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Tag: hair treatments

  • How to grow hair faster naturally, according to top trichologists

    How to grow hair faster naturally, according to top trichologists

    Top trichologist, Stephanie Sey, notes “the only treatment that is clinically proven to grow hair thicker and faster is minoxidil (commonly known as Regaine), however this medication is only used for those suffering with male or female pattern hair loss.”

    What causes hair loss?

    “Lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol and high sugar diets can lead to scalp problems,” says Michael Van Clarke, hairdresser and founder of 3 More Inches. Crash dieting can be detrimental, too. “As hair is a non-essential tissue, it’s the first part of you to be deprived of nutrients when your diet is lacking,” says Kingsley. “Therefore restrictive eating deprives your hair of nutrients and this can cause excessive hair shedding,” she explains.

    It might be worth keeping an eye on how tight you tie your ponytail, too – “this can cause traction breakage and may even pull out hairs from their follicles,” warns Kingsley.

    How to grow hair faster?

    In general, the healthier you are, the healthier your hair will be, so rather than simply turning to products, it’s important to keep an eye on your lifestyle. We’ve put together all the factors to consider when encouraging your hair to grow faster so you can identify which may be most relevant for you…

    A well-balanced diet

    “Hair is made of 97 percent protein,” says top trichologist, Stephen Carson. “Hair needs sufficient regular amounts of complete protein, vitamins, minerals and water as well as the omega 3 fatty acids found in oily fish, fruit and vegetables,” he adds.

    “To ensure your hair is getting the protein it needs to grow, eat at least a palm sized portion of protein at breakfast and lunch. Great examples are fish, eggs, lean meat, low fat cottage cheese, quinoa and pulses,” says Kingsley. “To help ensure that your hair is receiving enough energy for growth (hair cells are the second fastest growing cells the body produces after bone marrow), include a portion of complex carbohydrates with each meal. I.e. brown rice, whole-wheat toast, potatoes with skin-on or oatmeal,” adds Kingsley.

    Supplements and vitamins

    As we’ve established, a healthy, well-balanced diet should be the first line of defence. “Vitamin supplements shouldn’t be a substitute for a varied diet,” says Clarke. But if you’re still struggling to get all the nutrients you need, “supplements can help those with an unbalanced regime,” he says.

    “Your hair has especially high nutritional requirements which can be difficult to meet through diet alone,” Kingsley acknowledges. “Supplements can be very handy in that they provide your hair with easily accessible nutrients.”

    Look for protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin D, Omega 3 and Biotin. “B12 is especially important for vegans, as B12 is only found naturally in animal products,” says Kingsley. Philip Kingsley Density Amino Acid Protein Booster Supplement (£32) contains a blend of essential vitamins and minerals including biotin. However, before taking supplements, it’s best to consult with a doctor and take a blood test first, advises Carson.

    Philip Kingsley Density Amino Acid Protein Booster Supplement

    The best vitamins for hair growth (according to trichologists who actually know)

    Quality sleep

    “To enable your body to recover and repair itself, you need quality sleep,” says Carson. “If you have a stressed lifestyle, sleep is important for adrenal recovery.” Effectively, sleep is one of nature’s best medicines – much more effective than what you’ll find in any pharmacy – and it’s free, so it’s important to make it a priority and plan your evenings around ensuring you get enough.

    Regular trims

    A trim won’t make your hair grow faster, but it can make it look a whole lot better and healthier. “A trim can help to improve and maintain the quality and density of your ends,” explains Kingsley. “Regular trims will help get rid of the old weathered ends of the hair,” agrees Sey. “The ends of the hair are the oldest having gone through repeated washing, combing and styling,” she adds. So while those wisps can add length, they can also contribute to the hair looking thinner overall. Plus, split ends can cause hair to rip further up the shaft, so snipping them off early is a good idea.

    Elle Turner

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  • The absolute best products you need to care for textured and Afro hair, according to the experts

    The absolute best products you need to care for textured and Afro hair, according to the experts

    “The Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Comp Conditioning Co Wash, £6.99, Sephora gently removes impurities and product build up, while infusing vital moisture. It’s the best,” says Mimi.

    7. Oils

    Finding the perfect oil for your hair is no mean feat. Too thick and it becomes greasy, but too lightweight and it doesn’t offer enough moisture. Luckily, we’ve called in the experts to recommend their favourites to aid your search.

    ORS Olive Oil Sheen Spray

    Aveda Dry Remedy Moisturising Oil

    This ORS Olive Oil Sheen Spray, £4.86, Look Fantastic is an African mum bathroom cabinet staple, and that’s because it does what it says on the can. It gives the hair a glossy sheen so it’s perfect for styling, whether you have your hair up in a bun, loose or you can spritz it over your weeks-old box braids to restore that week-one shine.

    “Hands down at the moment my favourite is the Aveda Dry Remedy Moisturising Oil, £31, John Lewis. It’s lightweight, absorbent and moisturising,” recommends Subrina.

