What is bubble hair, and how to avoid it?

You might not have heard of “bubble hair” but its quite a common form of hair damage caused by incorrect heat styling methods…and repeatedly doing it. In this article, we'll dive into the world of bubble hair – what it is, how it occurs, ways you can potentially remedy it, and best practices to avoid it in the first place.

What is Bubble Hair?

Bubble hair, often referred to as "aerated hair," is a hair condition characterized by the presence of tiny air bubbles trapped within the hair shaft. These bubbles cause the hair to become weak, brittle, and prone to breakage. Bubble hair typically gives hair a frizzy, lackluster appearance, making it a major beauty concern for many.

How Does Bubble Hair Happen?

Bubble hair usually occurs as a result of heat styling gone wrong, especially with the use of excessive heat during processes such as blow-drying, curling, and straightening. The high temperatures can cause the water within the hair shaft to turn into steam, creating tiny air bubbles. Additionally, using certain chemical treatments, like perming or excessive bleaching, can also lead to the formation of bubble hair.

Do you have bubble hair?

Here are some ways to identify it

• Frizziness and Lack of Shine: Bubble hair can cause your hair to appear frizzy, dull, and lacking in shine. The presence of air bubbles within the hair shaft disrupts the smooth surface of the hair, leading to a rough texture.
• Brittleness: If your hair feels unusually brittle and prone to breakage, it could be a sign of bubble hair. The air bubbles weaken the hair fibers, making them more susceptible to snapping.
• Uneven Texture: When you run your fingers along a strand of hair, you might feel uneven sections or bumps. This is due to the air pockets within the hair shaft.
• Lack of Elasticity: Healthy hair should have some level of elasticity. If your hair feels stiff and lacks flexibility, bubble hair could be a factor.
• Excessive Breakage: If you notice an increased amount of hair falling out or breaking off when you comb, brush, or style it, bubble hair might be contributing to the problem.
• Previous Heat or Chemical Damage: If you've recently exposed your hair to excessive heat styling or harsh chemical treatments (such as repeated bleaching or perming), you could be at a higher risk of developing bubble hair.
• Changes in Hair Texture: If your hair suddenly changes in texture and behavior, becoming weaker, frizzier, and more difficult to manage, it could be due to bubble hair.
• Visual Inspection: Carefully inspect a strand of your hair. If you notice small air bubbles or tiny raised sections along the hair shaft, this could be a clear indication of bubble hair.

Fixing Bubble Hair

If you've noticed your hair has fallen victim to bubble hair, you should take steps to fix it as soon as possible. The reality is, most bubble hair cases are not repairable because your hair is not able to repair itself. If the damage is relatively mild you could salvage your hair by taking these steps:

Trimming: Start by getting a trim to remove the most damaged portions of your hair. This will help prevent further breakage and allow for healthier growth.

• Deep Conditioning: Invest in a high-quality deep conditioning treatment to nourish and hydrate your hair. Look for products containing ingredients like keratin, argan oil, and shea butter.
• Avoid Heat Styling: Give your hair a break from heated styling tools. Let your hair air dry whenever possible and avoid using curlers, straighteners, or blow dryers until your hair is back in good shape.
• Gentle Handling: Be gentle when combing or brushing your hair, especially when it's wet. Use a wide-tooth comb or a brush specifically designed for wet hair to prevent further damage.
• Protein Treatments: Consider using protein-rich hair masks or treatments to strengthen the hair shaft and reduce brittleness.

Prevention is always better than cure.

To avoid encountering the dreaded bubble hair, follow these precautions:

• Heat Protection: Prior to using any heated styling tools, apply a heat protectant spray or serum. This creates a barrier between your hair and the heat, reducing the chances of steam-induced bubble formation.
• Proper Technique: When using heated tools, keep the temperature moderate and avoid repeatedly passing over the same section of hair. Opt for ceramic or tourmaline-coated tools, as they distribute heat more evenly.
• Limit Chemical Processes: If you're considering chemical treatments like perming or coloring, make sure to consult a professional. Overprocessing can weaken hair and contribute to bubble formation.
• Regular Trims: Schedule regular trims every 6-8 weeks to remove split ends and prevent the spread of damage up the hair shaft.
• Hydration: Keep your hair well-hydrated by using moisturizing shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in treatments.

Conclusion

While bubble Bubble hair might be an unwelcome surprise, but with the right care and attention, you can nurse your hair back to health and prevent future occurrences. Remember to treat your hair with kindness, opt for safer styling practices, and indulge in regular nourishing treatments. Your locks will thank you by bouncing back to their glossy, vibrant best!

References

Savitha A, Sacchidanand S, Revathy T. Bubble hair and other acquired hair shaft anomalies due to hot ironing on wet hair. Int J Trichology. 2011 Jul;3(2):118-20. doi: 10.4103/0974-7753.90832. PMID: 22223976; PMCID: PMC3250009.