Ultimate Guide To Hair Growth & Smoother, Healthier Hair

It is said that one's face is what makes style. Well, the problem is, not everyone can simply rely on their faces. What that said, the right hairstyle can literally transform a face, but the prerequisite is good hair quality and volume. Not everyone can carry a bald look after all.

Unfortunately, in addition to genetic factors, studies have shown that free radicals from UV rays, pollution, stress, poor diet, alcohol and other environmental factors can damage hair follicles and, with age, lead to hair loss and greatly slow hair growth. In addition, malnutrition, daily shampoo and hair care habits, etc., will also seriously affect hair volume and hair quality.

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The Right Daily Hair Care Habits

Brush Before Shampooing

There are three main reasons why you should brush your hair before shampooing. 1) If the hair is tangled, it cannot be washed properly even with shampoo, and when the hair and scalp are not washed completely clean, it will affect both your hair volume and quality; 2) If the hair is washed in a tangled state, the hair will get even more tangled after getting wet, making it extremely hard to comb through, esulting in hair loss, breakage and split ends; 3) When the hair is wet, the cuticles will open and become soft, sensitive and prone to damages. If you brush your hair immediately after washing, your hair will become brittle and easily breakable with less shine!

Also, remember it is important to brush out the ends first, then move on to the middle section, and finally the roots. If you start straight from the roots, it will inevitably cause breakage, as well as unnecessary hair loss.

Shampoo Twice

Washing your hair is like washing your face. It is never good to over wash your hair, but you should wash your hair twice with shampoo every time you wash your hair. This is because it is easy for dirt, styling products, oils, etc. to remain on the hair and scalp after a single wash. Over time, it will burden the scalp and hair shaft, resulting in hair loss, dullness, and an overall deterioration in hair quality.

The correct way to wash your hair is to first rinse the hair with water (not just dampen it) to simply wash away the dust from the hair. Afterwards, shampoo once to thoroughly wash away all dirt and hair styling products from your hair. After rinsing, shampoo the second time, focusing on the scalp. Allow the shampoo to penetrate deep into the roots of the hair to prevent oil and dirt from clogging the pores, then rinse thoroughly.

Choose Silicone-Free Shampoos, Conditioners, Hair Masks, and Hair Care Products

Most hair products contain silicones of various types that form a protective film on the hair surface for smoothness with less frizziness. Yet, long-term use can destabilize the protein bonds that make up 97% of the hair, whilst other nutrients cannot penetrate; if the product contains water-insoluble silicone, then it can even build up on the hair as it is difficult to wash off. Over time, hair becomes drier, flatter, duller, and more prone to split ends, frizziness, brittleness, tangles and breakage.

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hair(silk) Peptides Soft Hydrating Hair Serum  <- Click to shop

Formulated with patented ingredients, French silk peptides, hyaluronic acid, monoi, and other nourishing oils and restorative proteins, it hydrates, revives and softens to deliver silky, strong, soft and shiny hair without the use of silicones. Unique from other hair treatments, it does not weigh hair down, nor does it build up or provide merely temporary benefits, as it improves hair quality over time, not just for a day. Best for hair with concerns including dull, damaged hair, split ends, hair breakage, hair dryness, frizziness, difficulty in styling, heat protection and post-colour treatment.

Anti-Hair Loss Shampoos, Conditioners, and Hair Masks Do Not Do Much For Hair Loss

There are many reasons for hair loss, such as malnutrition, excessive stress, seborrheic alopecia, or viruses and bacteria, which cannot be tackled topically. In addition, even if the formula contains ingredients to improve / prevent hair loss (whether it be chemicals or Chinese medicine), it still needs to stay on the scalp for at least a period of time before it can really penetrate the hair follicles and work its magic. The shampoo gets washed off within a minute or two, whilst conditioners and hair masks should never be applied to the scalp to avoid clogging the hair follicles, which means, even if the product contains anti-hair loss ingredients, it is unlikely to produce any effect, let alone stimulate hair growth.

