The Powder Room Journal
Ingredients explained, routines analysed, and the questions our community are asking
The Powder Room Journal
You've got an oily scalp but dry ends. Here's the haircare routine you need to follow.
Managing hair that is oily at the roots but dry at the ends can be a delicate balancing act. Traditionally, hair has been categorized into neat types and textures: dry, oily, fine, curly. But what if you have a combination? What causes oily scalp and dry ends? There are a range of factors that can lead to this combination, first genetics of course. But other things you might want to look into could be your hair bleach or color, environmental stressors, hair products and styling tools. Oily scalp and dry ends require a careful approach to ensure that the scalp is cleansed effectively without stripping moisture from the ends. Here’s a tailored haircare routine to help harmonize your hair’s needs. Taking care of hair with oily scalp and dry ends Cleanse correctly: Choose a shampoo that’s specifically designed for oily scalps. These products are typically formulated to remove excess oil without being overly harsh. Focus the shampoo on your scalp only, avoiding the lengths and ends of your hair where it can strip away needed moisture. Shampooing less frequently can also help; try reducing it to two or three times a week. Condition wisely: While your scalp doesn’t need extra moisture, your ends do. Apply a rich conditioner or a hydrating mask only to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. Look for products containing nourishing ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, or coconut oil. Leave the conditioner in for several minutes to ensure deep penetration and maximum hydration. Use a scalp exfoliator: Scalp scrubs or serums can help regulate oil production at the scalp without affecting the dryer ends. Look for hair exfoliators with ingredients like tea tree oil, witch hazel, or salicylic acid, which can balance oil levels without drying the scalp. Avoid heat styling: Heat can exacerbate scalp oil production and dry out your ends even more. Try to minimize the use of hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons. When you do use them, always apply a heat protectant spray and focus the heat only on the necessary areas while keeping it away from the scalp and ends. On days when you don't wash your hair, consider styles that keep your hair up and away from further contact with scalp oils. Braids, buns, and ponytails can help manage oil distribution and prevent your ends from drying out. Regular trims: Regular trims are essential to keep dry ends from splitting and causing further damage. A trim every 6-8 weeks can keep your ends fresh and healthy. Balanced diet and hydration: Remember, healthy hair starts from within. Ensure you’re eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals and staying hydrated. This helps regulate your body's natural oil production and improves hair health overall. Following this specialized haircare routine can help manage the contrasting needs of an oily scalp and dry ends. By addressing each part of your hair’s unique condition, you can achieve a healthier, more balanced mane that looks good and feels great every day.
How often should you wash your hair? The Ultimate Guide.
Washing your hair might seem like a routine task, but did you know that how often you shampoo can greatly impact the health and appearance of your locks? Striking the perfect balance requires understanding your hair type and lifestyle, ensuring your mane stays vibrant and healthy. Understanding your hair type The key to determining your ideal washing frequency lies in understanding your hair type and scalp condition. Oily hair types might need to wash their hair more frequently—think every other day—because the scalp produces more sebum, leading to a greasier appearance. Dry or curly hair types, on the other hand, often benefit from less frequent washing (once a week or so) because natural oils don’t travel down the hair shaft as quickly, which helps maintain moisture levels and prevents dryness. Consider your lifestyle Your lifestyle plays a significant role in how often you should shampoo. Regular workouts, for instance, might prompt more frequent washing due to sweat. Environmental factors, like living in a polluted city, can also necessitate washing your hair more often to remove dirt and particulates that can damage your hair and scalp. Using the right products Choosing the right shampoo is crucial. For those washing more frequently, gentle, sulfate-free shampoos can cleanse without stripping natural oils. If you're washing less often, consider using a clarifying or detox shampoo in between washes to deep cleanse and remove buildup. For all hair types, using a conditioner that suits your hair texture and health is essential for maintaining moisture balance and hair integrity. If you have oily hair, you can choose to use a leave-in conditioner instead so it doesn’t weigh your hair down. Between washes, dry shampoo can be a lifesaver. It absorbs excess oil at the roots, refreshes your hair, and extends the life of your hairstyles. It’s perfect for those times when you need a quick fix, especially during busy weeks. Tips for washing your hair properly When you wash your hair, make sure to massage the shampoo into your scalp gently with your fingertips and not your nails. This helps to invigorate the scalp without causing irritation. Rinse thoroughly to ensure no shampoo residue is left behind, which can lead to buildup and dull-looking hair. Pro-tip: Wash and condition your hair before you shower as hair product residue might cause breakouts on your face and body. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how often you should wash your hair. It might take some experimentation to find out what works best for you. Start by adjusting your washing frequency gradually, and pay attention to how your hair responds. Look for signs like increased dryness or oiliness, and adjust accordingly. By understanding and responding to the needs of your hair, you can keep it looking healthy, shiny, and just the way you like it.
