Repeated rubbing on the back of the neck or on clothing also causes the cuticles to open. Once the remaining cuticles open up they will once again be laying in opposite directions and cause tangling. The only solution at this time is to apply another solution of acid. The removal of the cuticle also strips the hair of its protective layer allowing for faster oxidization. Healthy hair with closed cuticles is like a prism which refracts light, is shiny and full of life.
Damaged cuticles cause the hair to look dull and lifeless.
Decuticalized hair has a slimy feeling when wet but is otherwise hard to identify. Most of the processed hair which is used in the manufacturing of hairpieces is of Indian, Indonesian or Chinese origin because of its availability and affordable cost. This hair, which is naturally black, course and straight, must be chemically processed in order to achieve the appearance of natural unprocessed hair. Unprocessed Hair is the finest quality hair available because it requires no chemical processing. This hair is gathered in the form of ponytails, which are blended and matched according to color, length, texture and curl pattern.