A Deep Dive Into Hair Bonds: How To Achieve Better Definition

Hair is made from a protein called keratin. If we dive deeper, we will see that there are numerous linkages and cross-bonds within the hair structure. The 3 main bonds, responsible for the strength of hair is: Hydrogen, Salt and Disulfide bonds.
THE POINT: The stronger the hair, the tighter the cuticle, the tighter the cuticle, the more healthy, moisturized and shiny your hair will appear.
Hydrogen Bonds (affect your hair’s elasticity and shape for styling- can be broken by water and heat), Salt Bonds (responds to changes of your hairs pH) and Disulfide Bonds (the strongest bond is responsible for overall strength of your hair- can only be broken by chemicals such as relaxers.) Each bond accounts for 33% of the hair's overall strength.
Let’s talk about why your hair does or doesn’t take styling well— or why your twist outs aren’t coming out like you’d like. Hydrogen bonds give your hair it’s elasticity and allow it to change shape.
The change of shape can be achieved by applying water or heat. When you apply a styling product like Kurl Defining Creme to your hair, for twisting, for example, you must first wet the hair to temporarily break the hydrogen bond so that the hair bends to your desired shape. If your hair is clean (shampooed), and moisturized, it should perfectly bend to your desired result.
Kurl Defining Creme reinforces the breaking of the hydrogen bond because it is water based- adding moisture to your strands. The Shea butter, Argan oil and Cupuacu butter in Kurl Defining Creme will then seal in the moisture, continuing to bend and form smooth curls that are shiny and bouncy.
The hair will remain in its new shape until it is reintroduced to water. The butters and oils in Kurl Defining Creme present a barrier that seals in moisture and prevents humidity from the air to penetrate the hair shaft, stopping water from disrupting the style but keeping the hair moisturized.
To achieve your best definition, you'll need to start styling on hair that is pH balanced or washed with a shampoo that contains lemon juice or Apple Cider Vinegar (like Almond & Shea Butter Moisturizing Shampoo). Secondly, you'll need to ensure that your hair is moisturized by using water based leave-in conditioners and stylers. Lastly, for styles like twist-outs, technique plays a major role in definition, so you'll want to twist tightly after applying product. Before unraveling, ensure that the twists are completely dry.