Damage Control: The ‘Queen of Colour’ on Maintaining Healthy Hair
Spare your hair from further wear and tear!
Our hair goes through so much each day – from heat damage and the wrong products to a poor diet that does little to nourish it. But help is here. Here are 10 everyday tips to maintain healthy hair all the time. Yes, it may mean changing your routine a little, but the difference in your hair will speak volumes.
1. Detangle Your Hair When Wet with Conditioner
When you’re in the shower, apply your conditioner and comb your hair while the conditioner is on to remove any tangles. It’s much easier to detangle at this point than when your hair is dry.
2. Use a Cotton Towel to Dry Hair
Use a cotton towel or T-shirt instead of a normal towel to dry your hair as it won’t rough up the hair cuticles as much. Avoid harsh rubbing – just pat dry the hair so that you don’t have to work as hard to smooth the hair and make it look healthy.
3. Slow Down When Detangling
Always start by detangling any clumps or big knots with your fingertips. Next, gently use a wide tooth comb or a Tangle Teezer brush on the lower portion of your hair to detangle all the knots towards the ends of your locks. Once this is done, gently brush downwards from the roots.
4. Massage Your Scalp Every Day
I believe in head massages. Massages are known to improve the blood flow and health of the scalp, so try and massage your scalp every day for a few minutes, even if it’s just while you’re watching TV. Use the tips of your fingers, not your fingernails, and make circular motions across your scalp. Massaging the scalp – which can be done in conjunction with hair oils and masks – stimulates the scalp and can help improve hair thickness.
5. Take in Nutrients That Benefit Your Hair
Food is the best source of the vitamins you need for hair growth. Here are some ways of getting the nutrients you need through food.
Protein: Eggs, almonds, milk, Greek yoghurt, beef, and broccoli
Vitamin B12: Whole grains, almonds, meat, seafood, dark leafy greens
Iron: Clams, oysters, eggs, red meat, spinach, and lentils
Omega 3 fatty acids: Nuts, seeds, oily fish, and leafy green vegetables
However, if you fail to get enough of these nutrients in your diet, supplements may be helpful. According to research, supplements work best in individuals who are already deficient. One supplement that’s especially good at getting good results for your hair is Viviscal.
6. What You Take in Is Reflected in Your Hair
What we eat as food comes out through our skin, while tablets come out through our scalp. If you take tablets – even an aspirin – it will affect your hair and scalp. Notice that when you’re unwell, your hair suddenly won’t feel good, possibly even lifeless and flat. To counteract this, use a detox clay like the mariadowling Detox Clay to get your hair feeling full of life again.
7. Use Products for Colour-Treated Hair
If you colour your hair, you should be using products that are made to protect it. The Olaplex line features products that repair and strengthen every strand of hair from the inside out. The vegan, cruelty-free formula actually strengthens the bonds in your hair, and I’ve seen amazing results with clients who use it. Olaplex No1 and No2 is applied in the salon as a salon treatment, and you can continue it at home with number No0 and No3.
8. Find a Supportive Colourist
It’s good to find a colourist who is concerned about the condition of your hair when colouring, as they will know where to apply colour and avoid overlapping and other mistakes. If you change your colourist every time, this can lead to many different hair colour changes and possible mistakes that’ll need to be corrected.
9. Use a Leave-In Conditioner Before Styling
I always recommend using a leave-in conditioner before heat styling. Even though you’ll be using a leave-in conditioner, you must still use a conditioner after you’ve rinsed off your shampoo, then towel-dry and apply the leave-in conditioner. It’s always good to start with less until you know how much to apply. I recommend the Kerastase range, which includes leave-in thermique products that activate when in contact with heat styling tools.
10. Use a Silk Pillowcase
Treat yourself to a silk pillowcase as its smooth texture lets hair glide over it without any friction, which means you’re less likely to have frizzy hair when you wake up.
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Natural Hair Fall Treatments for Thick, Lustrous Locks
Your hair will thank you.
Hair loss, two words that scare us crazy, is a common concern for both men and women, impacting self-esteem and overall well-being. While a range of factors can contribute to hair loss, understanding the causes is essential for effective prevention strategies. Let’s explore hair loss and what can be done to support hair health.
What Causes Hair Loss?
As an internet-savvy, skin and hair-obsessed tribe, we are very attuned to the impact hair fall can have on our mental and physical health. It’s important to understand the possible root causes of hair fall to be better able to determine how best to tackle the issue, and that’s why we are here to help. Here are the most common triggers that can lead to hair fall and cause your crowning glory to lose some of its glam factor.
Genetic Factors
Genes play an important role in many health concerns. Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, is primarily influenced by genetic factors. It typically results in gradual hair thinning and receding hairlines.
Hormonal Imbalances
Fluctuations in hormones, such as those occurring during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid disorders, can contribute to hair loss. Hormonal imbalances affect hair growth cycles leading to shedding or inhibited growth.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Inadequate intake of vital nutrients, including vitamins and minerals such as biotin, Vitamins A, C, D, and E, as well as, iron and zinc, and proteins, can weaken hair follicles and impede healthy hair growth.
Stress and Lifestyle Factors
Chronic stress, poor dietary choices, lack of sleep, and exposure to environmental pollutants and smoking can disrupt hair growth cycles, leading to hair loss.
