Barnet boot camp!
When in rude health, a strand of hair is stronger than steel wire. Get yours in training with the latest hair tech…
EVEN THOUGH ALMOST 40% of women consider having healthy hair to be a marker of their overall well-being, many of us wait until it’s begging for mercy to address its issues. The good news is that the trends which have recently shaped our approach to skin health are now migrating to scalp and hair care. Here’s our expert guide to having the best swish of your life.
GET YOUR C I RCULATION GOING
‘ The scalp is the bedrock of the hair follicle,’ explains London trichologist Anabel Kingsley. ‘Its health plays an instrumental role in hair growth and health. One of the most common causes for hair loss is restricted blood flow to the follicle and product residue on your scalp. This can physically clog roots.’ To boost circulation try Aveda Pramãsana Exfoliating Scalp Brush, £16.50, and use Redken Clean Maniac Micellar Shampoo, £14.50, once a week to stop product build-up. And if your scalp is tender to touch, you may have bacteria build-up. ‘ Yeast thrives in dead skin cells, dirt and oils,’ warns Anabel. Try Kevin Murphy Balancing Wash, £18, followed by Dr Hauschka Revitalising Hair and Scalp Tonic, £20, to address the issue.
WORK THAT BODY
A recent survey suggests eight million women in the UK are affected by thinning hair. Unfortunately, at least 15% of our hair volume is lost before we even notice, so prevention is key. Viviscal Densifying Elixir, £19.99, stalls natural hair loss, so you end up with physically more hairs on your head. But if you need a quick fix, try one of the hard-working new modern styling products that add instant and convincing oomph. Nioxin Instant Fullness Dry Cleanser, £8.99, adds physical diameter to each and every strand by coating it in patented Fusion Fibril™ Technology. Windle & Moodie Thickening Cream, £15, meanwhile, lifts your hair from the roots, while hydrating the scalp with beetroot extract. And Christophe Robin’s Instant Volumizing Mist With Rose Water, £29, is formulated with 96% rose water to help keep hair soft and supple, while adding ample volume.
GET FLEXIBLE
Touching your toes is impressive, but did you know your hair can stretch up to 30% of its length when wet before breaking? When it’s in good condition, that is… ‘Dry hair lacks elasticity, so breaks and splits more easily,’ explains Anabel. Changes in temperature, such as switching from the frosty outdoors to centrally heated interiors, don’t help, which is why it’s important to monitor your hair’s hydration at this time of year. If your hair is as thirsty as you after a 45-minute HIIT class, drench it in moisturising masks. We love Kérastase Densifique Masque, £30.20, formulated with hyaluronic acid, which can hold 1,000 times its weight in water. No time for in-shower pampering? Spray on Oribe Foundation Mist, £23, before leaving the house ( it uses the same premise as skincare to hydrate, moisturise and protect), or slather on L’oréal Elvive Extraordinary Oil Nourishing Balm, £5.09, before bed for a hydration hit while you slumber.