Scalp Health: Why the Wrong Products Can Prevent Real Results

Have you ever felt like you've tried every shampoo on the shelf, but nothing seems to improve your scalp?

You're not alone.

One of the most common things I see in the salon is clients using products that simply aren't right for their scalp. Many have been using the same products for years because they assumed they were doing the right thing.

The problem is, your scalp changes over time.

Hormones, stress, age, medications, diet, climate, and even your health can all change what your scalp needs. A shampoo that worked perfectly five years ago may no longer be the right choice today.

Your Scalp Is More Than Just Skin

Your scalp isn't just somewhere your hair grows from. It's a living ecosystem with its own protective barrier and microbiome—a community of beneficial bacteria and microorganisms that help keep your scalp healthy.

When this ecosystem is balanced, your scalp can regulate oil production, protect itself from irritation, and provide the ideal environment for healthy hair growth.

When it's out of balance, problems start to appear.

An oily scalp doesn't always mean you're producing too much oil.

A dry scalp doesn't always mean you simply need more moisture.

These can both be signs that your scalp's natural balance has been disrupted.

Why Using the Wrong Products Can Make Things Worse

It's easy to assume that if your scalp is oily, you need the strongest cleansing shampoo you can find.

In reality, stripping away too much oil can cause your scalp to work even harder, often producing even more oil to protect itself.

On the other hand, if your scalp feels dry or itchy, applying heavy oils isn't always the answer. If your scalp's protective barrier has been damaged, it needs hydration and repair not just something sitting on the surface.

That's why using products designed for the wrong scalp type can leave you feeling like nothing ever works.

One Size Doesn't Fit Every Scalp

Every scalp is different, which is why I never believe in recommending the same products to everyone.

Generally speaking:

• Oily scalps need products that help regulate oil production without over-drying the skin.

• Dry scalps need hydration and support to repair the scalp's protective barrier.

• Sensitive or irritated scalps need calming ingredients that help restore balance to the microbiome.

The right products don't fight your scalp—they help it function the way it was designed to.

Healthy Hair Starts with a Healthy Scalp

If you're struggling with excessive oiliness, dryness, irritation, flaking, or even hair thinning, the answer may not be another hair product.

It may be your scalp asking for something different.

Before focusing on hair growth treatments or trying the latest miracle product, it's important to create a healthy foundation.

When your scalp is balanced, your hair follicles have the best possible environment to grow stronger, healthier hair.

Because beautiful hair doesn't begin with the hair itself.

It begins with a healthy scalp.

Ferritin and Hair Loss: Why Low Iron Stores Could Be Stopping Your Hair from Growing

When women think about iron deficiency, they usually think about feeling tired, run down or lightheaded.

What many don't realise is that one of the earliest signs of depleted iron stores can be increased hair shedding.

I've seen countless women who have been told their iron levels are "normal," yet they're losing handfuls of hair every time they wash or brush it. Others have been taking iron supplements for months without seeing any change in their ferritin levels—or their hair.

So why does this happen?

The answer lies in understanding what ferritin actually is.

What is ferritin?

Ferritin is your body's iron storage protein.

Think of it as your iron savings account. Your body stores iron inside ferritin so it has a reserve available whenever it's needed.

Hair follicles are among the most metabolically active tissues in the body. Growing healthy hair requires a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients, and iron plays an essential role in delivering oxygen to rapidly dividing cells.

When ferritin stores become depleted, your body starts prioritising essential organs such as your heart and brain. Hair isn't considered essential for survival, so your follicles may receive fewer resources.

The result?

More hairs enter the resting phase of the hair cycle, leading to increased shedding several months later.

Does low ferritin always cause hair loss?

Not necessarily.

Hair loss is complex, and ferritin is only one piece of the puzzle.

Some people with low ferritin never notice excessive shedding, while others experience significant hair loss even when their ferritin is only mildly reduced.

Research suggests that low iron stores may contribute to certain types of hair loss, particularly diffuse shedding (telogen effluvium), although the exact relationship is still being studied.

This is why ferritin should never be looked at in isolation. Your symptoms, medical history and other blood test results all matter.

Why isn't my ferritin improving?

This is one of the questions I hear most often.

Many women are faithfully taking iron supplements, yet their ferritin barely changes.

If that's you, simply taking more iron isn't always the answer.

