A Quick Elasticity Test For Hair - 5 Easy Steps

Here’s how to do a quick elasticity test for your hair.

First, we know we want it, but what does elasticity actually mean?

The elasticity level of hair is its ability to stretch and then return to its original shape.

I’m going to show you a quick test which will show you whether your hair has low, medium or high elasticity.

This is an at-home test, so the results will not be foolproof, but this is a test devised by cosmetologists that will give you an idea of your hair’s condition and whether you need to do treatments to improve elasticity levels.

The Elasticity Test Method

Pull out a strand of hair from just above your ear
Hold the strand between your thumb and forefinger of one hand
Run your other thumbnail along the strand. The strand should curl up; imagine you are curling a ribbon with scissors. If your hair is curly, the strand should curl up even more tightly than usual
Now hold the strand of hair straight for 10 seconds
Let go. Now look at the pattern of the curl

The Results

If your hair has retained the tight curl, your hair has good elasticity
If you think the strand has retained around 50% of the curl, this indicates low to medium elasticity
If the strand has retained less than 50% of the original curl, your hair has low elasticity

Its a judgement call!

What Does This Mean?

High elasticity or Medium elasticity

Your hair is in good condition. Continue with your routine. It is working! Regular conditioning treatments and avoiding external stress such as heated tools will keep your hair in great condition.

Low elasticity

This means that the hair is brittle and will break easily. Let’s look into the reasons behind this and see what can be done to help.

Why Does My Hair Have Low Elasticity?

Don’t panic – curly hair tends to have low elasticity levels. This is because it is naturally drier than other hair types.

This can be the result of external stress on the hair.

Colouring or bleaching
Heat styling
UV damage
Friction from brushing

These factors can lead to low moisture and protein levels in your hair.

Moisture is essential for healthy, bouncy hair

Protein is essential for maintaining the structure of your hair.

How Can I Fix Low Elasticity?

Moisturising your hair regularly with deep conditioning treatments (every 2-4 washes) and using a leave-in conditioner every time you wash are great ways to start bringing your hair back to a healthy elasticity level.

Protein treatments can help to temporarily ‘patch up’ damaged areas. The only way to get rid of them permanently is with scissors 😒 . Once you have done a treatment, the protein will gradually diminish over the following 4-6 weeks, so, generally speaking, this is how frequently you should use one.

Products To Help Regain Elasticity

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Deep conditioning treatments

Noughty To The Rescue Deep Conditioning Treatment –

A deep conditioning moisture treatment containing sweet almond oil – one of my favourite treatments.

Imbue Curl Restoring Intensive Mask

A deep conditioning treatment containing both moisturising ingredients and protein.

Leave-in treatments

Noughty Intensive Care Leave-In Conditioner

My go-to leave-in conditioner. Formulated for damaged, frizzy hair. It’s light, moisturising and also contains wheat amino acids for a small amount of regular protein.

At-home treatment

I do this gelatine treatment every 6 weeks. An inexpensive, if slightly messy, way to increase protein levels!