How to decode hair product labels
Have you ever scanned through a product ingredient list and felt confused? We’ve been there. Labels in beauty and hair products carry the scientific names of ingredients and can be quite intimidating. In this guide, we’ve highlighted common ingredients you can spot when purchasing haircare products. By learning this simple hack, you can avoid products that could cause more damage to your hair and seek those that fit your hair type better. Pro tip: When shopping on Powder Beauty, we have a special tool that allows you to scan through a product’s ingredient list and learn more about the ingredient including its source and potential uses. Ingredients to seek Moisturizing Agents: Look for hydrators like glycerin, aloe vera, and panthenol. These ingredients draw moisture into the hair shaft, promoting elasticity and preventing breakage. Proteins: Keratin, silk protein, and wheat protein help to repair and strengthen damaged hair fibers, essential for those with chemically treated or heat-styled hair. Natural Oils: When it comes to oils, Argan, coconut, and jojoba oils are your friends. They nourish the scalp and hair, adding shine and softness without weighing it down. Antioxidants: Vitamins E and C protect hair from environmental stressors like pollution and UV damage, keeping your strands vibrant and healthy. Ingredients to avoid Sulfates: Commonly found in shampoos, sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are detergents that can strip hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Those with curly or color-treated hair should be particularly wary. Parabens: Used as preservatives, parabens can mimic estrogen and have been linked to hormonal imbalances. While the research is ongoing, many prefer to err on the side of caution and avoid it. Silicones: Ingredients ending in -cone, -conol, or -xane can build up on the hair over time, weighing it down and preventing moisture from penetrating the hair shaft. They’re not all bad but look for products that are easily washable or use them sparingly. Alcohol: Not all alcohols are created equal. Steer clear of short-chain alcohols like ethanol, SD alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol, which can be overly drying. Fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, on the other hand, can be beneficial for hair health. Synthetic Fragrances: While they make your hair products smell delightful, synthetic fragrances can be irritating to the scalp and skin. Look for products that use natural fragrances or are fragrance-free. Additionally, some products may have a vegan label, which means that all ingredients are vegan and cruelty-free label, which means that they’ve not harmed or killed any animals. Equipped with the knowledge of what to seek and what to avoid, you can make informed decisions to purchase haircare products that benefit the health and beauty of your hair.
Team Powder Beauty's must-haves for the everything shower
Lasting for hours, this TikTok trend is peak self-care, involving a bodycare routine that will leave you feeling so fresh and clean for the entire week. If there’s one thing, we love about TikTok, it’s romanticizing mundane habits and being the main character of our lives. Something the Everything Shower trend is all about. What is an Everything Shower? The Everything Shower is a weekly head-to-toe bodycare routine featuring exfoliating scrubs, hair masks, body oils and all the luxurious products you usually save for special days. It’s meant to be a relaxing experience for your body and mind as studies show, building weekly rituals like this can help in boosting your overall wellness. And caring for oneself is always a major mood boost! What products do I need for an Everything Shower? The Powder Beauty team have curated the best conscious body, hair and face products to inspire your Everything Shower routine. Step-1: Pre-shower prep The vibes are everything. So, make sure to set the scene in your bathroom before jumping into the shower. We love to light some scented candles with notes of eucalyptus or lavender like the NEOM Organics Real Luxury Scented Candle and put on calming instrumental music or a true crime podcast- whatever helps you unwind. Next, give your hair some TLC with a pre-wash treatment like a scalp scrub or a mask based on how your hair is feeling that week. If your scalp is oily, we recommend exfoliating it with a scalp scrub and if you need more conditioning try a hair mask like the Davines NOUNOU Nourishing Hair Mask. Now, give your mask some time to marinate by focusing on your body. Time to take out all of your body tools, whether that be a dry brush or a body gua sha. A dry brush can help exfoliate any dead skin cells on the surface, improve blood circulation and enhance lymphatic drainage. Step-2: Shower Time After you’re done with all the prep, it’s time to jump in the shower. This is the shower routine we recommend: Start with the hair. Wash off your hair treatment and double shampoo if you need to. We like using a combination of a detox shampoo along with a hydrating one during the Everything Shower to make our locks clean and ready for the week. Pro-tip: We also recommend starting with