Today’s video is a big one, and one that I’m so excited to share with you because it’s packed with information. Y’all know I love getting down to the scientific make up of curly hair, and I always strive to have the most accurate factual information.
I had heard about MyManeBio before from other bloggers, and decided to reach out to them to see if they were interested in providing a hair analysis so that I could share my results with you.
MyManeBio is a service where you mail in a sample of your hair and fill out a questionnaire, and it goes to a lab where scientists analyze your hair under a microscope. They provide a detailed report back to you via email that has microscope photos, a detailed explanation about your hair’s characteristics, product analysis, and even styling tips.
It’s more in-depth than a consultation with a hairstylist, because they can actually analyze your hair in the lab and you get the detailed report with recommendations.
It’s basically a curly hair nerd’s dream come true 😉
MyManeBio offers 2 different services, the Foundational Hair Analysis and the Total Haircare Analysis.
Here’s what is analyzed in the Total Hair Care Analysis:
- Porosity (High, medium, low)
- Elasticity (Protein vs. moisture)
- Width (Fine, medium, coarse)
- Overall hair health
- Buildup
- Climate
- Hard water
- Best ingredients for your hair (humectants, surfactants, proteins, etc.)
- Product analysis & compatibility
- Step-by-step styling guide
- Correspondence with the scientist
The Foundation Hair Analysis is a bit cheaper, and contains a little less info that the Total Haircare Analysis. Visit MyManeBio’s website for more info on the packages.
A few photos and things I learned about my hair:
My Porosity
I wasn’t as surprised with the results here, because I knew I had high porosity hair based on all the signs. However what I was surprised to learn was that my hair is normal porosity at the root, and increases in porosity down the strand. That tells me that naturally I have normal porosity hair, so the high porosity shaft and ends are due to damage. There’s light at the end of the tunnel, and when my hair grows out it will hopefully return to normal.
My Hair’s Width, Texture & Density
This was the biggest surprise to me, because I’ve been told all my life that I have fine hair. However, people often confuse low density hair with fine hair. Density refers to how much hair you have in total, while fine, medium, or coarse refers to the width or diameter of your hair strand. Coarse hair is wide enough to have the medulla layer, which some say does not have a purpose in the hair. The medulla layer is not found in fine hair.
I also had kinks in my hair, meaning the width of the hair changes throughout. Most of my hair was larger in diameter at the top, and gradually got smaller at the bottom. This is a sign of damage, and indicates where I need a trim. Kinking in the hair can cause tangles, breakage, and a coarse feeling.
Split Ends
No surprise here, I knew I had split ends. I did not know though that split ends lead to a loss in protein and moisture loss. Split ends are openings in the hair that causes too much water to enter and the hair to swell. Protein is lost causing the hair to become dehydrated.
I definitely need a significant trim, and need to start using oil on my ends to pre-poo and as a finishing step in my styling routine.
Those were some of my biggest takeaways, along with so much more. I could spend all day combing through my report. I am so grateful to have so much information to be more knowledgeable in future videos of mine.
Below are the products that I had analyzed for compatibility. I was happy to see that these are all great for my hair type, and some are best suited for winter due to the humdity here in VA.
- Amika Curl Corps Defining Cream
- OUIDAD Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Stronger Hold Gel
- Dippity Do Girls with Curls Gelée
- Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Cream
- Not Your Mother Curl Talk Curl Activation Mousse
Shop more of my favorites in my Amazon store here.
Use code GetGlammedUp for $5 off your order from MyManeBio!
Thank you so much to MyManeBio for providing me with this hair analysis!
Please leave any questions in the comments below, or requests for more videos about the topics covered here.
Check out my latest video:
–Innersense Review & Routine