Common Questions Raised By Women After Giving Birth
Women are always looking forward to finally meeting their little ones as the due date comes near. And often women tend to neglect their hair and are unaware about losing their thick, shiny locks of hair after pregnancy. Usually more than 80% of the women experience a lot of hair fall after 3 months of delivery. This is what we call as post-partum hair loss.
Below are some of the common questions that were asked by women after they face post-partum hair loss issues.
How Hormones And Blood Affect My Hair During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the body experiences increase in estrogen and progesterone level which causes the hair to remain in hair growth phase and creates thicker, shinier hair. Increase in the blood volume during pregnancy also contributes to healthier and thicker hair. But, after childbirth, the hormones level and the blood volume drops. This leads to hair fall after 3 months because that’s the time needed for the hormones to level out.
When Will I Experience Post-Partum Hair Loss After Giving Birth?
After giving birth, several of your hormone levels, including estrogen and progesterone will start to decrease gradually. However, you will not experience hair loss immediately after giving birth. Post-partum hair loss only occurs 3 months after giving birth and it can continue for another 6 to 9 months (depending on individual).
Several other factors like stress, lack of sleep and nutrition deficiency can accelerate hair loss and worsen it after child birth.
What Is The Most Common Sign of Post-Partum Hair Loss?
Post-Partum Hair Loss can occur to any women after child birth. About 80% of the women may face this issue after pregnancy. The common sign will be experiencing more than 100 strands of hair fall daily during shampooing or brushing the hair.
How Can I Control My Post-Partum Hair Loss Issue?
No one can stop post-partum hair loss but you can control post-partum hair loss at an early stage by seeking for proper professional treatments as early as 3 months after pregnancy. With proper treatments in place, you can actually control and see improvement in about 3 to 4 months’ time.
Here are some of the hair care tips and treatments you can take note of to reduce post-partum hair loss issue:
- Heating Tools/ Styling Products – It is advisable to stop the use of heating tools/ styling products for time being as the hair follicles are very weak.
- Hair Drying – Towel dry your hair and blow dry using cold wind.
- Wooden Comb – Use a Gentle Wooden Comb/ Brush twice a day to untangle your hair.
- Tonics/ Masques – Tonics and Masques available at TK TrichoKare are rich in vitamins, herbs (Rosemary, Horsetail, Saw Palmetto etc.), oils which are good for the scalp
- Treatments – Always seek advice from professional hair & scalp experts (aka Trichologists) if you are unsure of what to do when you start facing post-partum hair loss.
Are TK TrichoKare’s Treatments Safe For Me During Breastfeeding Period?
In TK TrichoKare, our treatments are customised based on each individual’s hair & scalp conditions which are safe during breastfeeding. You will go through a hair & scalp analysis and consultation with our Trichologists/ Hair & Scalp Specialists before you are recommended the suitable treatments for your needs.
If you are facing post-partum hair loss issue, seek professional help from us as early as possible to avoid further hair loss. Book an appointment with us now and we can suggest the right treatment for you.
Every woman would have experienced hair loss at some point in their lives. Sometimes, this could mean a serious underlying condition. Identifying the cause of your hair loss could help determine the right treatment options.
Have you ever wondered what the major causes of hair loss in women are? You may identify with some of those. If you also are experiencing some of the symptoms we have highlighted, you might need to visit a Trichologist.
How Common Is It?
Types of Hair Loss in Women
- Postpartum Hair Loss: Postpartum hair loss occurs a few weeks after childbirth. It occurs due to low hormone levels. During pregnancy, there is an increase in progesterone and estrogen levels. This increase puts hair in a prolonged anagen phase. These levels return to normal after the delivery, causing hair loss. Postpartum hair loss can also be caused due to nutrient deficiencies, post-surgery stress, etc.
- Stress-Related Hair Loss: Stress affects the hair follicle development and can impact the hair growth cycle. Stress-related hair loss, when left untreated, can lead to serious hair disorders like alopecia, telogen effluvium, and baldness.
- Drug-Induced Hair Loss: Hair loss can also be caused by drug intake. Certain drugs can induce either anagen or telogen effluvium. These can lead to patterned or diffused hair loss and can be acute or chronic.