Do Not Use Coconut Oil On Your Hair

A lot of people suggests using coconut oil for hair. It does make the hair feel smoother for a while, but in reality, coconut oil is bad for both the hair and scalp. This is because coconut oil is rich in lauric acid (a fatty acid), with a distinct protein structure, which makes it penetrate the hair shaft, and completely coat each strand of hair, making it water repellent. What this means is, the hair may not get the moisture that it needs, and therefore, dries out, tangles, and breaks. Using it on the scalp may also block the hair follicle, causing hair loss.

Use a Hair Growth, Anti-Hair Loss Treatment

We have mentioned above how hair growth and anti-hair loss shampoo, conditioner and hair mask are not very effective, due to the fact that there simply is not enough time to penetrate the scalp and hair follicles. Therefore, for hair growth and hair loss prevention, a hair treatment / serum used on the scalp is your best bet (treatment used on the hair shaft will not help with hair growth or hair loss).

In terms of hair growth and hair loss prevention ingredients, you will usually find Polygonum Aviculare, Danggui, Ginseng and Ginger in traditional Chinese and Korean medicinal formulas, whilst the west usually uses caffeine or a chemical called "Minoxidil" (2,4-diamino-6-piperidinopyrimidine 3-oxide). However, with the advancement of science and technology in recent years, other natural patented compound ingredients that are more effective than Minoxidil and without side effects have appeared.

A unique, patented complex of plant extracts and natural ingredients that helps to promote and activate the division of bulge stem cells (ORSc) in the human scalp, protect these stem cells from apoptosis, as well as boosting the metabolism of dermal papilla fibroblasts (HFPDc cells) that support the growth of hair and hair follicles. It also reduces the typical inflammation associated with any sort of alopecic scalp and helps to nurture a healthy scalp environment for hair growth, and puts the hair follicles, including those that have become inactive and dormant, back into a better phase. A study has shown that a it is about twice as effective as Minoxidil in promoting hair growth, which is why it is praised as “the best alternative to a hair transplant”.

Patented, trademarked and science-backed, Follicusan™ is a milk-based bioactive (meaning it has an immediate effect upon reaching tissues and cells ) with active signalling molecules, which clinical studies have proven to stimulate the dermal papilla cells in the scalp (most important cell type found in the hair root). When used for 90 days or longer, it significantly improves hair density and thickness, vitalizes the scalp and follicles, reactivates the hair growth cycle even after it has started to slow or diminish, and counteracts premature and accelerated hair fall.

A patented, trademarked, complex of acetyl tetrapeptide-3 and red clover extract that is densely rich in Biochanin A, these ingredients work together on DHT modulation in the body, focusing on inhibiting the production of 5-α reductase to promote healthy hair and scalp, stop hair breakage, while working simultaneously to stimulate growth.

A natural complex packed with properties that promote hair follicle revitalization and hydration of the scalp, with both helping to deliver an intense glow for hair. This truly revolutionary hair revitalization product is made of naturally derived Passion Fruit Seed, Rice Bran and Açaí Berry Oils and is perfect as a non-silicone solution to deliver the ultimate gloss, softness and shine for hair.

AGENT NATEUR
holi(locks) Strengthening Hair Growth Serum  <- Click to shop

Formulated with four patented, clinically proven ingredients, including Redensyl™, Follicusan™, Capixyl™ and Beracare ARS Hair Serum™, as well as an array of ingredients that promote hair health, texture, and shine, including Bhringraj, Hibiscus Seed, Crambe Seed Phytosterol Esters and Horsetail, etc., holi (locks) stimulates hair growth and promotes overall hair health. When applied topically for at least 12 weeks, it helps the hair appear denser, thicker and fuller, all without the use of harsh silicones. Particularly great for thin, weak, dull and damaged hair, hair loss, split ends, dry hair and scalp, as well as hair breakage.

Always Blow Dry Your Hair After Washing

Doesn’t blowing drying the hair everyday makes it dry and weak? The truth is, hair is weakest when it is wet, thus using a hair-dryer at the right distance and temperature can actually cause less damage than letting it air-dry for hours. This is because when hair swells and stretches up to 30% when it is wet. So the longer it stays wet, the longer the swelling goes on, and the more pressure it puts on the delicate proteins and membrane that keep hair intact. Eventually, the cortex swells and cracks, permanently damaging hair.

