Why is My Hair Stretchy When Wet? A Guide to Understanding Hair Elasticity

Having stretchy, gummy hair when wet can be frustrating. It makes your hair difficult to style and leaves it limp and lifeless when dry. But what causes this lack of elasticity, and what can you do about it?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the reasons why hair stretches too much, how to test your hair’s elasticity, and most importantly – how to fix it!

What is Hair Elasticity?

Hair elasticity refers to your hair’s ability to stretch and return to its original shape without breaking. Healthy hair has a normal amount of elasticity – not too much, and not too little.

When your hair has the right elasticity, it feels strong and springy. It resists breakage when brushed or styled. But it also has enough flexibility and moisture to avoid becoming brittle.

Think of healthy hair like a fresh rubber band. It can flex and bend, but snaps back into shape when you let go.

Why Does My Hair Stretch When Wet?

There are a few key reasons why your wet hair may lack elasticity and feel overly stretchy:

1. Lack of Moisture

Hair gets its elasticity from the cortex – the innermost layer that contains moisturizing proteins and lipids. When your cortex lacks sufficient moisture, hair cuticles open up. This allows moisture to escape, reducing elasticity.

Lack of moisture makes hair brittle and prone to breakage. But in some cases, it can also cause excessive stretching as the cortex loses its structured, springy texture.

2. Hygral Fatigue

Frequent wetting and drying can cause mechanical damage to the cuticles over time. This is called hygral fatigue.

As the cuticles weaken and lift up, moisture is lost, leading to reduced elasticity. Heat styling and chemical treatments can worsen the effects of hygral fatigue.

3. Chemical Damage

Chemical treatments like perms, relaxers, coloring, and bleaching can damage the hair cuticle and cortex. This leads to porous, stretchy hair lacking protein.

Overlapping chemical treatments causes more severe damage. As the hair structure breaks down, moisture is depleted, and elasticity is reduced.

4. Swelling

When hair absorbs too much moisture, the fibers can swell and expand. This causes temporary stretchiness that goes away as the hair dries.

However, chronic over-moisturization can diminish elasticity over time. As moisture levels fluctuate, the hair expands and contracts repeatedly, weakening its structure.

How to Test Hair Elasticity

Now that you know what causes loss of elasticity, it’s time to evaluate your own hair. Here is a simple stretch test you can do:

What You Need:

• Clean, product-free hair
• Water spray bottle
• Wide-tooth comb

Steps:

1. Mist your hair with water until damp but not soaking wet. Detangle with a comb.

2. Take a few strands of hair from the mid-length section. Hold the strands firmly at the root to avoid tugging your scalp.

3. Gently stretch the hair strands from the other end, pulling to about 1.5 times their length.

4. Release the hair and observe:

• High elasticity: Hair immediately springs back to normal length.

• Normal elasticity: Hair takes 1-2 seconds to retract to its original length.

• Low elasticity: Hair takes more than 2 seconds to bounce back, or does not retract fully. This indicates lack of elasticity.

Repeat on different sections to determine your overall hair elasticity. Do the test every few weeks to monitor improvements.

How to Fix Stretchy Hair and Improve Elasticity

If your hair is overly elastic when wet, don’t panic. With the right care, you can nurse your hair back to a healthy, bouncy texture. Follow these tips:

1. Deep Condition Weekly

Moisture is key for improving elasticity. Deep condition once a week with a moisturizing hair mask. Leave it on for 30 minutes to fully nourish the hair fibers.

Look for moisturizing ingredients like:

• Natural oils – argan, coconut, olive
• Shea butter
• Glycerin
• Honey
• Silk proteins

The Styling Mist from Ogario London contains honey to improve suppleness and elasticity.

2. Limit Heat Styling

Excessive heat causes hygral fatigue and protein loss. Allow your hair to air dry when possible. If using hot tools, apply a heat protectant first.

3. Avoid Over-washing

Frequent washing can strip away natural oils. Limit washing to 2-3 times a week. Use dry or wet shampoo on non-wash days to refresh hair.

4. Get Regular Trims

Schedule trims every 8-12 weeks to snip away split ends before they travel up the hair shaft. This helps minimize breakage.

5. Use Bond-Building Treatments

Salon treatments like Olaplex contain active ingredients that repair broken bonds in the hair. Use them according to instructions to restore integrity.

6. Protect Hair from Chlorine

Chlorinated water from pools and hot tubs can damage hair. Wet your hair with clean water first before swimming, and rinse immediately after.

7. Eat a Hair-Healthy Diet

Ensure you get enough protein, omega-3s, iron, zinc, and vitamin C. These nutrients boost hair elasticity and health from within.

With time and TLC, you can nurse your hair back to a supple, elastic texture. But you must be consistent and avoid further damage from heat, chemicals etc.

Be patient – fixing stretchy hair doesn’t happen overnight. But with a regimen focused on moisture, proteins, and bond repair, you will see gradual improvement in your hair’s elasticity and strength.

Common Questions about Hair Elasticity

How long does it take to improve hair elasticity?

With dedicated deep conditioning and bond repair, you should see some improvement in elasticity within 4-6 weeks. Significant repair of stretchy hair can take 2-3 months.

Can you permanently damage hair elasticity?

In some cases of severe chemical/heat damage, the hair structure may be permanently compromised. This leads to irreversible loss of elasticity.

Does greasy hair mean low elasticity?

Not necessarily. Greasy roots can just indicate overactive oil glands. But greasy lengths can happen when moisture cannot penetrate the hair shaft due to damage.

Can you get your hair elasticity back after bleaching?

It is possible to restore elasticity after bleaching with protein treatments, bond builders, and limiting further chemical/heat damage. But results vary based on extent of existing damage.

Does rice water help with elasticity?

Rice water rinses can temporarily improve elasticity by depositing amino acids on the hair cuticles. But results are short-lived. For lasting effects, use moisturizing products.

The Takeaway

Elasticity is what gives your hair strength, flexibility, and resistance to breakage. When hair stretches excessively and lacks spring, pay attention. It means the structure needs some TLC.

While stretchy hair can be frustrating, it doesn’t have to be permanent. With a regimen focused on deep conditioning, bond repair, heat/chemical protection, and overall hair health, you can nurse your locks back to an optimal state of elasticity.

Just remember – patience and consistency are key. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and damaged hair can’t be fixed overnight. But with time, care, and the right products, you can restore the supple, bouncy texture your hair deserves.