- Alopecia: This means hair loss and there are two types of alopecia that affects women the most:
- Androgenic Alopecia: Hair loss occurs in patterns. The thinning of hair starts from the parting area and gradually spreads all over the crown. Female pattern hair loss is one such type.
- Alopecia Areata: Auto-immune disorder in which hair loss occurs in round/oval patches.
- Post-Partum Alopecia: Hair loss usually starts 3 months after childbirth and can continue for a few months.
- Trichotillomania: A compulsive disorder where one pulls out their own hair. The constant pulling of hair can lead to severe hair loss.
- Diffuse Thinning: Hair begins thinning all over the scalp.
- Nutrient Deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, including iron, vitamin D, and calcium, can lead to hair loss.
In the following section, we will explore the causes of hair loss in women in detail.
Causes of Hair Loss in Women
- Hereditary Factors: You will likely have a hair loss problem if your parents do. Alopecia is normally caused due to genetics. While this is more evident in men, women too are likely to develop genetically inherited alopecia.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes in the body increase the sensitivity of hair follicles, weaken the hair roots, and cause excess hair fall. Issues like menopause, ovarian cysts, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism change the body’s hormonal balance and may lead to hair loss.
- Pregnancy: During and after pregnancy, most women experience frequent dehydration, fatigue, and hormonal imbalances. These issues increase sensitivity in the hair follicles and create unfavourable scalp conditions, leading to chronic hair loss.
- Physical and Mental Stress: Drastic and excessive weight loss, persistent illness, and excessive physical labour may exhaust and dehydrate the body. This can cause the hair follicles to become malnourished and weak, leading to hair loss.
- Scalp Infections: Fungal, bacterial, and viral infections like seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis on the scalp can weaken hair roots and damage hair follicles. These infections can eventually lead to hair thinning and breakage.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Autoimmune disorders like alopecia areata are characterized by hair loss that happens when the immune system attacks the hair follicles. While there are treatments to reduce this type of hair loss, there is no definite cure.
- Medication and Treatments: Certain medical conditions call for treatments and surgeries that may cure the ailment, but cause hair loss as a side effect. Treatments like chemotherapy, steroids, typhoid medications, heart disease, depression, etc. may cause extreme hair fall.
- Over-processing and Styling: Going overboard with chemical hair treatments and hot styling tools can lead to hair fall. Heavy usage of hair products and accessories can lead to hair loss. Some hair products, like those containing sulphates, may harm your scalp in the long run. Hairstyles that require the hair to be pulled tight (like tight braids or ponytails) can also cause hair fall.
- Iron Deficiency, Anemia, and Blood Loss: Deficiency of red blood cells in the body, sudden blood loss, and insufficient iron levels in the body can also cause hair loss.
- Crash Diets and Malnutrition: Insufficient nutrient intake or being on a crash diet can cause malnourishment, leading to excessive hair fall.
- Over-Supplementation: Over-supplementation of nutrients like vitamins A and E, and selenium, has been found to cause hair loss as well. Consulting your doctor before going for any supplements is ideal. Also, it is better to get your nutrients first from organic foods and natural sources.
When to Consult a Trichologist: Symptoms or Signs to Look For
These are the major causes of hair loss in women. While some of them can be reversed with dietary changes, some of them need a medical diagnosis. We have discussed the signs and symptoms you need to look for before visiting a Trichologist.
Consult a Trichologist if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Hair loss in an unusual pattern
- Pain or itching along with hair loss
- Red, scaly, or abnormal-looking scalp
- Male pattern baldness (in women)
- Bald spots on the eyebrows
- Weight gain, muscle weakness, temperature sensitivity, or fatigue paired with the hair loss
- A scalp infection with hair loss
Diagnosis
At our centres, our Trichologists/Hair Specialists will first check your hair and scalp conditions. Specially developed for both men and women, the Advanced Age Defying Hair Treatment can counteract age-related changes in the density and diameter of the hair. The elaborate treatment process incorporates premium European Herbal Hair Remedy to promote hair growth as well as nourish and strengthen hair follicles.
All treatments at TrichoKare are validated by certified Trichologists. They are specialists who study and diagnose hair and scalp problems, giving customers an added assurance of its effectiveness.
Dealing with hair loss can be hard. But with the right measures and treatment options, hair regrowth is often possible. Understanding what is causing your hair loss can help you adopt the right practices to treat your condition. Book an appointment with us and we can suggest the right mode of treatment for you.