    Charlotte Mensah Manketti Hair Oil

    “Packed with naturally-sourced Manketti nuts to deliver moisture without weighing the hair down, my Charlotte Mensah Manketti Hair Oil, £48, Net-A-Porter instantly improves shine and combats frizz,” says Charlotte.

    “I love the fact that this Moroccanoil Treatment, £32.85, Moroccanoil is a classic hair staple and is so light in consistency, pure and multi-purpose. I use it as a heat protector, to seal my hair, and as a hot oil treatment,” says Keysha.

    8. Hair butters

    To deeply nourish dry or coarse hair, there’s nothing better than a hair butter. Here, we asked our panel of experts for their top picks.

    Camille Rose Curlaide Moisture Butter

    Sheamoisture Curl Enhancer Coconut & Hibiscus Smoothie 326ml

    “The Camille Rose Naturals Curlaide Moisture Butter 240ml, £12.50, Look Fantastic is a great moisturiser to inject my hair with nourishment when it’s feeling a little dry and unloved. It’s blended with quality natural ingredients including shea moisture, coconut oil and castor oil, which results in a rich buttery textured cream that exudes quality,” says Keysha.

    “This SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie, £12.99, Boots is perfect for looser thirsty curls and helps to keep them hydrated,” says Ateh.

    Carol’s Daughter Coco Creme Enhancing Butter 12oz

    Keracare Natural Textures Butter Cream 227g

    “This Carol’s Daughter Coco Creme Enhancing Butter 12oz, £12.99, Superdrug shields hair from everyday wear and tear and boosts natural shine,” says Charlotte.

    Mimi recommends: “This Keracare Natural Textures Butter Cream 227g, £10.70, Look Fantastic contains shea butter, cocoa butter, amla & shikakai (ayurvedic) botanicals, argan and abyssinian oils to hydrate and keep hair healthy.”

    9. Curl definers

    Whether you’re looking to wash and go, twist and define, or up the shine factor, these expert-approved defining products offer the perfect solution to all your curl woes.

    Paul Mitchell Foaming Pomade

    Twisted Sista Foaming Curl Pomade

    “This Paul Mitchell Foaming Pomade, £24.05, Look Fantastic gives maximum definition and shine, which is both lightweight and tangible. My tip if you want to switch it up for a straight look is to do a wrap set (it’s a more sustainable way of protecting your hair from heat damage or tension),” says Subrina.

    “The Twisted Sista Foaming Curl Pomade, £8.99, Sephora is great for a wash and go and twistout/braidout or Bantu set. It’s super lightweight with a natural shine. While it’s great for fine to medium hair textures, I have also used it on thicker textures which are coily and kinky for a great twistout. The beauty of this product it’s not greasy and makes your hair so tangible,” says Subrina. “Love it!”

    Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer

    Bouclème Curl Defining Gel 300ml

    “I love this Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer, £23.50, Look Fantastic because it intensifies curls, tames frizz and increase shine,” says Charlotte.

    Sheilla Mamona, Kiran Meeda

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  • This is why your hair gets greasy in the winter (and what to do about it)

    This is why your hair gets greasy in the winter (and what to do about it)

    You might associate greasy hair with the warm temperatures and sweaty skin of summer, but there are plenty of changes to our environment and lifestyle in the winter that can cause our scalps to become oiler than normal. If you’ve noticed greasy roots almost instantly after washing your hair, you’re not alone.

    So, what can we do to stop our scalp’s sebum levels going into overdrive in the colder months? We called on the hair experts (hairsperts?) to give us some much-needed guidance on stopping greasy roots in their tracks, and the best balancing products to shop now.

    Why does my hair get greasy in the winter?

    “Hair becoming oilier during the winter can be due to many factors such as central heating which can reduce indoor humidity levels, leading to drier air,” explains trichologist Angela Onuoha, Hair Proud guest expert. “Due to the cold, dry air, your scalp produces more sebum to compensate to the drier environment resulting in oily hair and scalp.”

    Angela explains that people may also use hotter water than usual to wash their hair in winter, and this can strip the scalp of its natural oils, causing it to produce more sebum to compensate.

    “Seasonal stress can also lead to a greasier hair in the winter months which can cause an increase in scalp production,” adds Angela. “This is because stress levels are elevated and increase the levels of cortisol in the body – as the cortisol rise in the body the oil production increases creating oilier hair and scalp.”

    Not to mention the extra layers we use when the temperature drops – hats, beanies, big scarves and so on, can all lead to greasy hair and scalp, due to the build-up of sweat.

    What can I do about it?

    “Like the skin on your face, your scalp benefits from extra TLC in winter,” says Anabel Kingsley, Brand President and Consultant Trichologist at Philip Kingsley. “If your scalp becomes oilier, flaky and itchy during the colder months, which is very common, use targeted products to help re-balance your scalp’s microflora, such as a daily itchy scalp shampoo or a weekly anti-microbial soothing scalp mask.”

    Angela adds that, while it may seem natural to wash your hair more regularly when your roots are oil-prone, it’s best to stick to your regular washing pattern as excess cleansing could dry out ther scalp, leading to more sebum production. “I would recommend using a hydrating shampoo that doesn’t contain sulphates as this can strip the hair of its natural oils leading your scalp to over produce oil,” she adds.