the hair first as the runoff of hair products could lead to breakouts or clogged pores on your face and body. Moving on to bodycare. It's important to slough away dead skin cells to reveal brighter, smoother skin. We’re obsessed with body scrubs made from natural exfoliants like sea salt, coffee, or repurposed grounds. These not only buff away dryness but also improve circulation and prep the skin for maximum absorption of moisturizers. Skincare. With the everything shower, you have time to use the sheet mask that’s been sitting on your shelf for weeks. Put that on and leave it as you move on to your post-shower ritual. Step 3- Post-shower Care Now that you’re done with the shower, we’ve reached the final step of the Everything Shower routine, which is possibly our favorite. This is the step where you get to appreciate how soft your skin and hair already feel and lock all the goodness away with more products. Post-shower hydration is key to locking in moisture. Don’t dry off your body completely as applying body lotion to damp skin helps in sealing hydration and allows the products to penetrate deeper into the skin. Our team also swears by lightweight, body oils like the Ignae Body Oil, that nourishes deeply without leaving a greasy residue. Not only will your skin feel moisturized, but it will also give you a healthy, natural glow. After wrapping up your bodycare, you can opt to use a leave-in conditioner on your hair or style it with your go-to hair tool by using a heat protection spray before. We also recommend using a texturizing spray to add some volume and make your hair style last longer. Finally, yes finally, you can finish off your skincare routine by using your favorite serums and using a skin tool like a face roller or ice globes. If you’re heading out, make sure to use plenty of SPF to protect your skin as well. Now that you know what it takes to build an Everything Shower routine, we wish you many happy at-home spa sessions for a lifetime.
Keep your curls flawless with these ten tips
This hair journey isn't a sprint, it's a marathon. Caring for curly hair can be challenging, but with the right tips, you can have beautifully healthy curls. So, whether you have for ringlets, waves, or coils, here are some tips to help you manage your hair. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sarah Angius (@sarahangius) Tips for caring for curly hair 1. Use a sulfate-free shampoo Sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip your hair of its natural oils, and nobody wants that. A sulfate-free shampoo will cleanse your hair without causing damage. Dry and frizzy hair will be a thing of the past. LOVE CURL Shampoo for Curly Hair 2. Condition regularly Curly hair is drier than straight hair, so we implore you condition it regularly. A weekly rendezvous with a deep conditioner will go a long way to keeping your hair strong and moisturized. Hair Heroes Hair Oil 3. Avoid heat styling Heat styling damage curls so try to keep usage to a minimum.. But if you must use heat, make sure to use a heat protectant spray to minimize damage. 4. Use a diffuser A diffuser helps distribute heat evenly, while preventing unsightly frizz. Make sure no blow-drying session is without this nifty little number. Be sure to hold the diffuser close to your head. Avoid rough handling as this can cause tangles. 5. Plop your hair This sassy sounding technique helps reduce frizz while encouraging definition in your curls. To plop your hair, wrap a t-shirt or microfiber towel around your head, with the ends at the top of your head. This will help to absorb excess moisture and create a defined curl pattern. Ploppastic! 6. Avoid brushing Last we heard, frizzy and breakage prone hair aren’t trending so best you continue to avoid brushing hair. Simply use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently work through the knots. Detangling made easy. 7. Use a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to dry your hair Regular towels can be rough on curly hair, causing frizz and tangles. Instead, use a microfiber towel or repurpose an old t-shirt to gently pat your hair dry. 8. Sleep on a silk pillowcase Cotton pillowcases can absorb the moisture from your hair, leaving it dry and frizzy (never a good look). Sleeping with a silk pillowcase will help keep your hair hydrated and tangle-free. Silk Pillowcase in Queen-Standard - Caramel 9. Use a leave-in conditioner Leave-in conditioners help hydrate and define curls. Apply a small amount to your hair after showering and voila! 10. Experiment with different products The fun is in the journey. Not all curly hair is the same, so it's important to experiment with different products to find what works best for you. Try different gels, mousses, and creams to find the perfect combination for your lustrous curls.Sure, taking care of curly hair requires a bit of extra effort, but it’s absolutely doable and so very worth it. After all, beautiful and healthy hair is always in fashion. Remember to be gentle with your hair, avoid harsh chemicals, and use products specifically designed for curly hair. With a little patience and the right techniques, your curls will be the talk of the town and for the right reasons.
