Daily shampooing?

Daily shampooing might be the topic that we have the most initial debate over with my patients, so I thought it very important to dedicate a page to explaining why I recommend it, and why it is good for the health of your hair and scalp.

I understand that it isn’t realistic for everyone to wash their hair daily due to lack of time and their hair texture and length – this is particularly true if you have very unruly, curly, coarse and hard-to-control hair, such as African Caribbean hair. Furthermore, if you need to straighten your hair every time you wash it, there can be negatives. Indeed, some individuals find their hair looks and behaves better after a few days of not washing. It is an individual preference, but research shows that frequent shampooing helps to maintain a healthy scalp and hair.

If daily shampooing isn’t possible, I recommend every other day, or try using a scalp toner, or dry shampoo with scalp benefits, on the days in between to help keep your scalp and hair in better condition and to discourage the overgrowth of bacteria. The most important thing is to choose the correct shampoo and conditioner for your hair texture and needs.

There are 3 common myths connected to people’s reluctance to wash their hair frequently: ‘Shampooing dries my hair’; ‘Shampooing makes my hair oily and dirtier’; ‘Frequent washing makes my hair fall out – if I washed it every day I’d have none left.’

I have dispelled these misconceptions in other articles (and you can click through to our Hair Myths section to find out in more detail).

THE SIMPLE SCIENCE OF THE BENEFITS OF FREQUENT SHAMPOOING

  • You take your hair and scalp to the same places you take your face, and it gets just as dirty. Clean hair reflects light better and so has a glossier and shinier finish.
  • A clean scalp encouarges your hair to grow at its optimum rate.
  • Build-up of oils, dirt and sweat on your scalp can lead to dandruff and clogged follicles – both conditions which can affect your rate of hair growth and also your hair’s general appearance.
  • If you are already prone to dandruff and a flaky/itchy scalp, daily shampooing helps to remove the excess skin and clear up visible flakes. This is especially true if you use a shampoo specifically formulated to clear dandruff.
  • Shampooing hydrates your hair. It is in fact moisture (water), not oil, content that keeps your hair supple and elastic. ‘Natural oils’ on your scalp simply sit on top of your hair, but do not penetrate the cuticle or cortex.

origianl comments by T Maleedy

6 essentials for thinning hair

rp_nutrition2.jpgWe may often blame external factors such as pollution, stress, dandruff, etc. for our hair fall problem. But did you know a poor diet is one of the main causes of this issue? When you deprive your body of essential nutrients, many of which are needed for normal hair growth, you are likely to suffer from hair fall. If nothing’s done about it for a prolonged time, you are likely to near baldness. In order to control this situation, it is best to feed your locks a healthy diet, high on the nutrition scale. Here’s what your hair needs to remain healthy. Continue reading “6 essentials for thinning hair”

Ramadan; Have an egg!

Eggs are a nutritional powerhouse and are exceedingly good for your hair due to their high levels of protein, vitamins and minerals!

The ‘Perfect’ Protein

It could be said that eggs are the ‘perfect protein’ for you hair. The amino acids (protein) found in eggs whites are in fact the most complete and easily absorbed form of protein for your body! Dietary protein is essential to hair growth and health as hair is made primarily of keratin – a special hair protein that gives your strands their strength, flexibility and elasticity. Continue reading “Ramadan; Have an egg!”