Your body first has to digest the iron, absorb it through the intestine, transport it around the body and finally store it as ferritin.

If any step in that process is disrupted, your ferritin may remain low despite supplementation.

Some of the most common reasons include:

1. Poor stomach acid production

Iron requires adequate stomach acid to be released from food and many supplements.

If stomach acid is low, absorption becomes less efficient, meaning less iron reaches your bloodstream.

2. Poor gut absorption

Even if iron is broken down properly, it still has to cross the intestinal lining.

Conditions affecting gut health—including coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease and other causes of intestinal inflammation—can reduce how much iron your body absorbs.

3. Hidden digestive conditions

Conditions such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) may interfere with iron absorption, sometimes without causing obvious digestive symptoms.

4. You're taking a form of iron that doesn't suit you

Different iron supplements are absorbed differently.

Some forms are better tolerated and more readily absorbed than others.

If your ferritin hasn't changed after months of consistent supplementation, it may be worth discussing whether a different form would be more appropriate.

5. Chronic inflammation

Your liver produces a hormone called hepcidin, which regulates how much iron is absorbed and released from storage.

When inflammation is present, hepcidin levels rise, making it harder for your body to absorb and utilise iron effectively.

6. Your hair loss may have more than one cause

Low ferritin is only one possible contributor to hair loss.

Thyroid dysfunction, hormonal changes, vitamin D deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, zinc deficiency, inadequate protein intake, significant stress, certain medications and scalp conditions can all affect healthy hair growth.

Often, more than one factor is involved.

Should everyone with hair loss take iron?

No.

Iron supplements should only be taken when they're appropriate for your individual situation and after proper assessment.

Too little iron can contribute to health problems, but too much iron can also be harmful.

That's why it's important to understand your complete iron picture rather than relying on ferritin alone.

A comprehensive iron study usually includes ferritin, serum iron, transferrin saturation and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). Your healthcare practitioner can help determine what those results mean for you.

The bigger picture

Ferritin is an important piece of the hair-loss puzzle, but it isn't the entire picture.

If your ferritin is low, understanding why it's low is often just as important as replacing the iron itself.

Likewise, if your ferritin is healthy and you're still losing hair, it's worth looking deeper rather than assuming iron is the answer.

Healthy hair starts with understanding what your body is trying to tell you.

When you identify the underlying cause instead of simply treating the symptom, you're far more likely to create lasting improvements—not only for your hair, but for your overall health as well.

💧 Why Your Curls Stay Frizzy (and How True Hydration Changes Everything)

If you’ve ever washed your hair, added a mountain of product, and still ended up with a halo of frizz, you’re not alone.
Most curlies think they have a product problem—but what’s really happening is a hydration problem.

1. Curls Need Water, Not Just Products

Healthy curls aren’t about the latest cream or gel; they’re about how well your hair can hold water.
When the hair cuticle is dry or damaged, moisture slips away and frizz takes over.
Learning the science of curl hydration—how water, conditioner, and your technique all work together—is the foundation of every great curl day.

2. Your Routine Should Fit You

Scroll through social media and you’ll see a thousand routines telling you what to do based on “curl type.”
But here’s the truth: there’s no universal routine.
Your hair, climate, and lifestyle are unique.
That’s why the most successful curly hair routines are flexible, not formulaic.

3. Start Simple and Stay Consistent

Over-tweaking is one of the biggest mistakes I see in the salon.
Changing shampoos or styling methods every wash keeps your curls confused.
Once you find what works, consistency allows your hair to adapt, soften, and shine.

4. The Power of Everyday Hydration (Even When You’re Not Wearing It Curly)

Real transformation happens when you treat hydration as a habit, not a hairstyle.
Even if you’re camping, heading to work with your hair in a bun, or taking a break from wearing it curly — your hair still needs water.

A quick “squish” of conditioner and water in the shower keeps the cuticle supple and nourished.
You don’t have to do a full routine; simply applying the hydration method regularly maintains elasticity and prevents dryness or breakage.

Think of it like skincare for your curls: the more consistently you feed them water, the better they behave when you finally let them down.
When you do wear your hair curly again, the definition lasts longer, the frizz softens, and the bounce returns faster — because your hair’s been supported all along.