Are you wondering if there’s anything you can do to make your hair grow faster? If using any products help? Can specific diets or food speed up growth? How about medications or treatments? In this article, we’ll help answer those questions. Let’s take a closer look at what affects hair growth and then share with you on some tips on how you can improve the growth of your hair.
Hair growth has three stages – anagen, catagen, and telogen. Each hair strand has its stage of development. The anagen stage is the active growth stage, and typically lasts between three to six years. In the next phase, catagen is a stage of transition or renewal for the hair follicles. The telogen phase is the resting phase where the hair stops growing. Then the hair returns to the anagen stage where the hair matrix forms new hair and restarts the hair growth cycle.
Now that you are aware of the different stages of hair growth, here’s what you can do to stimulate your hair to grow faster and stronger.
1. Have A Healthy and Balanced Diet
The health of your hair, like the rest of your body, is dependent on the nourishment you provide. A diet consisting of foods that help in hair growth such as leafy vegetables, beans, seeds, lean fish, and chicken. Hair is mostly made up of protein, and thus requires protein to keep it shining. With a healthy diet, your hair gets all the sustenance it needs to grow long and strong and keep it shiny and silky smooth.
2. Give Your Scalp A Massage
Gently massage your scalp with your fingertips (not your nails!) in a circular motion. Not only does a scalp massage feel great, it also helps stimulate blood circulation. By spreading the oils secreted from your scalp, it can strengthen the roots and keep your hair moist. A scalp massage with a stimulant like coconut oil greatly enhances the effect as it contains essential vitamins and nutrients and works as a natural hair conditioner.
3. Trim Your Hair Regularly
Visit the salon once every three months for a hair trim to remove split ends. Even though this might seem counter-intuitive since you are looking to grow out your hair, it is rather important if you want balanced hair growth. Damaged hair with split ends would inhibit the growth of your hair by causing thinning and breakage. By getting your hair regularly trimmed, you can avoid unhealthy split ends that is essential for enhanced hair length.
4. Don’t Brush Too Often
Brushing your hair for 5 – 10 minutes every day will more than suffice. Some are convinced that the secret to long and healthy hair is brushing it incessantly. While there are others who are scared that brushing hair will lead to hair fall, and avoid combing their hair if possible. The truth is somewhere in between these extremes. Brushing your hair does stimulate your scalp which releases natural oils and help spread those oils down the length of the hair strands. To ensure that there is no breakage or hair loss, make sure to brush gently, or it may cause traction alopecia.
5. Switch Your Pillow Covers
No matter what position you sleep in, you spend hours each night with your hair pressed up against a pillow. Silk pillowcases create a smooth surface for your hair to glide. This would reduce chances of you having split ends while you sleep. With less friction on your hair, you’re less likely to wake up with frizz and tangles too.
6. Protect Your Hair
With the weather in Singapore, every time you head out into the dust and heat, you’re stripping your hair of moisture. Especially when you are planning to be under the sun, try not to get your hair exposed to those UV rays. It can damage your hair, leaving them dry, and cause your hair colour to fade quickly too. Always protect yourself from the harmful UV rays by wearing a hat or using an umbrella with UV protection.
7. Condition Regularly
While most of us will wash their hair with shampoo, some overlook the importance of a good conditioner. Not only does it help to replace lipids and proteins inside the hair shaft, but it also seals the cuticle to help your hair grow longer. Deep conditioning and reconstructing treatments can help hydrate your hair strands while repair damaged hair by eliminating frizz and dullness. You can book an appointment with us for a customised treatment to build healthy hair while adding length, volume, and shine to it.
8. Drink Water
Ensure you drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Drinking water is good for your entire body as it flushes out toxins and helps the body function properly. Healthy hair starts from having a healthy scalp. Since your scalp is also part of your body, it is essential to make sure you are always hydrated.
9. Forget The Towel Wrap
Avoid wrapping your hair in a towel after your shower. You might be used to having this habit but this can be detrimental to your hair health. When your hair is wet, it is very fragile and is prone to break. Hence, it is advisable to pat your hair with a towel until it is dry to prevent any hair damage.
