Do you use Elvive?

I’ve yet to meet anyone who feels that applying windscreen sealant to their follicles sounds appealing – but it looks like I might soon!

The latest ‘wonder’ hair care range contains filloxane, a substance which works very much in the same way as silica gel, which is commonly used to repair cracks in car windscreens. Filloxane (nicknamed ‘sol-gel’) works in a similar way. Products currently on the market to thicken hair do so by coating the outside of each strand of hair, but ‘sol-gel’ claims to work by penetrating the hair shaft, bulking it up from within.

L’Oreal, the makers of one of the newly available Elvive Fibrology range of products, claim that using shampoo containing a 10 per cent concentration of filloxane could boost the thickness of your tresses by up to 60 per cent. So far, so impressive, but how effective can this product truly be?

We must remember that while’ sol-gel’ might make the overall appearance of a person’s hair appear thicker and more voluminous, it works by bulking up individual strands of hair. There will be no increase in the number of strands of hair on the head, and if you are suffering from any kind of hair loss, the product will neither reverse this nor prevent future thinning.

In short, the product may well be of use to those who have always had naturally fine hair and are looking to plump it up. But, for those whose hair has started to fall out, Elvive Fibrology (or, for that matter, any other shampoo) won’t help to solve the problem.

If this is the case, you should consult a trichologist, who will be able to get to the root cause (pardon the pun!) of the problem, and may be able to offer guidance on how best to combat thinning.

ARE 2-IN-1 SHAMPOOS A GOOD IDEA?

ARE 2-IN-1 SHAMPOOS A GOOD IDEA? I was asked by a beauty journalist this morning if I thought 2-in-1 Shampoos are a good idea? If anyone is interested this… was my answer: I would not recommend anyone use 2-in-1 shampoos because they are not nearly as effective at improving the condition of your hair as a separate shampoo and conditioner. Continue reading

My New Year resolution for my hair

Relax

1. I will remove tangles gently, starting at my ends

Removing tangles starting at the ends of your hair not only reduces breakage & split ends, but it’s much easier! For extra help, use a light-weight detangling spray.

2. I will eat protein with breakfast

Protein levels are lowest to your follicles first thing in the morning, so they need a boost! Your hair is composed primarily of protein, so following through with this resolution will help you grow strong & healthy locks throughout 2014. Our top breakfast choices? Eggs any style, cottage cheese or a side of turkey bacon.

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3. I will treat my hair to a hydrating treatment once a week

Use a weekly pre-shampoo deep conditioner to restore hydration, elasticity, bounce and shine. Over time, you will find your hair grows longer without looked frayed!

4. I will eat red meat once a week

Red meat is an excellent source of the hair healthy nutrient, iron. It helps keeps your hair in its growing (anagen) phase, giving improved density and length. If you’re a vegan/vegetarian, talk to your Doctor or Trichologist about an appropriate iron supplement. Good non-meat sources of iron include spinach, prunes, dried apricots and almonds.

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5. I won’t pile my hair on top of my head when I shampoo

Piling your hair on top of your scalp when you shampoo can cause tangling and even matting. Massage your scalp gently and work the lather through the lengths of your hair. You’ll find it takes much less time to de-tangle and comb afterwards (which may even give you an extra few minutes sleep!) You also won’t need to use as much conditioner.

6. I will take time out to relax

Stress can cause increased hair shedding, as well as general malaise. Treat yourself to some peaceful alone time, yoga or meditation to keep your stress levels in check. There are even some fabulous relaxation exercises you can download onto your phone or ipad. Your hair, body and mind will all benefit.