Secondly, bacteria thrives in warm, moist environments. If your scalp is constantly wet, it may lead to an increase of bacteria and result in issues like hair loss, malassezia folliculitis (an itchy, acne-like condition caused by a yeast infection of the hair follicle and is made worse by sweat that can eventually lead to dandruff or scalp dermatitis), as well as scalp ringworm (a highly contagious fungal infection that causes a red, itchy, ring-shaped rash and can even result in bald spots). In fact, it may also result in the scalp getting smelly easily (in the same way as how the underarm area develops odor).

The healthiest option, is to mostly blow dry your scalp and hair roots, then moderately blow dry your hair with low temperature.

Heat Protect Your Hair

Besides hair dryer, many people use hair straighteners or curlers these days to attain the perfect hair style. However, the high temperatures, which are often much higher than a hair dryer, can negatively impact hair health. The most obvious signs of heat damaged hair? Dryness, dullness, split ends, breakage, frizziness, flyaways, rough or changed texture, tangles, and hair loss. Worse yet, heat damaged hair is not reversible, as once the protein bonds are broken and the hair cuticles are cracked, the inner cortex is exposed, and the hair becomes weaker and less pliable.

The best way to heat protect your hair is, first of all, never apply heat to your hair when it is completely dry, as this is literally like frying your hair. Secondly, apply a heat-protectant prior to using any styling tools. This is because it acts as a barrier between your styling tool and your hair, and also reduces water evaporation by sealing in what is already there. It also forms a seal to prevent moisture from the atmosphere, which causes hair to frizz and styling to collapse, and work to smooth the cuticle, making the hair look smooth and soft.

Take a Collagen Supplement

What does collagen have to do with hair you may ask. Well, it actually matters a lot.

Firstly, hair is mostly made up of a protein called keratin, which is synthesized by the body using amino acid, particularly, proline. As the collagen supplement enters the body, it gets broken down into amino acids, including glycine, hydroxyproline and proline, that are then used to build new proteins. This gives the body the fuel it needs for the hair, whether it is hair regrowth, or speeding up the growing process.

Secondly, studies have shown that free radicals, derived from UV-rays, pollution, stress, poor diet, alcohol, and other environmental factors, can damage hair follicles especially as we age, causing hair loss and slow growth. Collagen, especially from wild-caught fish scales, acts as an antioxidant that fights and neutralizes free radicals, thereby protecting and promoting healthy hair follicles. One study found that marine collagen was able to fight four different free radicals, while another study observed that it may be even more effective than tea.

Thirdly, collagen makes up 70% of the dermis, the middle layer of the skin that contains the root of each individual hair. When there is enough collagen in the dermis, it can better grip onto the strand of hair. As the dermis thins with age due to loss in collagen, hair starts thinning and falling out faster. By providing the body what it needs to synthesize more collagen, the dermis can stay stronger, thicker, and more elastic, thereby preventing hair thinning.

In a 6-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, results showed that daily intake of collagen supplement resulted in a significant increase in the number of terminal and vellus hairs in the target area at day 90 and day 180 vs placebo, as well as significant improvements in hair growth and overall hair quality. A majority of participants also reported improvement in hair growth, volume, thickness, and hair growth rate.

AGENT NATEUR
holi(mane) Hair, Skin & Nails Daily Supplement  <- Click to shop

Developed in collaboration with Dr. Will Cole, this blend of pearl powder and marine collagen, void of any fillers or taste/texture enhancers, is abundant in over 30 trace minerals and bioavailable amino acids to activate hair, skin and nail cells to produce collagen, promote cellular repair, increase hydration, and support two important antioxidants, glutathione and superoxide dismutase. The result is hydrated skin, reduced fine lines and wrinkles, stronger nails that are less prone to breakage, and shinier, stronger hair.

Taking Pearl Powder Helps Too!

Pearl powder contains nacre that increases tissue regeneration such as collagen types I and III, whilst conchiolin, a special compound also unique to pearls, stimulates collagen promotion, as well as keratin, which is one of the proteins in skin and hair that improves hydration of skin cells, speed up cell metabolism, increase circulation, prevent hair loss and help to repair damaged cells. Pearl powder also contains the three amino acids that are vital in collagen production.

By taking pearl powder, collagen, elastin and keratin production is stimulated, which in turn, improves hair growth, volume, thickness, and shine with less shedding.

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