TK TrichoKare uses Premium European Herbal Hair Remedies in our treatments and products to address the hair roots problems like hair loss, hair fall, greasy scalp, dandruff etc. By leveraging on the healing abilities of natural premium European herbs extract, it helps to promote hair growth and strengthen the immunity against any hair and scalp problems.
But how much do you know about the type of herbs extract we are using? Here are some natural active extracts that can be found in our treatments & products:
Chicory Flower
A plant with roots and dried, above-ground parts that are used to make medicine.
Benefits: Heals damaged hair and restore hair health. The vitamin A and E keeps the scalp moisturized and provide a good oil balance and boost blood circulation to make our hair and scalp healthy.
Saw Palmetto
A plant native to the Caribbean and currently found in the southeastern United States.
Benefits: Have anti-inflammatory effects on the body, which could offer protection from some causes of hair loss. Research proven to have medicinal benefits and aid hair growth, especially for men with male pattern hair loss
Aloe Vera
A plant that has thick leaves with a gel-like substance inside of them.
Benefits: Contains vitamins A, B12, C, E and folic acid that are able to calm an itchy scalp, deep cleans oily hair, strengthens and repairs hair strands and promote hair growth.
Gingko Biloba
Well known as one of the oldest living species of tree. The tree is known for its hardiness and longevity that can live around 1,500 years.
Benefits: Aids the supply of nutrients to the scalp and prevent attacks and damage on the hair follicles from taking place.
Centella Asiatica
Is a perennial herb that grows primarily in Asia.
Benefits: Rich in anti-inflammations, antioxidants and antibacterial properties to fight off free radicals and prevent future damage from environmental stressors.
Calendula Officinalis
Also known as pot marigold, is a flowering plant in the daisy family.
Benefits: Rich in anti-inflammations, antifungal, antibacterial properties to reduce scalp irritation, scalp acne and relief scalp redness.
Licorice
Is a flowering plant of the bean family, Fabaceae.
Benefits: Licorice root has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects that help soothe the scalp and get rid of any dry flakes/ dandruff. This also prevents hair loss and further damage to the hair.
Experience it yourself on how these natural active extracts can help you improve your hair & scalp problems!
No one likes the feeling of oily hair or scalp. People who have oily skin are usually prone to having a greasy scalp, with the possibility of scalp acne and pimples. Oily scalp is when overactive sebaceous glands produce excess oil. This excess oil attracts dirt and germs, which causes the scalp to itch.
Oily scalp is hereditary due to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can be reduced, but not eliminated. Poor hygiene and environmental factors like hot weather, humidity and pollution can contribute to an oily scalp as well.
However, you would also want to avoid stripping off all your oil. Your natural oils protect hair and are vital for a healthy scalp and lustrous hair. Here’s how to reduce the grease without damaging your hair or irritating your scalp.
1. Shampoo More Regularly
People with really oily hair may need to shampoo up to more than once a day. With the humid weather in Singapore, it is no surprise that you usually end up having a head of oily hair after a day’s work. Shampoo helps to remove the excess oil as well as any debris or leftover hair products from the scalp.
2. Use Shampoo Formulated for Oily Hair
A lot of thought and research has gone into making hair care products live up to their hype. If your shampoo isn’t cutting it, it is time to try a new shampoo that works better for you. Our Revitalizing Bath can help remove excess grease and leave your hair feeling refreshed after each use.
3. Shampooing The Right Way
Yes, you can wash your hair incorrectly and end up with an oily scalp and damaged hair. To properly wash your hair, gently work a small amount of shampoo into your scalp and roots. Avoid using your nails and creating unnecessary friction on the strands. Don’t apply shampoo directly to the ends of your hair or scrub them. Instead, simply let the shampoo flow through the ends as you rinse.
4. Rinse Properly
Spend more time in making sure you have all of the shampoo and conditioner rinsed out of your hair. This will contribute to a big difference in how your hair looks and feels after washing them. Products that are left behind can coat your hair, making it look and feel dirty or even leave you with an itchy scalp.
5. Be Gentle
Whether you’re washing, brushing, styling, or just scratching your head, it’s necessary to be extra gentle with your hair and scalp. Irritating your scalp by aggressively scratching can actually over-stimulate and cause your oil glands to produce even more oil.
