Mane maintenance

Fight hair loss with this must-read prevention guide.

We used to think of hair loss as merely a men’s issue, but women today aren’t just obsessing over every tiny wrinkle and line. They are also suffering rapidly thinning hairlines. Here’s how women can treat the problem before it’s too late…

Is your hair shedding or breaking? You should know what’s happening if you want to protect your precious mane. Sometimes trauma or injury breaks a strand: hair that previously touched your shoulders may now only touch the top of your ears. But the good news is that breakage can be solved by the daily use of the right product and vitamins. Plus, it’s also beneficial to use a wide bristled brush with wooden bristles instead of plastic ones.

Is your hair weak? Try Sunsilk Hairfall Solution, enriched with Soya Vitamin Complex, which will deeply nourish and strengthen your tresses.

HOW MUCH HAIR-FALL IS NORMAL?

Don’t feel inadequate if your ponytail is not sleek and super-glossy. Pop stars are now so bedecked in hair extensions that they’ve blurred the line between anatomical possibility and complete fantasy. However, while losing a few dead strands a day is normal, consider your hair loss as “serious” if you start to notice a loss of 100 strands of hair a day for several weeks. If there have been no sudden changes in your life or medication routine, it could indicate an underlying medical condition and you should see your dermatologist.

DANGEROUS PRODUCTS

Most ingredients in hair formulations are safe; however, if you are allergic to a particular ingredient, the resulting inflammation can cause hair loss. Usually argan oil or coconut oil suits everyone. Professionals suggest a regular scalp massage in a circular motion for several minutes before going to bed. The theory is that manual stimulation increases circulation to the scalp, which may pump hair follicles with the nutrients needed for hair growth.

The 100% organic Lakme K-Therapy Bio Argan Oil neutralises free radicals and acts as a powerful anti-oxidant without the off-putting greasy after-effects.

HOSTILE EXTENSIONS

Of course dermatologists will recommend staying away from too many chemical treatments such as bleaching or straightening within a short period of time because it adversely affects the scalp and hair follicles. But the worst of the worst are hair extensions that are putting extra weight on your weakened roots. If they’re not good quality and not applied professionally, they will certainly cause bald patches.

WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND?

Stress plays a huge role in hair and skin problems. Anxiety raises the level of a hormone called cortisol, which is necessary for the body to function efficiently. Sometimes the effects don’t manifest themselves for months, so it’s important to think back a few months from when the hair loss started to determine any stressful periods. Meditation, reading therapy and regular exercise can help you de-stress

AGEING AND HAIR CARE

50 percent of women experience some kind of hair loss in their 50s. The cause: those hormones! They cause so much trouble but still aren’t fully understood. What is known is that the two main sex hormones that affect the hair are estrogen (female) and androgen (male). Estrogens can increase hair growth, while androgen has the reverse effect. If you are going through menopause, your hair will suffer. But don’t despair! Your hair is not hopeless, just more sensitive and demanding. So you need to choose sophisticated formulas specially created to rejuvenate it.

Pantene AgeDefy Advanced Thickening Treatment is a potent formula of Vitamin B3, Panthenol, and caffeine that helps thicken existing hair strands.

DEMYSTIFYING YOUR HAIR

Let’s break a couple of those age-old myths about hair care.

Myth number 1: Little white bulbs at the end of your strands are your hair’s roots and are a sign of hair loss. False! The bulb is not a root, and is an indication that the hair was in its shedding phase. It was indeed time for that hair to fall out.

Myth number 2: Not brushing hair regularly will reduce hair loss. False! If you skip brushing for a few days, what was meant to come out over a period of days will just all come out in one go when you finally brush, and it will appear like more hair loss than you expected.

AMINEXIL MIRACLE

Of course it must be discussed with a dermatologist first, but topical aminexil can be extremely helpful. After 15 years of studying the causes of hair loss, scientists discovered its primary cause to be the solidification of collagen in the scalp. Hair effectively drowns itself and then falls. At this time, in L’Oreal’s research center, the first molecule that promotes the anchoring of hair in the scalp was born. Today, Aminexil is the only cosmetic chemical that has been proven effective.

Ask your stylist! L´Oréal Professionnel Aminexil Advanced is an intensive salon program enriched with Aminexil and Omega 6 complex.

SEASONALITY

Hair loss is common after having babies, after losing very large amounts of weight by dieting, and during menopause. Also, many women report a seasonal shedding after winter. The winter months are hard for hair because the scalp skin is dry and humidity has decreased. Always keep two shampoos handy: one light formula for warm weather and another stronger one for chillier temperatures. Using the right nourishing product is crucial to ensure that hair has enough protein and strength during every season.

NATURAL RESOURCE

Diet is crucial to the state of your hair so feed those follicles! Make sure that you are eating a diet rich in protein. Lean meat, fish and plenty of nuts and seeds will ensure that you’re getting proper protein and amino acids to maintain a healthy scalp and hair. Biotin, in particular, is a valuable supplement.