5. Ready to Learn the Full Method?

After coaching hundreds of clients in-salon, I created The Curly Course so anyone can experience the same results at home.
It’s a complete online curly hair education program that teaches you how to:

• Understand your unique curl pattern

• Master hydration techniques that actually work

• Build a simple, repeatable routine for healthy, defined curls

No rigid rules. No endless guessing. Just clear guidance and lifetime access to video lessons that you can revisit anytime.

Start Your Curl Transformation

You deserve to feel confident in your curls every single day.
When you understand what your hair truly needs, frizz turns to definition and wash day becomes something you actually look forward to.

👉 Join The Curly Course and discover how hydrated curls can change everything—from your confidence to the way you move through the world.

SCALP TREATMENT

Dry and itchy scalp can be a result of reduced levels of urea when the water binding capacity of the skin is decreased and moisture is lost, leading to roughness, tightness, irritation and scaly or flaky skin. Using our scalp package as an in-salon treatment will help and/or prevent scalp issues such as hair loss, itchy and dry scalp as well as dandruff.

EXFOLIATIVE SCALP AND SKIN THERAPY

Applying directly to the scalp and skin increases the moisture binding capacity of the scalp, thus rehydrating the skin, softening it and reducing cracking and roughness.

• Restorative

• Antiseptic

• Soothes and calms skin and scalp

• Immediate relief from itchy irritated scalp

• Restores balance

• Moisturises

• Nourishes

• Heals and protects damaged scalp

• Prevents micro inflammations

  Key Ingredients

• Cocoa Seed Butter - Protects skin by adding lots of high antioxidants & moisture to it while fighting free radicals.

• Coconut based Glycerin - Pulls moisture from the air & puts it into the hair & skin

• Lavender Leaf Extract - Helps release nervous tension & increase blood flow/circulation; bringing nourishment to the hair follicles.

  Also helps with irritation around the hair follicles as well (redness should settle)

• Tea Tree Oil - Anti microbial & anti fungal; Combats itchy, irritated skin; Helps clear blocked pores, promoting healthier, thicker hair growth + rebalance the skin.

• Urea - Is naturally present in healthy skin. Very dry skin and skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis involves reduced levels of urea in the skin. Urea significantly helps to prevent, care and treat extreme dry skin and eczema.

R E J U V E N A T I N G H A I R M I S T

• An advanced fortifying formula that refreshes and promotes overall health of both hair and scalp.

• High concentrations of beneficial antioxidants and vitamins relax, calm and moisturise the hair and protect the scalp.

• Use NATULIQUE Rejuvenating Hair Mist to wet and detangle the hair in the process of combing when giving clients the scalp treatment.

  Key Ingredients

• Bilberry Fruit Extract - For circulation & moisture

• Liquorice Root Extract - For anti-aging

• Aloe Vera Leaf Extract - For hydration

• Brazilian Arrowroot- For hair growth

• Cloudberry Fruit Extract - Rich in vitamin C & E. A powerful antioxidant that shields the skin from harmful free radicals that attack proteins like collagen (helps prevent wrinkles, dryness & gives lustre to the skin)

• Cocos Nucifera Water - Great for rehydration. Great for dry dandruff; will help prevent the build-up & dry scalp too.

I N T E N S I V E H A I R M A S K

• An advanced repairing formula Vitamin B5 strengthens individual hair strands while nourishing and protecting the scalp.

• Certified organic Avocado Oil, Açai Fruit, Aloe Vera and Pomegranate effectively nourish and condition the hair.

• Fatty acids and lipids strengthen the hair and help to seal and close the hair cuticles

• A highly effective treatment for all hair types and scalps

The key to healthy hair is a healthy scalp. Regular scalp treatments will prevent issues such as hairloss, itchy scalp, dry scalp and dandruff.

Key Ingredients

• Pro Vitamin B5 - Adds lots of strength to the hair; prevents breakage

• Argan Oil - Prevents frizz, keeps it smooth & shine

• Pomegranate Fruit Extract - Adds prevention of build up on the scalp. Promotes blood flow & circulation to the hair follicle...stimulating hair growth. Naturally contains antimicrobial substances from vitamin C (great for reducing acne break outs as well)

• Acai Fruit Extract - Rich in omega 3, 6, & 9 + Vitamin B, C, & E. Effective in reducing hair loss. The omega 3 fatty acids along with vitamin C nourish the scalp by keeping it hydrated + creating a protective barrier against external aggressors (which often cause hair fall) which helps hair growth & increase root strength.