6. Go Natural
Straightening irons and blow dryers can give you a smooth and sleek finish. But do you know that they can also make your hair look greasier? When possible, always let your hair air dry and embrace its natural texture. If you have it, always apply heat protectant like our Protein Hydra Mist to minimise the heat damage.
7. Clean Your Brush
Many of us are not aware but our brush is often dirty and tarnishes our freshly washed hair. Your brush can be full of styling products, oils, and general gunk that can make your locks dirty immediately after washing. Clean up your styling tools with a shampoo or gentle soap to strip off the build-up. Likewise, clean out all of the loose hair after each brushing to keep your brush clean.
8. Deep Cleanse with Scalp Treatment
Indulge in a scalp treatment and pamper yourself. It is best to go for regular maintenance rather than seeking solutions when you realised you have hair or scalp problems. Our customised treatments include ways to counter and remove excessive oil from your scalp, fights product build-up, soothes the scalp, and protects strands. After our treatment, you’ll be left with soft, healthy hair.
9. Stop Playing with It
Twirling, scratching, running fingers through your hair — the more you play with it, the worse it will look. Brushing and touching your hair frequently can stimulate the oil glands. It is also possible that you are drawing the excess oils down from the roots, or from your hands, into the strands.
Colouring your hair can be exhilarating. However, there are also times when we decide not to as we fear the damage that colouring might cause. Any sort of chemical treatment that changes your hair’s colour or structure is likely to cause damage and even hair loss. Wondering if you can dye your hair with the latest trend while still keeping your hair healthy? Check out 8 important hair care tips you will need for maintaining coloured hair.
1. Protect Your Scalp
Always do a deep cleansing scalp treatment right after the colouring session. This is extremely important as it helps in removing any residue of excess colour and harmful chemicals that may cause harm to the scalp and eventually hair loss. Coloured hair comes with frequent scalp exposure that may lead to contact dermatitis, redness and inflammation of the scalp. Hence, it is very important to make sure that your scalp is well protected from any kind of chemicals.
2. Let Your Coloured Hair Breathe
It is a lot of fun with experimenting new colours or trying out new looks but we must never take our hair for granted. Moderation is key and too much of anything can be bad. Give your coloured hair ample time to relax and breathe before you venture on to the next colour.
3. Protein It Up
Another side effect that many of us are not aware of is the protein damage. When your hair is suffering from protein damage, it gets tangled easily and breaks. Nourish your hair with protein and repair damages through DIY hair masks or protein treatments like our Protein Hydra Mist and ColourKare mask. It also helps to look out for food that are packed with proteins and include them into your diet.
4. Opt for Sulphate-Free Products
In order to ensure your new hair colour can last longer while your hair stay healthy, it is crucial to invest in good hair products. Colour-protecting shampoos and conditioners help protect the colour from fading by forming a protective layer over the hair shaft. Always opt for a sulphate-free shampoo as they do not strip away the natural oils from your hair.
5. Regular Hair Maintenance
For your hair to be healthy after you colour it, you will actually need to start preparing your hair for the damage in advance. This includes ensuring your hair is well-nourished and hydrated. Regular maintenance treatment can go a long way if you wish to colour your hair. Go for regular hair & scalp treatments customised based on your conditions to minimise the damage to your hair shafts.
6. Hydrate and Moisturise
Dry hair are common after colouring your hair due to the loss in moisture. So it is obvious that you should hydrate your hair often once you’re done with the colouring. Incorporate co-washing, oiling, and hair packs into your hair care routine. Try our HomeKare Bundle which is a customised hair pack that can help to soothe frizz, repair damage, and retain moisture with natural hydrating properties.
7. Beware of Chlorine
Swimming pools often contain chlorine which can discolour your hair and also weaken it. It is essential to take precautionary measures before diving into a pool. You can wear a swim cap that prevents water from soaking your hair or use a leave-in conditioner that provides a protective barrier to protect your hair from the chlorinated water.
8. Stay Away From Heat
This is one of the most common hair care tip you can find and should be familiar with by now. Using heat styling tools on a regular basis can damage your hair considerably and also result in hair loss. Try to cut down on your use of heat styling tools especially so after colouring your hair. Air-dry your hair instead of using a blow dryer or use it on the cool setting and at least 15 cm away from your hair. If you really have to, remember to always apply a hair serum first.
