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 “ARE 2-IN-1 SHAMPOOS A GOOD IDEA?”

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.

1d797c2da35c0eeec46fcc0650a53f49

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.

a4d6f0231c47981f9b758231325e7a73

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.

You and your hair for the festive season

 

MOISTURISE

The moisture content of your hair’s cortex (fancy word for the core of your hair!) is what makes it manageable, shiny, bouncy, elastic and less prone to breakage – a real necessity for hair to look and feel fabulous! To restore hydration and get your tresses in stunning shape for New Years, use a pre-shampoo conditioning treatment once a week. You can even sleep with it in. We make one called ‘Wheat Treat‘ that was originally formulated for Audrey Hepburn, the ultimate style icon. Daily protective sprays can also be lock-savers when battling the cood winds and effects of indoor heating.

USE THE CORRECT SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER

Use the correct shampoo and conditioner for your hair texture to help it look its best. Contrary to popular belief, hair does not get used to the same shampoo – its needs might simply change. Always choose your shampoo based on your hair type (i.e. whether it is fine, medium, coarse or African Caribbean) – and then a conditioner based on your hair length, diameter and level of processing. Hair tends to be drier in winter, so a more moisturising conditioner might be needed.

COMB THROUGH CONDITIONER

Gently comb through your post-shampoo conditioner with a wide tooth comb, starting at your ends and working up, and rinse as usual. This helps to evenly distribute the product over your hair, coating and smoothing the hair cuticle, locking in moisture and adding shine.

REVITALISE HAIR WITH DRY SHAMPOO

Too busy to wash and dry your hair as often as you’d like? Invest in a good dry shampoo with scalp benefits. We have one called ‘Revivogen’ that adds body and shine, while soaking up excess sebum and soothing the scalp. A perfect pre-party tool to maximize volume and vanquish dull and greasy roots. If you have fine hair, you can even spray this onto your roots at the end of the day after shampooing in the morning to boost body. It even comes in a handbag friendly 50ml size for volume on the go!

 

TREAT YOUR SCALP TO SOME TLC

Are you prone to having a flaky itchy scalp? Well, they tend to flare up during the winter months due to increased emotional stress and cold weather. Use a weekly exfoliating scalp mask and a daily flaky/itchy scalp toner and shampoo to keep your scalp crystal clear. You should also try to minimize consumption of dairy, white wine and champagne as these are known to worsen dandruff in certain individuals. Stick to red/ mulled wine (in moderation!) and nibble on some protein packed almonds and whole wheat goodies. Your hair (and your skin) will thank you.

TRESS TAMER

Hair gets frizzier in the winter due to moving in and out of  heated areas, drizzly weather and taking on and off warm hats – the constant change in atmospheric moisture causes your hair to re-configure its shape throughout the day. Use a product containing light-weight silicones to guard your hair against moisture changes and to keep your style smooth and ready for evening events.

OPTIMIZE YOUR DIET

A balanced diet is vital to hair growth – and Winter is the perfect time to indulge in some hair essential amino acids found in proteins such as turkey, roast chicken, eggs and ham. Hearty beef stews and Sunday Roasts are also a superb way to up your iron intake – a mineral essential for healthy hair growth. Eat at least 120g (in weight) of protein with breakfast and lunch and red meat at least once a week.

STYLE RIGHT

Always use a heat protective spray or protective serum. When you do use straighteners, don’t go over the same area repeatedly or pull too hard. This can break and damage your hair even more rapidly. If your straighteners start to feel “sticky”, it’s time to change them. Don’t know what to do with your end-of-day messy mane? Try an Updo or chic braided hairstyle for the party season – no straighteners needed!