How to Test Hair for Structural Strength

Remove a strand of hair. Take it from the side, just above your ears.

Hold the hair between your thumb and forefinger. Using your other hand, run the thumbnail and index finger along the hair quickly. The end result should be spring of curls.

Pull this curly piece of hair taut. Only do this for a few seconds and then release. This is what the test can tell you about your hair: Hair that springs back to the curly spring is in good to excellent condition Hair that returns in much larger loops, or barely at all, is in poor condition. In this case, your hair needs conditioning and probably a visit to the hairdresser.