• Almond Oil - Softens & strengthens the hair: rich in Vitamin B7. Helps protect the hair from the sun damage, with natural SPF 5. Is a great emollient to help fill gaps in hair shaft & lock in moisture, therefore strengthens & repairs hair and promotes growth.

• Aloe Vera Extract - Helps soften, heal & soothe skin with Vitamin A, B & C.

• Sunflower Oil - Is a great source of Iron; a mineral needed for hair growth, iron plays an essential role in delivering oxygen to the hair follicles, which can then stimulate formation of new hair. Has gamma-linolenic acid which also helps stimulate dormant hair follicles.

• Avocado Oil - Moisturises, repairs & strengthens hair. Helps seal cuticle, which prevents hair from breakage.

• Shea Butter - Acts as a sealant for curly & afro textured hair, helping to keep precious moisture locked inside the hair strands. Great for flaky & irritated scalps as its anti-inflammatory properties reduce dryness & treat potential damage by adding moisture & shine to the hair (especially course/dry/frizzy hair types.

Natulique Hair Bonding System

BIOACTIVE BOND REPAIR

Revolutionary reparative treatment.
To restore and rebuild damaged hair in 3 steps.

Introducing the NATULIQUE BioActive Bond Repair system, a revolutionary 3-step salon exclusive system that repairs broken bonds. Made with plant-based, vegan and certified organic ingredients.

• The world’s first hair bond treatment that is naturally-derived, patented and developed in Scandinavia.

• Vegan and cruelty-free.

• Recommended for damaged hair or regular ammonia-based or mea-based hair colouring.

• Safe for all hair types, including coloured and chemically treated hair.

• Repairs and strengthens hair from within, resulting in healthier, softer, and shinier hair.

• Complete solution for repairing broken hair bonds.

Revolutionary 3-step salon exclusive system

1. Bond Repair Intrinsic Additive
   A professional exclusive solution that repairs and rebuilds broken hair bonds from the inside out, using plant-based, vegan ingredients and maintain strength, health and manageability with a mild and fresh scent.

2. Bond Repair Intrinsic Strengthener
   A highly concentrated, plant-based mask that repairs broken hair bonds from the inside out, reduce breakage, adds shine, smoothness and intense moisture, developed specially to optimise multi-bond interactions, it contains patented bond repair complex, oils and extracts

3. Bond Repair Intrinsic Maintenance
   Prolongs the salon result, leaving you with healthy and lusciously shiny hair. The patented complex heals broken bonds caused by heating tools, chemical services and hair colouring.

It’s been clinically proven to give 3x stronger hair after one treatment.

HAIR BOND STRENGTHENING SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER

NATULIQUE Hair Bond contains a hair stimulating rice protein complex which enhances the hair’s ability to bind moisture and aid in growth. It contributes to shiny, soft and healthy hair. Your repairing formula for damaged hair, infused with organic Aloe Vera, it promotes growth, soothes the scalp, and enhances moisture retention. Organic Açai adds shine for soft, healthy hair.

A shampoo for everyday use to repair damaged hair while cleansing.

STRENGHTENING FORMULA

• Certified Organic Aloe Vera Leaf Juice
  Moisturise and condition both hair and scalp promoting hair growth and improve the overall condition of hair and scalp

• Certified Organic Açai
  Moisturises the hair with omega 3, 6, and 9 and vitamins A, B, C, and E. Heals, hydrates, balances, and restores dull hair so that it appears softer and shinier. High levels of antioxidants and amino acids also make it exceptional at protecting against environmental aggressors and inflammation

• Certified Organic Cucumber
  Extremely moisturising and helps strengthen and repair hair.

• Hydrolysed Rice Protein & Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein
  Small soluble protein molecules that can penetrate the hair shaft to stregthen and moisturise the hair from the inside out. Exceptional for treating damaged and broken hair. These proteins penetrate the hair shaft and strengthen the hair. They fill the gabs in the hair cuticle restoring the hair’s strength and resilience.

3 reason to love this new duo

Rice Protein complex
Hair Bond Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner harness the power of a specialized rice protein complex. This technology strengthens hair bonds, repairs damage, and enhances the hair’s ability to bind moisture, resulting in revitalized and resilient strands. Your clients will experience a noticeable improvement in hair texture, manageability, and overall health.

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Hair Loss

7 Hair Loss Causes and How to Treat Them.

What Causes It?

