If you’re struggling with dull, damaged or lifeless hair, you may feel as though there’s no solution. But healthy hair is in reach. Bh was lucky enough to talk hair damage, shampooing frequency and salon versus supermarket with Pantene’s Expert Trichologist, Tony Pearce.
Q) So Tony, what causes hair damage?
A) Hair damage can fall into three categories, chemical, mechanical and internal. Chemical damage is over-processing, bleaching or sun damage; mechanical breakage is caused by over-zealous use of blow-dryers and straighteners; while internal damage deals with structural damage to the hair shaft which is the result of a nutritional, metabolic and/or hormonal imbalance.
Q) How can you prevent and repair hair damage?
A) This usually depends on the severity of the hair’s damage or the amount of shedding. I’d suggest seeking advice from an experienced Trichologist – they will help establish any underlying reasons of why damage may be occurring and take steps to redress.
Q) Which ingredients in shampoo are best for repairing damage?
A) The key is to return moisture, flexibility and strength to the hair shaft and cuticle. This reduces the risk of the hair shaft fracturing. Amino acids are essential for hair strength. (Bh pick:Pantene Pro-V Nourished Shine Shampoo and Conditioner.)
Q) Do supermarket brands have the same ingredients as salon brands?
A) Ingredients may vary slightly in line with what the manufacturer wishes to achieve but essentially the foundation ingredients are the same.
Q) Is it true that supermarket brands cause a build up of silicone?
A) I believe there is very little difference between the quality and performance of supermarket and salon brands of shampoo and conditioners today. High-priced hair cleansing products do not necessarily make them better. A product should be gentle enough for daily use and pH balanced.
Q) How many times should you shampoo in one wash?
A) Generally once is enough, but it depends what type of hair you have. If hair has a tendency to get very oily, then twice is sometimes a better option. I also recommend that after swimming in chlorine you wash hair twice. Chlorine interferes with iodine absorption, which the hair and body needs, so be sure to rinse chlorine out at the showers!
Q) Is it bad to wash your hair everyday?
A) This is bit of a common misconception from when soap or harsher shampoos were used. If you’re an active person who sweats a lot, it’s recommended that you shampoo everyday to rid the hair of oil and sweat build-up. In summer, for the same reasons, I’d advise washing everyday, whereas in winter, unless you’re being really active, every two to three days is sufficient.
Q) What’s the optimum amount of time to leave between washes?
A) If you have an oily or flaky scalp, it’s probably better to wash more often. Hair washing generally shouldn’t be left more than three days, and if you experience an itchy, flaky scalp, it could mean that you’re not washing hair often enough.