    “I would also recommend really putting in the effort when cleansing your scalp and hair and investing in a clarifying shampoo to remove the build-up of sweat, pollution and dead skin cells that lead to greasy hair and an oily scalp,” continues Angela. “I would leave your shampoo for a few minutes to allow your shampoo time to lift the dirt from the scalp and really work its magic. Shampoos contain surfactants, and these lift the dirt from the scalp like a magnet. This doesn’t happen instantly and if you want a proper cleanse, it’s important to give your shampoo some time to really do its job.”

    Both Angela and Anabel recommend adding a scalp brush to your haircare routine, too. “The average person doesn’t take enough time shampooing, so this often results in a scalp that isn’t properly cleansed,” says Angela. “A scalp brush will not only allow the shampoo more time to lift the dirt, but it can also help it out by gently exfoliating while massaging, while increasing blood circulation which is important for optimal hair growth.”

    What are the best products for greasy hair?

    STRAAND The Crown Cleanse Concentrated Anti-Dandruff Prebiotic Shampoo

    The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Scrub

    Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo

    Philip Kingsley Overnight Scalp Barrier Serum with Triple Balancing Action

    Hello Klean Shower Filter

    Sami The Duck Scalp & Body Brush

    Clean & Strong Pre-Cleanse Hair Mask

    Ali Pantony

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  • Dry scalp causes and exactly how to treat it, according to experts

    Dry scalp causes and exactly how to treat it, according to experts

    The oiliness experienced when you have dandruff is caused by an overgrowth of yeast. “Yeasts naturally live on your scalp, and usually do not cause any problems. However, itching and flaking can occur when an overgrowth of yeast causes your scalp’s microbiome to become imbalanced. However, some people are simply sensitive to normal levels of these yeasts on their scalp,” says Anabel.

    “It is difficult to differentiate between dandruff and dry scalps, however, the best way to do this is to think what may have caused this dryness to the scalp,” says Stephanie. “Is it an allergic reaction to something you have used, or have you been using products that are drying out your hair and scalp recently? If you’ve answered yes, then it is probably a dry scalp,” she adds.

    “If your hair is a bit greasy despite the flakes and is there all the time, then it is likely you are suffering from dandruff. If you are still not sure then use a dandruff shampoo for a while, like Nizoral (£9.30), and see if it alleviates the symptoms. If it is dandruff, then the ketaconazole (an anti-fungal ingredient) in Nizoral will do its job,” says Stephanie.

    Here’s exactly how to get rid of dandruff with 13 simple tips

    Is a flaky scalp different to dandruff?

    A flaky scalp can be a symptom of dandruff, but it’s also a symptom of dry scalps, although they’re caused by different reasons. “With a dry, flaky scalp, the skin gets irritated and flakes off. With dandruff, the cause is too much oil on the scalp. That excess oil causes skin cells to build up and then shed,” explains Stephanie.

    “A flaky scalp can also be caused by other scalp conditions, such as tinea capitis (a highly infectious fungal infection of the scalp, also called scalp ringworm), allergic contact dermatitis (a reaction to products used on the scalp, such as hair dye, hairspray, hair gel or mousse), or psoriasis (a skin condition that causes red or silvery scales that are adherent to the scalp,) Stephanie clarifies.

    Why does a dry scalp cause itchiness?

    “A dry scalp is irritated and, as such, causes itchiness. Scalp issues such as seborrhoeic dermatitis can cause low-grade inflammation and shedding, which in turn causes itchiness,” says Stephanie.

    What are the best ways to treat a dry scalp?

    Identify the cause

    “To deal with a dry scalp you need to identify the cause of it first. We have enough sebaceous glands on our scalp to keep the scalp lubricated, so if the scalp is dry, then there is most probably an underlying cause,” says Stephanie. “Some causes could be an allergic reaction to a product, or even washing your hair too often with a poorly formulated harsh shampoo,” she adds.

    Try gently exfoliation

    As with dry skin elsewhere on your body, a combination of gentle exfoliation and hydration can help. “Try a daily re-hydrating scalp toner containing ingredients such as sodium salicylate – an anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant active that helps to soothe the scalp,” says Anabel, such as Philip Kingsley’s Stimulating Daily Scalp Toner (£19.10).

    Seek out soothing ingredients

    “Some ways to address a dry scalp are by using something soothing like aloe vera gel directly on the scalp [try Aloe Pura Aloe Vera Gel, £6.49] or a hydrosol like rosewater [try Heritage Store Rosewater & Glycerin mist, £7.99],” says Stephanie

    Use a nourishing oil

    “A hot oil treatment, such as coconut oil and jojoba oil, just before you are going to wash your hair could go a long way as well to help rebalance the scalp,” Stephanie says.

    Apply a scalp mask

    “Twice weekly, apply a moisturising scalp mask containing ingredients such as aloe vera, and mild exfoliants, such as betaine salicylate,” Anabel says.

    Drink plenty of water

    Another tip? “hydrate from within i.e. drink enough water,” says Anabel.

    Elle Turner

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