While regular trips to the salon can work wonders, healthy hair starts at home.
GB News spoke exclusively to a hair care expert about how women can boost their barnet with a few easy tricks.
Maple Holistics’s Caleb Backe revealed that achieving “better hair” does not have to be a complicated process, as “subtle changes can really make a difference”.
The expert claimed that ditching damaging hairstyles could make a world of difference to your locks.
‘Hairstyles like braids, high ponytails, weaves, tight twists and pigtails can wreak havoc on your hair’
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He told women: “Firstly, avoid tight hairstyles. Hairstyles like braids, high ponytails, weaves, tight twists and pigtails can wreak havoc on your hair as they pull your hair away from your scalp.”
In a similar vein, he advised: “Next, avoid heat-styling your hair and opt for styling techniques that don’t require heat.”
The American Academy of Dermatology confirmed that hairstyles that pull can spell hair loss.
Experts explained: “A sleek ponytail, cornrows, tightly pulled updo or head covering can help you express your style and look and feel great.
“However, these styles also constantly pull at and damage the health of your hair. Over time, the pulling can lead to hair loss. The medical term for this type of hair loss is traction alopecia.”
Hair extensions or weaves especially on relaxed hair, locs and styles that require you to wear rollers overnight can also increase a person’s risk of traction alopecia.
Instead of hairstyles that involve pulling the hair tightly, ladies should consider loose styles such as low ponytails and plaits on a day-to-day basis – or wearing their hair down. However, every once in a while a tighter hairstyle is fine.
To prevent styling-induced hair loss, the experts also advised switching up your hairstyle regularly so your hair can recover from tight styles.
Also change your hairstyle if you notice pain from tightly pulled hair, stinging or crusting on the scalp, or tenting (where sections of the hair are raised like a tent).
Hair care enthusiasts should also look for early signs of hair loss such as broken hairs around the forehead, a receding hairline or patches of missing hair. Finally, those who wear a weave should follow precautions.
As for heat-induced hair damage, it’s always best to minimise the use of tools such as hairdryers, straighteners, and curlers, but if you do use them, ensure you apply a heat protectant.
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Switch up your hairstyle regularly so your hair can recover from tight styles
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The hair gurus at Dyson explained: “When heat is applied, the natural oils are stripped from your hair and the water molecules evaporate, changing the hair’s protein structure.
“The high temperatures cause the water to dry up quickly, which affects the structure of each strand and can crack the cuticles, the outer layer of hair, making hair more vulnerable to further damage.”
Anyone who is concerned about hair loss, hair damage or any other hair health issues should consult a professional for tailored advice.
A professional hairstylist should be able to give you guidance on how you can best take care of your hair at home.
A dermatologist (a medical doctor who specialises in diagnosing and treating conditions of the skin, hair and nails) or a trichologist (who specialises in diagnosing and treating disorders and diseases of the scalp and hair).
Caleb also spoke to GB News about the ingredient that should be in all your hair care products for an “immense” improvement.