Unfortunately, you can’t fix your split ends once they’ve frayed. However, there are some ways to disguise split ends and even prevent them. The only way to get rid of split ends is to cut them off. You can take care of your hair and prevent splits from occurring in the first place but before that, we have to first understand the causes of split ends.
What Causes Split Ends?
A split end is when your hair splinters due to damage to the oldest part of the hair shaft. The longer you grow your hair, the older the ends are, the higher chance of having split ends.
The hair cuticle, which is the outer protective sheath of the hair’s shaft, will eventually wear off over a period of time. This process is further sped up by heat styling, chemical treatments, exposure to extreme weathers, and more. Damages to the cuticle leave the inner layer of hair exposed, making our hair weaker, dehydrated and more prone to split ends.
If left untreated, split ends may lead to breakage. This is when the hair breaks at a point that causes the strand to be significantly shorter.
How To Get Rid Of Split Ends?
The fact is split ends can’t be repaired. Once split, there’s nothing we can do to bring the pieces back together again. The only way to get rid of them is to cut them off. Attempting to pick at your split ends makes them worse. Never try to pick, peel, rip, or tear in order to avoid hair trims!
If you’re trying to grow your hair out, you can’t avoid your hairstylist. Try asking for hair dusting, which is a technique that removes split ends without sacrificing length.
How To Prevent Split Ends?
Simple and good hair habits can go a long way. Yes, it might be difficult to prevent split ends, but it is not impossible. Here are 7 ways to reduce the frequency and severity of split ends:
1. Get Regular Haircuts and Trims
Despite how well you look after your hair, the everyday combing and washing will still cause some wear and tear. Always keep a lookout and do regular check for split ends. Ignoring them is never a good idea, as it could potentially get worse and travel all the way up to the root. It is necessary to go for a trim at some point of time to keep your split ends under control. With proper care, you can stretch trips to your hairstylist to every 8 – 12 weeks.
2. Choose Chemical-Free Shampoos
Always opt for shampoos that does not contain any harsh ingredients. When your hair gets wet during shampooing, it is very fragile and susceptible for splits to occur. Shampoos with harsh ingredients will further damage your hair instead. In order to reduce the damage, switch to chemical-free shampoos that are paragon free and silicone free. Use shampoos that contain ingredients such as argon oil, rosemary, lavender or chamomile that nourishes your hair and help restore its moisture balance. You can also look at our selection of shampoos that are customised for certain hair and scalp types.
3. Dry Your Hair Gently
Wet hair is very fragile and vulnerable to damage. You have to treat it with the utmost care. Vigorously rubbing your hair dry with a towel creates tangles and twists in many unnatural directions that might cause breakage and split ends. Try gently dabbing the dripping hair with a towel to get rid of the excess water instead. You can also wrap your hair in a soft cotton towel and leave it on for 5-10 minutes, before letting it dry naturally.
4. Brush Your Hair Gently with a Wooden Comb
It is recommended to detangle your wet hair with a wide-tooth wooden comb. Avoid tugging it down your hair from the root to the tip and also avoid combing until your hair is almost dry. Start at the ends before gently working your way up. The whole process should be quiet or even silent. If you’re hearing sounds when brushing, it is a sign that you’re using too much force! When you encounter a tangle, stop and untangle gently with your comb or fingers and then proceed.
5. Reduce Use of Heat
Heat styling with blow dryers, flat-iron, and curlers can be bad for your hair. When your hair is exposed to heat, it loses its natural moisture and becomes dry, rough and brittle. Constant use can cause prolonged damage to your hair and result in split ends too. If need to, always use a heat- protective hair serum like our Protein Hydra Mist or minimize the use of heat. There are a lot of alternate ways out there that allows you to style your hair without heat.
6. Protect Your Hair
You must check with your Trichologist before getting any chemical treatments done that may cause harm to your hair. Limit services such as colouring, rebonding and chemical straightening. Long term exposure to hot sun may damage your hair too, leaving it dry and brittle, and more prone to breakage as well as split ends. You can wear a scarf, a hat or an umbrella if you’re going outdoors. This will lock the moisture of your hair and protect it from the harsh weathers.