Are Sulfates In Beauty Products Harmful?
Sulfate-free products are now seen as commonplace, but it isn' clear if this is simply a marketing tactic or if they are truly more effective. To understand whether we should be opting for sulfate-free products, let’s start with the basics. What are sulfates? Sulfates in beauty products: the basics Sulfates are a type of salt that can be found in many cosmetics and cleaning products and are a type of surfactant that attracts both oil and water. They work to create a ‘foaming effect’ that makes shampoos and cleansers sudsy. They essentially make it easier for grime and dead skin cells to be removed from your skin and scalp and washed away with water. There are three main types of Sulfates commonly found in beauty products, including sodium laureth sulfate (SLS), sodium lauryl sulfate (SLES), and ammonium laureth sulfate (ALS). They all differ in their functions and intensity, but in general, the "-eth" versions (laureth sulfate) are milder than the "-yl" version, and the ammonium version is milder than the sodium version. So, what’s the problem with Sulfates? There is no evidence that Sulfates can cause illness or negatively impact your health in any way, however research has shown that they can be harsh and can cause skin irritation. In the process of cleansing, they may strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness. They could also contribute to making your hair drier and more brittle and can cause irritation to your scalp if it is sensitive. When you might want to avoid Sulfates? For most people, Sulfates are not a big deal, however some may really benefit from using Sulfate-free products, particularly when fighting dehydrated hair and skin. Sulfate-free cleansers help to maintain the natural oils on your scalp and hair, which can help them retain more moisture. Sulfates can be especially harsh on dyed or curly hair, potentially stripping color, and if you have sensitive skin or eczema, ditching Sulfates might help reduce irritation. However, if your hair is oily or you have dandruff, sulfates can help by absorbing and getting rid of oils on your scalp, and some people simply prefer the feel of a sudsy shampoo. If you want to try a sulfate-free shampoo, go ahead, but if you're happy with your current shampoo, there's no need to switch. Gentle alternatives to Sulfates Sulfates are effective at cleansing the hair and scalp with minimal effort, but it is possible to cleanse without them. Cocobetaines are an alternative surfactant derived from coconut oil, and are slightly milder than Sulfates. Cocobetaines do not lather as much as sulfates, which can be beneficial for people with drier, curly hair.
Our Guide To Post-Summer Hair Healing
It should come as no surprise that summer can take a toll on those delicate strands. While the memories of sun, sea and sand are slowly drifting, you may find your hair is lacking a little lustre. Both the salt from sea and chlorine from pool water can totally suck the life out of your hair, and let’s not forget constant UV exposure from the summer sun. These factors penetrate the hair strand and can leave you with brittle, dried out hair. Let’s look at them in more detail: Salt Water Sunny ocean dips, the sweet smell of salt lingering in the air and the soft sand between your toes. Picture perfect! Not to ruin the mood here but salt water is most likely one of the most nutrient stripping substances for the hair and skin. It literally strips moisture from the hair strand which, with constant exposure, can lead to splitting, breaking and even increased dandruff. Chlorine Pool days for life! Comfy sun loungers, pool cocktails and the occasional dip to keep you cool. Be wary as chlorine is one mother sucker for stripping the hair of natural oils which can leave your hair feeling dry and course. Since chlorine is a chemical substance, it very often can have a chemical reaction with your hair colour which is not ideal if you’ve spent time and money getting your summer colour just right. Sun Who doesn’t love the natural highlights from the summer sun, save us a trip to the salon any day! While sunshine is natural, it does contain immense levels of UV rays that damage the hair with long daily exposure, just as it does your skin. What the UV rays do over time is weaken the protein structure of your hair which makes it prone to dehydration, breakage and elasticity loss. So as you can see one or a combination of two or all over the summer period can really do a number on your hair. However, we’ve got the perfect solutions to get your hair feeling and looking on fleek! Ditch the heat Yes, yes we know, how could we possibly go without! Just think of it as taking