Hair Health
I have a friend who loves nothing better than to search for split ends while watching TV. It drives her husband crazy, but she finds it somewhat soothing. I, on the otherhand, prefer to live in denial. I know my ends can get a bit ratty but I’d rather just get a cut every two months and then not think about them again.
If asked, I would assume I had marginally healthy hair – bit dry and probably quite damaged due to all the bleaching and heat styling tool use. Instead, I discovered that it’s in reasonably good health – stoked!
I had the pleasure of meeting Trichologist, David Salinger earlier this month. David was visiting New Zealand to discuss Dove’s new hair masques and to analysis our hair. Expecting to see a damaged follicle under the microscope, I was pleasantly surprised to learn my hair is in good condition. He did say he could see a patch of weakness that would have grown around the time of my daughter’s pregnancy and birth. Fascinating!
I asked him some key questions about hair health:
1. What supplements are good to take if your hair is unhealthy or falling out?
Unhealthy-looking hair can be caused externally or internally. If internal, ensure your diet contains all the right foods (protein/fruit/vegetables/cereals/dairy) and avoid the wrong foods (refined sugars/salt/too much of saturated fats). The most beneficial supplements are minerals (iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, chromium, silicon), essential fatty acids such as fish oils, and amino acid complex supplements if protein intake is poor.
With hair loss, there are many different kinds of hair loss and numerous causes (medical, nutritional) so I would try to pinpoint the cause and correct this. Amongst the many causes are iron deficiency, zinc deficiency and deficiencies of the essential fatty acids.
2. Is it true that pulling your hair back into tight ponytails and buns is damaging for the hair?
Yes, holding your hair too tightly over many years can lead to “traction” alopecia whereby the hair thins in the areas in question.
3. What foods should we eat to get good healthy hair?
See above (Question 1). Hair is mainly protein so complete proteins should be eaten with every meal. Minerals are also essential, particularly sulphur (onions, garlic, asparagus/eggs), zinc and iron.
4. If your hair is quite damaged – how long will it take to get better with the use of masques etc?
Hair damage from heat, chemicals (bleaching/colouring etc.) or ultra-violet can never be repaired. However, I try to compensate for the damage by recommending hair masques like DOVE’s new Damage Therapy Treatment Range. They have three rinse out treatment masks – Intensive Repair, Colour Care and Heat Defence – all formulated to help repair dry or damaged hair caused by heat, chemical and styling treatments. Masks like these should have an immediate effect. Repeat these treatments on a weekly basis.
Tamsin xoxo
