I have always been one to remind people that hair is dead! There is no cellular repair of dead hair cells period. This means that split ends cannot be mended, just coated. However, the polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) has been found to repair split ends on a semi-permanent basis. Find out how PEC repairs split ends and tips on how to use PEC products to help prevent breakage.
What is PEC?
According to the National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health’s Pub Med, PEC is “formed as a result of the ionic association of a cationic polymer, Polyquaternium-28, and an anionic polymer, PVM/MA Copolymer.” What PEC does for hair is that it locks onto the damaged portions of the split end and binds the split together. This bond is semi-permanent, meaning it lasts until the next shampoo.
Tips to Make PEC’s Bond Last Longer
Shampoo a max of one to three times a week – The longer you can wait between shampoos the better. Remember, you can wash hair without using shampoo. Do not use too many styling products between shampoos. PEC’s mending of split ends helps to prevent hair breakage. However, product buildup will weigh hair down and cause breakage at weak points along the hair shaft. Incorporate coconut oil in your hair care. PEC mends split ends. However, you may still have other damage points along the hair shaft. Coconut oil bonds to the weak points along the shaft adding strength to help prevent breakage. Gently style hair – rough combing and brushing of the hair can create new split ends and hair breakage. Gently comb and brush hair to minimize breakage and new split ends.
What Products Contain PEC?
Check the list of ingredients of any hair product that claims it repairs or mends split ends for Polyquaternium-28 and PVM/MA Copolymer. According to The Beauty Brains, Nexxus, Joico and Tresemme have products that contain PEC. Check out the following products/products line from these three companies:
Nexxus Pro-Mend Line Tresemme Split Remedy Line Joico K-Pak Reconstruct Split End Mender
PEC is a breakthrough in mending split ends and preventing hair breakage. The complex lasts until the next shampoo so the less you shampoo, the longer the effects. If you come across any other products containing PEC, please share in the comments below.
Related Content
3 Natural Hairstyles Made Easy with Kinky-Curly’s Knot Today
Do Curl Enhancing Shampoos and Conditioners Work?
Use Your Kitchen to Turn Cheap Conditioner into a Deep Treatment