There are different reasons for hair loss. Identifying the cause can be an important step in figuring out how to stop it, as the cure often depends on the cause.

Genetics

The genetics you inherit from your parents are one of the most common causes. This cause is often called male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness. It happens gradually over time and does therefore get more common as we age. The hair loss happens in predictable patterns like a receding hairline, bald spots or thinning along the crown of the scalp.

Illnesses that Cause Hair Loss

There are different illnesses that cause hair loss. Here are some of the most common:

• If you have diabetes, your body does not produce insulin or does not use insulin effectively. When you do not have insulin, sugar can build up in your blood. This excess sugar can damage the blood vessels that deliver oxygen to your hair follicles. And less oxygen means that less nutrients gets delivered to your hair follicles making the hairs fall out. Blood sugar swings can amplify inflammation.

• Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause hair loss for 2 different reasons. One of them is inflammation around the scalp and hair follicles. The other is lesions that form and leave scars on the scalp. The scarring often damages hair follicles which results in hair loss.

• Alopecia Areata is a common autoimmune disorder that often results in unpredictable hair loss. In most cases, the hair falls out in small round patches the size of a quarter. But in extreme cases it can lead to complete loss of hair. The condition can affect anyone regardless of age and gender, but most cases happen before the age of 30. There is no cure for Alopecia Areata, but there are treatments that can help the hair grow back faster and stronger.

• Trichotillomania is a hair-pulling mental disorder. It involves recurrent and irresistible urges to pull hair from the scalp or other part of the body like eyebrows and eyelashes.

• Autoimmune patterns can show up as -

  • sudden patchy loss

  • eyebrown or lash loss

  • rapid shedding with or without scalp tenderness

  • scalp that looks normal but hair is disappearing

Medications

Hair loss is very often a side effect of certain drugs. These drugs include chemotherapy for cancer, some arthritis medications, antidepressants and some medications to treat heart problems and high blood pressure.

Never stop taking any kind of prescriptive medications without them talking to your doctor.

Starting, stopping or switching your Birth Control can change the hair cycle, it doesn’t happen straight away

Stress

Hair loss can also happen after a stressful event and can be related to both physical and emotional shock. When the body is stressed it releases the hormone cortisol, which affects the hair follicle and results in shedding. Hair loss related to stress will typically happen at least 3 months following a stressful event. This type of hair loss is temporary.

Postpartum Hair Loss

Hair loss both during and after pregnancy is totally normal and happens to around 60% of new moms. It is caused by the hormonal changes happening in the body when pregnant. Postpartum hair loss is also related to stress, because giving birth is pretty traumatic. As the hormonal fluctuations are temporary, so is postpartum hair loss.

Nutrition

An unhealthy diet can result in hair loss because your body is not getting the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients is needs. For example, lack of protein in your diet can damage healthy hair and affect your body’s ability to build new hair follicles. Vitamin deficiency can affect both the number of new hair follicles and the thickness and quality of the individual hair strands. If Stomach acid is low, nutrient absorption can suffer. Hair is built from what you absorb, not what you buy! The scalp is skin and skin follows cut patterns so Poor gut health affects the hair more than people think.

Hair Treatments

There are different kinds of hair treatments in your salon that can be a little tough on your clients’ hair.  Typically, treatments involving heat like hair straighteners, curling irons and blow dryers will damage the hair strand, causing it to fall out. It is therefore important that you use some kind of heat protection when using these tools. Make sure that the client is also using one when styling their hair at home.

How to Prevent Future Hair Loss

Quit Smoking/Vaping

Cigarette smoke contains toxic chemicals that causes the blood vessels to shrink and block the blood circulation to the hair follicles. If the hair follicles do not receive the necessary nutrients from blood, the hair will fall out. Less oxygen is delivered plus more oxidative stress, follicles do not love that enviroment.

Regular Scalp Treatments

Recommending your client to get a regular Scandinavian Scalp Treatment can really stimulate their scalp and hair follicles and keep them healthy and strong. A monthly treatment will clean the scalp of excess oil and build-up of product to let the scalp breathe. The nutrient rich ingredients from the products used during the treatment will both help hair regrowth and prevent future hair loss.

