Mayday, Mayday! Rescue your hair!
Unless you have fallen asleep with a home perm in your hair, a hair crisis does not happen overnight. Imperceptible change is often the secret enemy of hair. The deterioration is so gradual that you don’t notice until it is “suddenly” breaking or looking dull. It’s tempting to blame age or something else, but the bad news is that you’re probably dealing with the result of years of neglect. The good news is that your hair can be rescued. There is a lot you can do before you decide to chop it all off and start over.
Problem:
Mainstream shampoos are usually harsh and contain ingredients that can dry out your hair. Hot water and washing too often can also strip moisture, leaving it dull. At the other extreme, heavy conditioners will leave hair limp. Mainstream conditioners are bulked up with fillers, which eventually build up on your hair and cause the same problem.
Solution:
Blow-drying, straightening and even over-brushing can damage the outer layer of your hair. With the inner core of hair exposed it becomes brittle, broken and unmanageable. Split ends and dry hair are early signs of over-styling. Fine hair is especially sensitive to heat damage, but even thick tresses need care.
Solution:
When you do heat style, make sure your hair is protected with a good conditioner and suitable styling product like the Thermo styling range from Redken . Try Iron shape £ 15.30 when using irons or Satin ware £15.30 when blow drying. Avoid a high heat setting on your drier or iron too. Thankfully, there are hair products that help mend the damage of over-styling. A treatment with protein sinks into the hair shaft and repairs split ends. The fix is not permanent though, so you will need to use this product regularly.
Even the best shampoos and conditioners have their limitations. Styling and chemicals much more out of your hair than these products can replenish. To add strength, bounce and shine you need protein and moisture to penetrate the outer layers of the hair. Only a treatment can deliver this.Your hair also needs to be nourished from the inside. A poor diet can stunt hair growth or leave it dull and limp. In fact, if the nutritional deficiency severe, it can cause hair loss. Some nutrition-related health problems like anaemia and vitamin B-12 deficiency can even cause premature greying.Solution:
Conditioner can maintain the quality of your hair, but not improve its integrity. You need to use a specialist treatment suited to the primary and secondary needs of your hair at least once a week. Treatments are best prescribed by our experienced stylists at Combers, because the optimal combination of protein and moisture for your unique hair is what will make a real difference.
Your hair also needs essential nutrients like protein and iron to stay healthy. Other critical nutrients are omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin A, selenium and zinc. These help to maintain scalp and hair health, as do low-fat dairy, whole grains and vegetables. The bonus is that this food is also good for your heart!
As is so often the case in life, prevention is better than cure. The best way to rescue your hair is to care for it consistently so that you never end up with a crisis. Remember that our hair care needs change over time, and it might simply be a case of updating your regime to accommodate natural changes. Seasonal changes also need consideration. For example, exposure to summer sun and chlorinated swimming pool water will also demand protection for your hair in the form of specialist products. Regular visits to your stylist will also mean that an expert (who doesn’t see your hair every day like you do) will notice any changes before they get out of hand. Make sure that you get the right advice and avoid risking the condition of your hair. After all, it is a very public symbol of your health and a crucial factor in your overall sense of well-being.
