As we’re well and truly in summer, BD chatted with Head & Shoulders’ senior scientist, Saint Tiu, to understand the changes in hair that may tag along with the heat and humidity.
With 14 years under his belt at P&G Hair Care, Tiu also helps break down four common hair care myths and explains how to best care for luscious locks.
Myth: The weather doesn’t impact your hair
Busted: Warmer weather can create a multitude of problems for hair and scalp health. Not only are frizzy and dry locks hard to manage, there’s one secret problem that affects a staggering 79 per cent of Aussies – dandruff. Humidity and direct sun can be a trigger for the itchy, flakey symptoms associated with dandruff. Something as simple as an increase in body temperature and sweat on your scalp can worsen dandruff.
Myth: Dandruff is caused by poor hygiene
Busted: Dandruff is actually a result of scalp sensitivity and not related to personal hygiene. Much like some people who are sensitive to dairy or gluten, certain people are born with a sensitivity to oleic acid, which is a fatty acid that is naturally produced by a bacteria known as malassezia found on our scalps. If you’re prone to an itchy, flaky scalp, look out for hair care ingredients like ketoconazole and zinc pyrithione - they are antifungal agents that fight the symptoms of dandruff.
Myth: Diets don’t affect the health of your hair
Busted: The secret to healthy hair has a lot do with our overall health, and a well-balanced diet is a vital part of this. Aim for a mix of nutrients such as protein, iron, omega-3 fatty acid and zinc in your diet to strengthen and protect scalp and hair.
Myth: Conditioner causes greasy hair
Busted: Our scalps are skin, so we should treat them with the same level of attention we give to our faces by cleansing, protecting and moisturising them. Our scalps need moisture, and conditioner is one of the best and most efficient ways to provide this. Conditioner should always be used from the root to tip of your hair. For best results, leave for up to two minutes to allow time for your product to nourish both your hair and scalp before rinsing. Nourishing ingredients, such as argan oil, found in the Head & Shoulders Supreme range, ensure you are simultaneously cleansing and moisturising your scalp and hair.
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