Diet

It is very important to consume a healthy, balanced and nutrient rich diet. This will contribute to the overall health of the hair and scalp. These foods have vitamins that are great for the hair:

• Eggs (protein)

• Berries (vitamin C and antioxidants)

• Spinach (folate, iron, and vitamins A and C)

• Fatty fish (omega-3 fatty acids)

• Sweet potatoes (beta-carotene and vitamin A)

• Avocados (vitamin E, fatty acids)

• Nuts and seeds (vitamins E and B, zinc, fatty acids)

• Sweet peppers (vitamins A and C)

Eating balanced and nutritiousness is more of a preventative treatment. If your client is already in a vitamin deficit and experiencing hair loss, it can be difficult to get a big enough amount through food alone. This is where supplements come in handy, as they will allow your clients to easily get a larger amount of vitamins than food can provide.

Reduce Stress

As hair loss can be related to stress, a logical treatment is to reduce stress. However, this is more easily said than done. De-stressing and relaxation can mean something different to everybody, but some good ideas can be:

• Regular exercise

• Music

• Yoga

• Meditation

• Getting enough sleep (7-9 hours)

Be Gentle with Your Hair

Always advise your client to be gentle with their hair. Tight hairstyles like ponytails can really pull at the hair strands. Using a detangler when brushing their hair can also prevent them from pulling out a lot of hairs when brushing. Our Spray & Leave In Conditioner, Nourishing Hair Cream and Moroccan Argan Oil are perfect for this purpose.

As mentioned previously, heat can really damage the hair. To prevent hair loss, make sure that your clients are using a heat protectant like the NATULIQUE Heat and Sun Protector when using styling tools at home.

When to See the Doctor

As hair loss can be closely related to an underlying medical condition, it is important always see a doctor or a naturopath. Also, do not stop taking medications even if you have a suspicion that the medication is the root of the problem. Instead, ask your specialist for a different kind of medication without the side effects if possible.

‘Credit to Natulique for all this information’

Hair loss can feel frustrating, confusing, and often overwhelming.

Whether you’re noticing more shedding, thinning, or a change in your hair’s density — most people aren’t sure where to start or what actually works.

At Purelyou, we focus on supporting the hair from the root — using gentle, effective methods that help restore balance to the scalp and encourage healthy growth.

The key to improving hair growth isn’t harsh treatments or quick fixes.

It’s creating the right environment for your hair to grow.

This means:

• supporting the scalp

• strengthening the hair roots

• improving circulation and nourishment

The NATULIQUE Anti-Hair Loss System uses a combination of natural ingredients and advanced bioscience to support hair growth in a gentle, non-damaging way.

Rather than forcing change, it works with your hair by:

• helping reduce the effects of DHT (a common cause of hair loss)

• strengthening the hair follicles

• encouraging new growth over time

KEY INGREDIENTS

This system combines:

• Certified organic ingredients like Aloe Vera, Olive Oil, and Almond Oil to nourish the hair and scalp

• Botanical extracts like Ginger and Rosemary to stimulate circulation

• Advanced actives that support stronger, thicker hair growth

With consistent use, clients often notice:

• less hair shedding

• stronger, thicker-feeling hair

• improved scalp health

• gradual, natural regrowth

The system includes:

• Shampoo → cleanses and stimulates the scalp

• Conditioner → strengthens and nourishes

• Serum → deeply penetrates to support hair growth at the root

Together, they create a simple routine that supports healthier hair over time.

This is ideal if you’re experiencing:

• thinning hair

• increased shedding

• weakened or fragile strands

• scalp imbalance

Hair loss isn’t something you need to “fight” aggressively.

It’s something you support consistently.

With the right approach, your hair can become stronger, healthier, and more resilient over time.

Shampoo as least often as you can.

Shampooing strips your hair of its natural oils and fades your colour.

When you shampoo you should only shampoo your roots, as you rinse it is enough to clean your ends. Always shampoo twice. Shampoo lifts up products, dirt and oil (it is also good to give your scalp a good brush before shampooing, this is the only time my hair gets brushed as brushing makes your hair fluffy especially if you have movement in your hair. I run my fingers through to get rid of any knots).

The second shampoo cleans your hair (this shampoo should be half the size of your first shampoo) and by doing two shampoos your hair should be cleaner and need redoing less often.

If you find you have oily roots and have been shampooing your hair too regularly you will have over stimulated the oil glands which will over produce oil, making your hair oilier. To settle these glands down you do need to give your hair a break from shampooing as often.

