Hair softness and movement come from a healthy cuticle layer. The hair cuticle is the outermost layer of a hair strand. It's what protects your hair from damage and imparts shine. Healthy cuticles are rich in ceramides that act as glue to bind cuticles shut.

The ceramides most resembling those found in human hair are found in wheat germ oil. Ceramides are advanced fatty acids that work to repair the hair strand.  Ceramides seal the cuticle, which is beneficial as a raised cuticle leads to weaker hair, tangles, dull hair and breakage.  

By keeping the cuticle closed, ceramides help the hair fibre remain internally hydrated, protect the hair fibre's internal lipids and reduce damage from heat and chemicals. Hair fibres with a closed cuticle will tangle less and be less prone to frizz.

Over time, washing hair, chemical processing, heat styling, and UV damage can deplete naturally occurring ceramides in the hair strand.  A lower ceramide content in the hair strand leads to dull, coarse, and frizzy hair.  Topping up ceramide levels with a conditioner reseals the cuticle for softer and smoother hair.

All hair types can benefit from ceramides, but more dramatic results will be seen on hair that feels dry and tangles easily.