Healthy hair is more than just a glossy appearance—it’s a true indicator of your overall wellness. While hair often represents confidence and personal style, it’s important to look beyond the surface to truly understand its condition. So, how can you tell if your hair is actually in good shape? Fortunately, there are a few simple yet revealing signs that can help you assess its health. From checking for breakage to observing texture and strength, these clues offer valuable insight into what your strands might be telling you. Up next, explore four practical ways to evaluate whether you have healthy hair and how to keep it looking vibrant and resilient.
4 Simple Ways to Check If You Have Healthy Hair
Want to know if your strands are thriving or in trouble? There are simple at-home methods that can help you determine the true state of your hair. If you’re aiming for strong, shiny, and healthy hair, these quick tests—and their follow-up care tips—are a great place to start.
Let’s explore how to identify hair health through four easy assessments.
1. Follicle Test: What Your Roots Reveal
One of the easiest ways to gauge healthy hair is by looking at the root.
How To Do It:
- Gently pluck one hair strand close to your scalp, making sure the root stays intact.
- Examine the root under light. A healthy strand typically has a bulb-shaped root.
What It Means:
- A visible bulb means your hair is rooted deeply and growing well.
- If the root is thin or misshapen, it’s a sign your hair may be weakened.
What You Can Do:
- Embrace the Mediterranean diet—rich in veggies, fruits, nuts, fish, and whole grains—for overall hair and health benefits.
- Limit processed foods and red meat, and avoid tight hairstyles, especially during sleep.
- Supplement with essential vitamins and minerals known to support healthy hair from the inside out.
2. Sink Test: Measure Hair Porosity
Hair porosity determines how well your strands absorb and retain moisture—a key element in maintaining healthy hair.
How To Do It:
- Wash your hair thoroughly (no conditioner or product).
- Drop a clean strand into a glass of water.
What It Means:
- Floating strand: Hair is healthy and less porous.
- Sinks slowly: Moderately porous, still manageable.
- Sinks quickly: High porosity, likely from damage.
How To Improve Porosity:
- Use hair oils like argan, avocado, or olive to lock in moisture.
- Always follow up your shampoo with a conditioner to nourish strands.
- Balance your scalp’s pH with a rinse made from apple cider vinegar and aloe vera.
3. Tug Test: Check Your Hair’s Elasticity
Elasticity shows how resilient your hair is—how much it can stretch without breaking.
How To Do It:
- Grab a single strand of hair.
- Gently pull from both ends.
What It Means:
- Stretches and bounces back: That’s a sign of elasticity and healthy hair.
- Snaps easily: Your hair may be brittle and in need of care.
How To Restore Elasticity:
- Avoid heat styling. Let your hair air-dry whenever possible.
- Apply jojoba oil regularly to moisturize, prevent split ends, and soothe the scalp.
- Use raw honey as a deep conditioning mask—it retains moisture, reduces breakage, and adds a glossy finish.
4. Porosity Texture Test: Feel the Health of Your Strands
This test gives you insight into your hair cuticle health.
How To Do It:
- Take a strand and hold it between your index and middle fingers.
- Slide from tip to root.
What It Means:
- Smooth texture: A sign of intact cuticles and overall healthy hair.
- Rough or bumpy texture: Likely due to damage or breakage.
How To Repair Damage:
- Try a keratin treatment to smooth frizz and boost shine.
- Reduce exposure to coloring, curling, and blow-drying tools.
- Incorporate a weekly rice water rinse—studies suggest it helps protect against breakage and maintain color vibrancy.
Final Thoughts
Healthy hair doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of intentional care, good nutrition, and mindful routines. By regularly testing your hair’s condition through these simple methods, you can better understand what it needs and take action early. Whether it’s adjusting your diet, using restorative treatments, or switching to more gentle products, every step counts.
Your hair is more than just an accessory—it’s a reflection of your overall wellness and confidence. Nurture it well, and it will reward you with strength, shine, and beauty.