I used to wash my hair twice a week, but when I was pregnant with my third baby I was so sick and tired, I did not have the energy to shampoo my hair and blow dry, so every night I would give my scalp a good brush to distribute the oil through my hair instead of it sitting on my scalp. For work, I would then create a 5 second messy bun on the top of my head (I think this is how I wore my hair for my whole pregnancy and then the first few months with my newborn). Now I can leave my hair up to 2 weeks without shampooing (I think once I even left it for 3 weeks unintentionally!). Now this might sound almost neglectful, but I still give my hair a good rinse in the shower and condition the ends twice a week. You will soon realise that your hair can feel clean and refreshed without shampooing.

Curly/wavy/frizzy and dry hair especially doesn’t need to be shampooed as often as you may think. If your hair doesn’t feel dirty/oily don’t wash it! Curls sit so much nicer when it's not freshly washed. If you’ve gone for a workout a good rinse and light condition is enough.

Rinse in cold water.

Cold water closes the cuticle down even further which will make your hair sit smoother. Style as normal, you will still need to add some more after products for example, leave in conditioner and a styling hold.

Fine hair is a bit different as it can go flat quickly, but just try wetting it and then re-blowdrying , maybe skip the conditioner part and then add a little more volumising product on your roots. It is a bit of trial and error to see what works best for your hair type.

Buy the best hair care range you can afford.

The cheap ones are just filled with detergents and harsh chemicals, by investing in a good quality organic care range you will not be absorbing all the nasties and your hair will be treated to it's specific needs, It definitely pays to invest in quality product especially if you don't have thick shiny straight hair. 

Buy shampoo to suit your roots, ie - for fine hair, buy a volumising shampoo and buy conditioner to suit your ends; for dry ends, buy a moisturising conditioner.

Hope this has helped. xo

Shan

Curly hair shouldn’t be complicated.

With so much knowledge on the web these days between Curly FB pages, YouTube, Google and other people’s opinions it’s sometimes very overwhelming especially if you’re starting out on the curly journey. Your curly hair routine can be as simple or comprehensive as your lifestyle will allow.

Hair just needs to be Cleansed & Hydrated

Between 3 – 7 products are needed to get great curls:

• Sulfate free shampoo

• Paraben free conditioner

• Base Gel

• Topper/s

• Refresher

• Hairspray

The difference between expensive products and cheaper supermarket brands is the quality of ingredients and the manufacturing process of making the product easier to absorb into the hair.

The Curly Girl Movement has brought in a lot of different terminology for hair. The first concept I will talk about is co-washing. There has been a lot of confusion and guilt around shampooing. I believe in shampoo, but when I say shampoo I mean “low poo”.

I have been sulfate free and using organic ingredients for 17 yrs. Co-washing to me is like washing your body with moisturiser, it is not what it is meant for. In saying that, I only shampoo my hair once every 3 weeks which I have done for 6yrs now. The weeks in between, I do wash my hair but I cleanse with friction and water, giving my scalp a good scrub under the shower for 2 to 3min with my finger tips.

Water and friction is enough to cleanse but shampoo just helps the process

The purpose of shampoo is to open the cuticle so your hair is cleaned and cleansed to be able to absorb and retain water. With added conditioner -

Moisture based Conditioner – Contains water loving ingredients which help to retain the moisture.

Protein Conditioner – helps rebuild the strength structure and bonding the cuticle to the hair strand.

Conditioning is the process of just closing down the cuticle, running conditioner over your hair and rinsing.

Hydration is the process of squeezing and squishing the conditioner and water into the centre of each hair strand and locking this into the hair.

Hydration is not just for curly hair, straight hair and slightly wavy hair can all benefit with hydration especially if it’s coarse or frizzy. Frizzy hair is just the hair lacking moisture.

Even though I say all this, I do respect co-washing if that’s what you choose to do and are having no issues. Just please know there’s not one way to look after curls, each curl specialist has their own technique or method. I have taken techniques from all of the specialists I have trained with and created my own method that resonates with our climate. You’ve got to find out what works for you as it all depends on your porosity, texture, density, lifestyle & environment. Your type of curl has nothing to do with how to look after your hair I’m sorry to say. You can have two people with exact same curl pattern that have different texture, density and live in different parts of the country so will need different products or use different techniques.

Once you have hydrated your hair you need to seal all the goodness in, using a water based gel to trap in the water and conditioner.