Don’t put off caring for your scalp until you see problems like hair loss. A regular regimen could help your hair grow healthily. BY SIMONE WU.
Don’t put off caring for your scalp until you see problems like hair loss. A regular regimen could help your hair grow healthily. BY SIMONE WU.
Eat A Hairhealthy Diet.
Load up on foods that are essential for scalp health and hair growth. Go for a diet rich in protein, iron; B vitamins like folate, B6, and B12, and beta-carotene, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. Chicken, fish, dairy products, eggs and nuts are excellent sources of protein, and iron-rich vegetables include spinach and bak choy. You can also eat iron-rich lean red meats, which are a good source of zinc. Take vitamin C-rich foods as these aid the absorption of iron, and also help in the production of collagen for a healthy scalp. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in oily fish such as salmon, sardines and trout, as well as plant sources like avocado and walnuts.
Shampoo Your Hair Twice A Day.
For a strong, healthy scalp, you should wash your hair twice a day, in the morning and at night. At night, dead skin cells and sebum accumulate on the scalp when you sleep, making the hair follicles congested if they are not washed off in the morning. In the day, your scalp is exposed to dirt, sweat, bacteria, humidity, and hairstyling products, so it’s crucial to wash it all off before bedtime. Don’t forget that product accumulation on the hair follicles can lead to thinning hair.
Don’t Use Rubber Bands.
Rubber bands tend to pull at your hair and scalp, weakening the strands and causing breakage. Use a fabric-covered elastic band instead, to reduce friction between your hair and the elastic band.
Exfoliate Your Scalp.
Once a week, switch to a clarifying shampoo or scalp exfoliant to get rid of grime and residue caused by perspiration, pollution and hairstyling. Your daily shampoo is not enough for a thorough cleansing and could also be a culprit when it comes to chemical residue. If dirt and chemical residue are left to accumulate, they can clog up the hair follicles, which may lead to hair loss.
Monitor Scalp Health.
If you are unclear about the condition of your scalp, get it analysed by the professionals. These hair specialists can recommend relevant scalp treatments to help maintain healthy hair. Here are two to check out:
1 Revitascalp, $160.50 (45 minutes).
The Sloane Clinic, #03-14A Ion Orchard, tel: 6509-8108, www.sloaneclinic.com This scalp-revitalising treatment sends nutrients such as vitamin B12, folic acid, amino acids and minoxidil into the scalp to help maintain healthy hair growth. Minoxidil is clinically proven to inhibit the production of DHT, a hormone that causes hair loss.
2 Hair Fall Preventive Treatment, $59 (from 120 minutes).
TK Trichokare, #02-12 Orchard Gateway, tel: 6338- 8680, www.tk-hair.com This customisable treatment gets rid of impurities from the scalp and nourishes it with haircare products that contain revitalising herbal extracts. The treatment also helps boost blood circulation at the scalp, oxygen supply to the hair follicles and nutrient supply to the hair bulbs.