7. Moisturise and Go for Regular Hair Maintenance
To protect your hair from regular wear and tear, be sure to use a conditioner after shampooing or use a leave-in conditioner/mask. Take a little amount and rub it between your palms before applying to damp or dray hair. Remember to focus on the ends and smooth down frizzes so that your hair looks shiny and beautiful. You can also book an appointment with us and visit our outlet for a hair and scalp treatment customised based on your hair and scalp conditions.
It can be frustrating when you are literally scratching your head over why your scalp itches. Pinpointing the exact cause can be difficult but to stop the itch, we have to start with knowing why. Here are some common causes for an itchy scalp and what you should do for relief.
1. Using The Wrong Shampoo
Not all shampoos are the same. Some contain chemicals that are too harsh, damaging the roots or the follicles of your hair strands. This results in an itchy scalp, or even whitish pimples that can develop into red boils. Beware as these weaken the roots of your hair and can result in hair fall. If left untreated for a long period of time, you might even find bald patches on the scalp with no visible hair follicles.
How to Fix It
Getting the right one that works for you may take some trial and error. Sometimes alternating two or more shampoo types can help too during the trial and error stages. Avoid products with harsh surfactants and high amounts of ethanol and look out for those that are SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate) free. Have you tried our TK Trichokare Nourishing Bath? It is SLS free, made from European natural herbs and is specially formulated by herbalist and validated by Trichologists.
2. You Have Dandruff
Flakes and an itchy, scaly scalp are the main symptoms of dandruff. Dandruff occurs when your dead skin cells shed at a faster rate and the oil from the scalp causes them to clump together. These white, oily flakes typically accumulate in your hair and fall on your shoulders. It can also be worsened by the humid weather in Singapore.
How to Fix It
Good news, dandruff is treatable. To get it under control, use shampoo that are specially formulated to combat flakes. Choose one that works well with your hair type and use it daily to get rid of the flakes. Once it is under control, find an optimal frequency to swap in with your regular shampoo to maintain the effects. You can also opt for our TK Trichokare Revitalizing Bath that is highly recommended for those with oily scalp and dandruff.
3. Your Scalp Is Dry
Even though dandruff and dry scalp have the same main symptoms, they are actually two different conditions. When your scalp has too little moisture, it becomes irritated and flakes off. The flakes you’ll experience from dry skin are smaller and less oily. This makes your scalp more vulnerable against invading irritants and allergens.
How to Fix It
Restoring moisture to the scalp is key to alleviate the itchiness. The best moisturiser might already be sitting somewhere in your kitchen. Coconut oil has moisturising and antibacterial properties, making it a great, natural choice for fighting dryness.
[Read article on how you can prevent dryness and moisturise your scalp].
4. Poor Hair Routine and Hygiene
This is a sign for you to start cultivating and practising good ‘hair habits’. Not shampooing enough causes skin cells to accumulate and create flakes and itching. Using too many products in your hair can irritate the scalp and lead to more itchiness. And most importantly, no more scratching! Scratching your scalp when it itches will only increase irritation and leads to a vicious cycle.
How to Fix It
Shampooing often enough can keep oils at bay, helping with dandruff symptoms. We would recommend to shampoo at least once a day due to the weather in Singapore. While you are at it, try to resist the urge to scratch your scalp. Find and eliminate anything extra from your personal care routine. This includes gels, sprays, and other products so that you don’t make your symptoms worse. After your situation has been properly managed, you can then start to bring them back slowly.
5. Too Much Stress
Stress can aggravate or even worsen dandruff for some individuals. Although stress does not cause Malassezia (a genus of fungi) to appear on your scalp, it can thrive if your immune system is compromised, which is exactly what stress can do to your body.
How to Fix It
Give your scalp the pampering it deserves and relax. Practicing yoga not only helps to reduce stress but also improve blood circulation of your scalp to aid hair growth. You may even find it helpful to keep a log of stressful events. Introduce a weekly scalp treatment and give yourself and your hair a breather. You can book an appointment with us here.
6. You Need to Seek Professional Help
There are many things that can cause your scalp to itch. Some of them, as discussed above, can be treated effectively with the right shampoos or a change in your lifestyle. But if it still doesn’t work for you, then it is best to consult a Trichologist.
How to Fix It
If your itch continues after all the suggestions or your scalp becomes red or swollen, make an appointment with our Trichologists. With a detailed analysis of your hair and scalp conditions, they will help you understand the root cause for your itchy scalp and advise you the proper treatment methods.
