What is causing your hair troubles? Do you struggle with frizz or tangled hair? Lost count of your split ends? Or does it look limp and lifeless? Understanding the causes of your issues will help you to choose the right product that can target the damage. I asked Trichologist and Pantene hair expert, Dr. John Gray to explain the reasons for our most common hair struggles.
Frizz
“Frizz occurs when damaged hair develops an electrical charge, causing strands to repel each other,” explains Dr Gray. There are various ways to solve the problem. Dr Gray recommends conditioners containing good silicones and waxes that will help to smooth the cuticle of your hair strand and reduce the charge that causes frizz. If you have thin or fine hair, just use the product sparingly and stick to your ends. You can also try spritzing hairspray on your hairbrush and brushing it through.
Frizz occurs when damaged hair develops an electrical charge, causing strands to repel each other
Split ends
Heat styling, brushing, tying, colouring, and chemical treatments all cause damage to the cuticle of the hair, and if this continues the inner core of your hair shaft becomes exposed, resulting in dry, static, dull hair. “Split ends result from continual damage to the hair shaft, when the strong proteins at the core of the hair shaft unravel,” explains Dr Gray. He adds that while it is possible to temporarily ‘stick’ the ends together with products, the best is to avoid them altogether with a good hair care regime. A heat protect product will also help by providing a defensive barrier for your hair cuticle when you are blow drying or heat-styling. The only way to get rid of split ends permanently is to cut them off.
Oily roots
“Oily roots result from natural oil secretions from the hair follicle,” explains Dr Gray. When your sebaceous glands work overtime and produce too much oil, this could result in a greasy scalp. Changes in your hormone levels can influence how much sebum your body produces. The best solution is washing your hair frequently with a lightweight shampoo. I have oily hair and need to wash once a day. If that doesn’t help, consider consulting a trichologist or a doctor to rule out more serious medical issues.
Dry and itchy scalp
“Itchy scalp may be due to insufficient shampooing or a scalp condition such as dandruff,” says Dr. Gray, in which case you should try a product like Head & Shoulders, which contains zinc pyrithione – an effective active ingredient. If an anti-dandruff product doesn’t help, it could mean something else is causing the trouble. It could be that your scalp is simply dry, which can be caused by changes in weather or a dry climate, over-washing, harsh shampoos or some medications. If your scalp itches without any flaking, it could be that your hair care products are causing an allergic or irritant reaction. Try swopping it out and see if it subsides.
Itchy scalp may be due to insufficient shampooing or a scalp condition such as dandruff
Hair loss
The average person looses about 100 hairs each day, which is completely natural, but if you’re suffering from severe hair loss it could indicate another problem. Severe stress, infections, major surgery or certain medications can all contribute to excess hair loss, or you might suffer from a medical condition. If hair loss is a big problem, one solution is Minoxidil, a topical medicine which can be purchased at pharmacies.
Lack of volume
This can have many causes. It is common in women with fine hair or happens because your hair naturally thins with age. You can help boost volume with the right products. “Polymer molecules in volumizing conditioners helps to boost the hair from the root and helps to create a more voluminous look,” explains Dr. Gray. “Adhesive polymers in hairspray, gel or mousse products can also create more volume by gently sticking the hairs together.”
Polymer molecules in volumizing conditioners helps to boost the hair from the root and helps to create a more voluminous look
To help boost volume, try applying a mousse to your roots and blow dry your hair upside-down. You can also invest in dry shampoo to lift your roots through the day. Another option is to cut your hair in a shorter style. Avoid heavily hydrating hair care and styling creams that may weigh your hair down further.
If your hair is simply looking a little flatter than usual, it could also be due to buildup from styling products and conditioners. Wash with a good clarifying shampoo once a month, it should help a lot.
My thoughts on the Pantene Repair & Protect range
Since we’re taking damage and repair, I thought I’d share my experience trailing the new and improved Pantene Repair & Protect shampoo and conditioner. I was sent the new range of products to try for a month and was asked by Pantene to document the results.
According to Pantene the new technology in this hair care preserves hair proteins, the building blocks of hair health, strengthening the hair fibre from the inside out.
I was honestly impressed after a month of using the range. I normally only use salon products – perks of the job – and I was pleasantly surprised when I didn’t notice a major downfall in my hair quality when I switched over to this range.
After using it for a month my hair felt soft with good volume and shine, without any frizz. I did notice that my hair felt slightly dryer than normal and my hair wasn’t as voluminous as when I used my normal salon options. However, I still think this is a great range if you are on a budget. If I used it permanently, I would probably supplement it with a moisturizing mask or hydrating spray every now and then.
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