Hair in crisis? Bushra Hakim uncovers expert tips for turning things around.
Hair is one of the most defining features of our appearance. It’s not just strands of keratin growing from our head, but a huge part of who we are. And when hair starts to lose its shine, strength or volume, it can take a toll on our confidence. Be it persistent dryness, thinning or breakage, these concerns often need professional help. To help us learn how to look after our crowning glory, we sought the advice of trichologist Daiane Alves Dos Santos, who specialises in scalp and hair health.
THE ROOT CAUSE
“Think of the scalp as an extension of the skin on your face,” Daiane explains. Much like the facial skin, the scalp requires cleansing, hydration and nourishment. Neglecting it can lead to dryness, oiliness or conditions like dandruff and hair thinning. Scalp health directly influences the quality of hair growth; if the follicles are malnourished, the hair strands are likely to be brittle and break easily. To ensure your scalp gets the care it needs, she suggests regular exfoliation to clear build-up from styling products, dead skin and environmental pollutants. Massaging your head with natural oils like rosemary or jojoba not only hydrates but also stimulates blood circulation, which is essential for healthy follicles. She also suggests using shampoo and treatments formulated to address particular scalp issues, whether it be dandruff, sensitivity or an overproduction of sebum.
INGREDIENTS MATTER
Navigating the world of hair care products can be overwhelming, but knowing which ingredients to embrace and avoid is crucial. According to Daiane, certain component ingredients can do more harm than good. Sulphates can strip the hair of natural oils, leaving it dry and vulnerable to damage. Parabens, often used as preservatives, may disrupt hormones, while silicones create a coating on the hair shaft that leads to build-up over time. Other ingredients to avoid are mineral oil, which can suffocate the scalp, and formaldehyde (a preservative) found in some treatments, a common irritant. Instead, she suggests looking for products enriched with nourishing components like natural oils such as argan oil, shea butter and panthenol (vitamin B5), which hydrate and repair hair. Aloe vera and chamomile soothe the scalp, while proteins strengthen damaged fibres. Hydrators like vegetable glycerine and hyaluronic acid help retain moisture, adding shine and softness to the hair.
WEATHER WOES
Living in the Middle East comes with its own set of challenges. High humidity, intense sun exposure and desalinated water can wreak havoc on hair, making it frizzy, brittle and prone to breakage. It’s important to adapt your hair care routine to suit these conditions. “UV rays don’t just damage the skin; they also degrade the protein in your hair, causing it to lose strength and shine,” Daiane explains. She recommends using leave-in products with UV protection, as well as hats or scarves for added shielding. For combating humidity, anti-frizz serums and hydrating masks are lifesavers, helping to seal the hair cuticle and lock in moisture. Water quality also plays a major role in hair health. The heavy minerals in desalinated or hard water can dry out your hair and leave it feeling rough. Installing a shower filter or using clarifying treatments once a week can help minimise the damage.
SALON SOLUTIONS
Salon treatments like keratin smoothing, hair botox and sealing promise sleek, frizz-free locks, but Daiane warns against over-relying on these quick fixes. “These treatments often use chemicals that alter the hair’s natural structure, leaving it more vulnerable in the long term,” she warns. For instance, keratin smoothing requires high temperatures and formaldehyde-releasing agents that can weaken bonds in the hair. Similarly, hair botox treatments, while marketed as restorative, often rely on straightening chemicals that can be damaging with repeated use.
SEEKING PROFESSIONAL HELP
Knowing when to seek professional advice is vital for maintaining healthy hair. Daiane points to signs like excessive hair loss, persistent dryness, brittle strands and scalp irritation. If home remedies fail to deliver results, it’s time to consult a specialist. “Hair loss and thinning are often caused by factors such as genetics, nutritional deficiencies or environmental stress,” she explains. Specialists can provide accurate diagnoses and tailored solutions to address these issues effectively. Treatments like mesotherapy and microneedling improve blood flow and nutrient absorption in the scalp, promoting stronger, healthier hair. Similarly, low-level laser therapy stimulates follicles to encourage regrowth, making it an effective option for chronic or genetic hair loss. She also emphasises personalised nutrition plans that correct deficiencies in essential nutrients such as iron, zinc and biotin. These approaches, combined with scalp detoxification and regular professional monitoring, ensure long-term success, especially in challenging climates.
“The earlier the intervention, the faster and more effective the treatment will be, allowing you to recover the health of your hair and scalp,” Daiane concludes.
Connect with Daiane Alves Dos Santos @daianebeauty