We get attached to our shampoo and conditioners, be it the scent, the lather, or the way they look on our bathroom shelf. But have you noticed the products you’ve relied on for months – or even years – have suddenly stopped being, well, reliable? Product build-up, changes in our water, and the shift in season can all play a role in the decline of our regime’s efficacy.
Below, we look at some of the telltale signs your product lineup could do with a few healthy upgrades.
Problem: Oily roots, sensitised lengths
Oily roots coupled with dry, brittle ends prone to breakage is a common complaint often attributed to winter’s cold air, low humidity, and indoor heating systems which strips the hair of moisture rendering it prone to breakage.
Solution:
Look for shampoo designed to ‘hydrate’ and ‘balance’. These formulations typically offer a more gentle approach to cleansing without stripping your hair of its natural oils. Key ingredients to look out for include hyaluronic acid and glycerin which draw moisture from the surrounding environment and lock it into the hair shaft.
Try:
- Pureology Hydrate 266ml, $53.06
- Aesop Equalising Shampoo 500ml, $70
- Kérastase Specifique Bain Divalent 250ml, $60.32
Problem: Styling is falling flat
Changes in humidity in the air can cause an increase in static electricity. This can lead to flyaways and frizz, making your hair more difficult to manage. Another factor behind why your hair won’t hold a curl or be coerced into smooth straight strands is a buildup of product. When there’s too much coating on your hair, the cuticle can’t open up and is therefore less inclined to be manipulated into the style you’re trying to achieve.
Solution:
Look for lightweight products that are designed to ‘clarify’ your hair and add moisture without weighing it down. These formulas draw on ingredients that deeply cleanse and remove excess residue on the hair. Natural ingredients which help restore your hair’s natural pH balance include citric acid and tea tree oil. Due to their deep-cleansing nature, they are not intended for everyday use and may strip the hair of natural oils if used too frequently. Be mindful to only use these products once or twice a fortnight to keep any product build up at bay.
Try:
- Davines Solu Shampoo 250ml, $42.50
- Ouai Detox Shampoo 300ml, $59
- Olaplex No.4C Bond Maintenance™ Clarifying Shampoo 250ml, $61
Problem: An unsettled scalp
Cold temperatures and dry indoor heating can result in scalp dryness leading to itchiness, flakiness, dandruff, and above all: discomfort. Hormonal changes, environmental aggressors and even allergies can also contribute to an unsettled scalp. As more research into scalp health emerges, it’s becoming increasingly clear that a healthy scalp is essential for healthy hair growth.
Solution:
To address sub-optimal scalp health, introducing shampoos and conditioners which are gentle, mild and free from harsh sulfates, fragrances, and colourings will decrease the likelihood of scalp irritation. However, taking measures such as scalp massage and using cool or lukewarm water stimulate blood circulation and promote a healthy scalp while retaining the scalp’s natural balance.
Try:
- Chloe Zara Scalp Facial Kit, $185
- Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Hair Fall Scalp Serum 50ml, $161
- GOOP G.TOX Himalayan Salt Scalp Scrub Shampoo 200ml, $100
Problem: You’re experiencing colour fade
Colouring our hair is a form of self-expression and an investment. We spend hours and often hundreds of dollars to leave the salon with our desired shade so it’s understandable how disappointing it can be when it fades, breaks, and lacks shine. Dullness, damage, and colour fade are just a few of the indicators that your hair might be contending with heavy metals. When there’s metal inside the hair fibre, it interacts with the oxidant during colouring causing breakage and a less reliable colour result. So, where is the metal coming from? In short, it’s the water from our shower. The levels of metal and types of minerals vary on our region. When water erodes metal piping, it can overload with metal particles, such as copper. Wash after wash, these metal particles can penetrate your hair fibres.
Solution:
Look for products which have Glicoamine, a molecule small enough to penetrate inside the fibre and neutralise metal. L’Oréal Professionnel spearheaded the research with their Metal Detox range which includes leave-in treatments and anti-deposit concentrated hair oils, in addition to a shampoo and masque intended for daily use. If you suspect you have a case of heavy metal hair, start here, otherwise look to products that offer colour protection, deep cleansing, and ingredients which soothe inflammation and repel environmental aggressors.
Try:
- L’Oréal Professionnel Metal Detox Shampoo 300ml, $52.56
- Oribe Gold Lust Transformative Masque 150ml, $112
- Kérastase Chroma Absolu Soin Acid High Shine Treatment for Coloured Hair 210ml, $68
