tinted and so forth. You will find examples of what can be seen under both kinds of microscope throughout this book.
A closer examination of the roots under a good light usually indicates the real state of the hair. The first centimetre or two of growth may look very different from the rest. This could indicate a change in the treatment that the hair has received, perhaps to a persistently harsh regime.
Next comes a look at the individual hair shafts with the naked eye. This may not reveal much, unless there is unusually serious damage. In very long hair that has weathered, the end may look a different color from the rest, or perhaps less glossy. This is almost certainly the onset of split ends.
Under the microscope, however, a very different picture may emerge. Hair scientists use both ordinary microscopes and electron microscopes to examine hair in the laboratory. These allow them to understand what happens to hair when it is heated, permed, tinted and so forth. You will find examples of what can be seen under both kinds of microscope throughout this book.