Tips to Manage Hair Loss
Managing hair loss can be approached through various strategies that promote hair health, address underlying causes, and provide cosmetic solutions. Here’s your to-do checklist:
Maintain a Healthy Diet
If you are like us and time-constrained, then it is of the utmost importance to tailor your nurtritional habits to consume a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that promote hair health. Include foods rich in iron, biotin, zinc, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. Supplements are an overlooked part of our diets so restoring them would be a great place to start.
Manage Stress
Chronic stress can contribute to hair loss and let’s be honest, who doesn’t suffer from stress? Incorporating stress management techniques into your daily routine, such as exercise, meditation, yoga, or engaging in activities that bring you joy, is a must-do. Wake up early, sleep early, be selfish and look after yourself is the mantra for the day, every day. It’s called self-love and it matters.
Be Gentle with Your Hair
Reduce Harsh Styling
Avoid harsh brushing, combing, or styling techniques that can cause unnecessary tension or damage to your hair. Using wide-toothed combs or brushes with soft bristles to prevent breakage. This is such a small yet effective tip that many overlook the importance of handling their hair in a more gentle way.
Also, avoid tight ponytails, buns, braids, or hairstyles that put excessive strain on your hair and scalp. Opt for looser styles that allow your hair to breathe and minimize tension.
Limit Heat Applications
Excessive use of heat-styling tools, such as flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers, can weaken your hair and contribute to hair loss. Limiting the use of these tools and applying a heat protectant spray liberally on your hair, before styling will help reduce hair damage and hair fall. This tip literally costs nothing to do and ensures you are in balance when it comes to styling your hair.
Choose Gentle Hair Care Products
Use mild, sulphate-free shampoos and gentle conditioners that are specifically formulated for your hair type and concerns. Avoid products that contain harsh chemicals or irritants that may further damage your hair or scalp.
Consult a Dermatologist or Trichologist
If you experience significant hair loss, it is always advisable to consult a dermatologist or trichologist. These experts can help identify the root cause of your hair loss and provide specific treatments or recommendations. Always good to get scientific, professional and trusted advice if your hair fall is not improving with natural remedies!
Secret Ingredients to Manage Hair Loss
Green Tea
Did you know that Green Tea is a natural ingredient that has gained popularity for its health benefits, including its potential effects on hair health? While research on the direct impact of green tea on hair loss is limited, it is believed to possess properties that can promote scalp health and reduce hair loss. Here are a few ways in which green tea may contribute to improving hair health:
Antioxidant-Rich
Green tea is rich in antioxidants called catechins, which help protect hair follicles from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. This protection may support overall hair health and potentially reduce hair loss.
Stimulates Hair Growth
Some studies suggest that the polyphenols in green tea stimulate hair growth by increasing the activity of certain growth factors and promoting blood circulation in the scalp.
DHT Blocking
Green tea contains compounds that inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with hair loss in individuals genetically predisposed to androgenetic alopecia. By reducing DHT levels, green tea may help prevent hair miniaturisation and shedding.
Scalp Health
Applying green tea topically can help soothe the scalp and reduce inflammation, which may contribute to hair loss. It can also provide a gentle cleansing effect and help control excess oil production on the scalp. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare a green tea rinse to use after shampooing your hair:
Green Tea Rinse for Scalp Health
1. Brew a cup of green tea by steeping a tea bag or loose leaves in hot water for 3-5 minutes. Ensure the tea is sufficiently cooled before use.
2. After shampooing your hair, pour the cooled green tea over your scalp and massage it gently for a few minutes.
3. Leave the green tea on your scalp for around 5-10 minutes to allow the beneficial compounds to penetrate the hair follicles.
4. Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water to remove the green tea.
You can repeat this process a few times a week as part of your regular hair care routine.
Argan Oil
While oils alone will not provide a miraculous turnaround solution, specific oils such as Argan Oil have shown promise in promoting healthier hair growth and reducing hair loss. Argan oil is a popular natural oil that has been used for centuries for its hair and skin benefits. While it may not directly treat hair loss or stimulate new hair growth, Argan oil can help nourish and improve the overall health of your hair, which can indirectly contribute to reducing hair loss.
Argan oil is rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and Vitamin E, which can help moisturise and nourish your scalp and hair follicles. Keeping the scalp hydrated may help create a healthy environment for hair growth. Applying Argan Oil directly to your hair can help make it softer, more manageable, and less prone to breakage, which can minimise hair loss caused by damage or brittleness. If scalp inflammation is contributing to hair loss, the anti-inflammatory properties of Argan Oil can help soothe the scalp and reduce irritation. The antioxidants in Argan Oil help protect your hair from environmental stressors, such as heat styling, UV rays, and pollution, which can cause damage and weaken the hair.
Alternatively, blending Sweet Almond Oil with the essential oil, Ylang Ylang, can provide a rich moisturising solution for your hair as well.
Remember, hair loss is a common concern faced by many so you are not alone. For individuals desiring an immediate solution to hair loss, we recommend trying out our Green Tea Scalp Rinse and Hair Moisturising Essentials as a great place to get started with products that can naturally enhance your hair. If your hair fall is not improving or you are losing hair in clumps, seeking support from specialist professionals is important to obtain the appropriate treatment for your situation. Consulting with a healthcare professional or trichologist can provide personalised advice and recommendations tailored to your individual needs.
The Gaggler team is passionate about finding and sharing great products with our readers. We take pride in researching and testing products to find the best of the best, and we only recommend things that we love and think you will, too.
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