No one wants dry hair. For silky and smooth hair, it is important to keep your hair moisturised. Styling or colouring their hair boosts your confidence, allow you to express who you are and accentuates your personality. But if we do it too frequently, our hair can become dry, damaged, and coarse.
There are so many environmental factors that can cause your hair to become dry, like long exposure under the sun or even cold air in air-conditioned rooms. Here are some tips to prevent hair damage and how to keep your hair moisturised:
1. Well-Balanced and Healthy Diet
As the saying goes: we are what we eat. Following a well-balanced and healthy diet can provide your body with essential nutrients to help prevent your hair from feeling dry. Be on the lookout for food that are rich in protein or vitamin B. Take a look at the list we shared here.
2. Shampoo and Condition Your Hair Daily
The weather in Singapore can be very harsh to our hair. Take good care of your hair by shampooing and conditioning it daily. Make sure that you use the same and right brand of shampoo and conditioner or even add a weekly deep conditioning treatment to your hair care routine.
3. Avoid Heat-Styling Equipment
Blow dryers, flat irons and curling irons can make your hair look fabulous. But they may also be a big part of why you have dry hair. High temperatures strip away your hair’s natural moisture. Try turning down or just take a break from heat. You can also experiment with hairstyles that don’t require heat styling. If you have to, remember to use thermal protective products before applying heat.
4. Limit Chemical Treatments on Your Hair
As much as we love new hair colours or perms, too much chemical treatments can damage your hair. Explore non-chemical options for your hair such as choosing ammonia-free dyes like our TK ColourKare. There are many alternatives available to achieve the same results while limiting the damage on your hair and scalp.
5. Indulge in a Weekly Scalp Treatment
It’s effective and relaxing! Simply book an appointment with us and visit our outlet for a treatment customised based on your hair and scalp conditions. Or try an overnight hair treatment at home: Apply a rich conditioning mask or our Protein Hydra Mist to your hair and cover it with a plastic shower cap before you sleep.
6. Combing or Brushing Your Hair the Right Way
Never brush your hair when it’s wet. Wet hair is vulnerable and can be easily torn or broken. Avoid using poor quality comb or brush as well. To detangle, find a wide tooth comb and start at the bottom of your hair before gently working your way up to the top.
7. Protect Your Hair While Going Out in the Sun
If you are staying in Singapore, you are bound to be in the sun with your hair exposed. Those UV rays can damage your hair, leaving them dry, and cause your hair colour to fade quickly too. Always protect yourself from the harmful UV rays by wearing a hat, using an umbrella with UV protection.
Follow these tips and with time, you will definitely feel your dry and coarse hair turning softer and silkier!
Protein and vitamins found in food are essential for hair growth. Each strand of our hair is made up of cells that contain a tough protein called keratin. They need to be constantly nourished to make our hair long and strong.
So what are the best food that we should consume daily for healthy hair growth especially while we #stayathome?
1. Eggs
Eggs are a great source of protein, minerals, vitamins and biotin which helps to stimulate new hair growth, and thickening of hair.
2. Lean Meat & Poultry
Meat & poultry are a staple food in many people’s diet. Meat are rich in protein and iron which are easily absorb and help repair & strengthen hair follicles.
Examples: Chicken, duck and pork.
3. Fish & Seafood
Fish and seafood are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and zinc to promote strong, thick and healthy hair.
Examples: Salmon, Oysters and Scallops.
4. Dairy Products
Dairy products contain calcium, vitamins, iron, zine, whey and casein that helps to fight hair loss, stimulate and boost hair volume.
Examples: Milk, yogurt and cheese.
5. Seeds & Nuts
Nuts & Seeds are tasty, convenient snacks that contain a variety of nutrients, vitamins, zinc and essential fatty acids promote hair growth, nourish and thicken hair strands and scalp.
Examples: Almonds, walnuts, sesame seeds
6. Legumes & Beans
Legumes and beans are rich in protein, zinc, iron and biotin which are essential to hair growth. It helps to absorb nutrients, prevent brittle hair and prevent hair loss & thinning.
Example: Chickpeas, tofu.
During this circuit breaker extension period, it is the best time to consume these best food with protein to nourish and have healthy hair growth. Let’s stay safe, stay healthy and stay hair-py during this period!