Hair care 101: Tress for success

Author Mark Twain may have believed that “clothes maketh the man”, but if you really want to make an impression, you have to make sure that your tresses are in order too.

Let’s face it, nothing captures the attention — or imagination — quite like a great head of hair. Think Jennifer Aniston’s “Rachel” shag, or Farrah Fawcett’s windswept waves, or Audrey Hepburn’s boy-cut that helped enhance her oh-so-sexy gamine look. Men, too, make statements with their hirsute pursuits: Think George Clooney’s close crop, the Elvis pompadour or The Beatles’ mop tops (copied by every other band since).

Which is why we constantly restyle our manes with heating tools, load our locks with the latest styling products and experiment with the season’s colour hits. But all that can take a toll on our follicles.

“Hair shaft damage is mostly due to mishandling that causes destruction of the outer protective cuticle layer of the hair, thus exposing the cortex,” said Louella Chng, a trichologist at Phyto Hair Science. “This weakens the hair and makes it more susceptible to fraying and breaking.”

So having healthy hair is of utmost importance, especially when the production of sebum wanes as we age. “This (results) in drier hair and less protection for our hair cuticles. Hormonal changes, especially during and post pregnancy, stress and other lifestyle factors may also play a part,” said John Goh, Research and Development Deploy Manager for Home & Personal Care for Unilever.

So what can we do to get great-looking hair? Here are some offerings.

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FOR NORMAL HAIR:

Timotei 2-In-1 Delicate Shampoo (S$6.90, at selected Guardian stores)

The natural sweet almond oil extracts gently cleanse and condition for smooth and glossy locks.

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FOR CHEMICALLY-PROCESSED HAIR:

Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo and Conditioner (S$35, at authorised Redken Haircare salons from Dec)

This shampoo and conditioner locks in the colour and strengthens hair fibres, and prevents frizz.

Kerastase Cristalliste Bain Cristal (S$27, at all Kerastase consultant salons. Call 6738 3113 for stock list)

Perfect for tresses that are constantly exposed to heat via frequent blow-drying or the heavy use of curling/straightening irons.

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FOR VOLUME:

John Frieda Luxurious Volume Touchably Full Shampoo and Conditioner (S$15.90 each at selected Watsons, Guardian and Cold Storage outlets)

Limp hair gets an instant lift with this duo, which transforms hair into full-bodied and weightless va-va-vooms.

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FOR DAMAGED HAIR:

L’Oreal Paris Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo (S$13.90 (for 650ml) at Watsons, Guardian, Sa Sa, supermarkets and selected department stores)

This shampoo promises to repair one year’s worth of damage with just one wash, thanks to its higher concentration of Cement Ceramide and key active ingredients.

Dove Intense Repair Treatment Mask (S$10.90, at all leading supermarkets, hypermarkets and pharmacies)

This pampering treat penetrates deep into the hair shaft to heal and strengthen hair.

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FOR MEN:

Clear Deep Cleanse with Activated Charcoal + Mint (S$10.30 (340ml) at all leading pharmacies and supermarkets)

Best for guys who use a styling product daily, this shampoo draws out dandruff-causing impurities and styling residue from the scalp, preventing hair fall along the way.

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FOR SPECIAL NEEDS:

TONI&GUY Hair Meet Wardrobe Dry Shampoo (S$10.90 at selected Guardian and Watsons outlets)

It absorbs grease and natural oils for a dash of freshness, and is perfect for women post-pregnancy.

Aesop Shine (S$45 at Aesop stores)

Two to three drops of this are all you need to soften and add a healthy sheen to all hair types.

Kerastase Densifique (S$149.80 for a box of 10 at Kerastase consultant salons)

If you face hair loss problems or simply want to increase hair mass, try this scalp solution, which improves follicular activity and promotes hair growth.

Aveda invati Exfoliating Shampoo (S$46 from Aveda Experience Centres at #B1-32A Ngee Ann City and TANGS Orchard Beauty Hall Level 1)

Its stimulating blend of Ayurvedic herbs, including ginseng and turmeric, thoroughly cleanses, exfoliates and reinvigorates a weary scalp.

Sunsilk Hair Fall Solution Shampoo (S$6.70 (for 320ml) at leading pharmacies and supermarkets)

Roots are strengthened thanks to the shampoo’s root nourishing minerals.