your hair on a long vacation where it gets to relax and unwind with a zero-tech policy. Consistent heat exposure will only contribute to the vulnerability of your hair and also interrupt it’s recovery process. At Powder we are all about embracing natural beauty so go on, ditch the heat stylers and go wild, we dare you! Mask up Masking up is one serious golden nugget, on the hair of course not the face! A high quality, nourishing and reparative mask can do absolute wonders for bringing life back into those strands. Think of hair masks as a nutritious boost for the hair, like a gourmet meal but upping the game a little. While hair masks are recommended 1-2 a week, we suggest increasing it 2-3 times week for a short period of time to give your hair some extra love. Hair Oil One might think a hair oil can be counterproductive if you have oily scalp , but we promise you that once you hair oil you won’t go without! Regardless of whether you have an oily scalp or not, the strands of your hair can still be depleted and weakened. A high-quality daily hair oil, full of nutrients and hair-loving yumminess, should only be applied from the lower mid strand to tips of the hair where it needs extra attention, keeping away from the scalp. Some other techniques to consider are using a daily UV hair spray for constant protection, conditioning first before shampooing and then again after to lock in moisture, using a clarifying shampoo to remove build-up of products, eating a healthy omega-rich diet and taking a natural hair supplement to feed from the hair from the inside out. Check our range of best-selling haircare from global cult conscious brands... Only at Powder Beauty.
Scalp care: how and why looking after your scalp is important
We are all fully aware of the benefits of looking after your skin, and it’s safe to assume that we would all like to have healthy hair. To achieve that lust-worthy look for your locks, one must start with a healthy scalp. Scalp care: the why Poor scalp health can lead to visible signs including build-up, flaking, and irritation, and if not treated, over time, it can weaken and damage the hair follicle, which will then lead to breakage and unhealthy hair regrowth. This area of haircare is especially important if you are prone to coily hair which is dry: moisturising the scalp is key to keeping it healthy and promoting strong hair growth. An unhealthy scalp can occur due to many reasons, and unfortunately, most are impart due to our everyday routines. An overuse of products – such as dry shampoo – is one main culprit, as is washing your hair every day, as this strips the scalp of its natural oils and affects the pH level, leading to dryness and irritability. Other factors that can contribute include stress, pollution, and a poor diet. What can you look for if you think you might have an unhealthy scalp? Key signs can be… dryness, itchiness, excess sebum (oil), oiliness, flaking, inflammation, hair breakage, as well as slow hair regrowth or hair loss. Scalp care: the how “Scalp health definitely impacts hair health,” confirms Anabel Kingsley, trichologist at leading hair and scalp care brand PHILIP KINGSLEY. “Your scalp is a living tissue, a mini ecosystem of sorts, that supports your hair follicles and the hair that emerges from them. When the scalp is in good condition, strands are given a healthy base from which to grow.” Just like skincare, your scalp care routine is affected by the type of hair you have. For example, if you have an overly oily scalp, you should opt for a more cleansing shampoo and lightweight conditioner. If you have a dry scalp, try a hydrating shampoo and conditioner. It is also important to eliminate any buildup of dirt, oil, and product with a clarifying shampoo. PHILLIP KINGSLEY is one of the latest brands to join our beauty roster at Powder, and they have many products that will start you off on your scalp care journey. The Flaky/Itchy Scalp Shampoo is a great place to start, as the award winning product acts as an excellent treatment for dandruff, psoriasis and uncomfortable, itchy scalps in general. It’s formulated with ingredients which cleanse without irritation: aloe leaf, lauryl betaine and anti-microbial Piroctone Olamine. The Soothing Scalp Mask will provide immediate results and comfort, and is designed is to deliver visible root lift, scalp-conditioning moisture and a healthy-looking shine. The treatment blends cooling aloe vera with menthol and olive oil for a natural moisture boost which also works to reduce flaking and itching. If you’re looking for a healthy lift in between washes, look to the Stimulating Scalp Toner. Not only does it affect the overall appearance and condition of your hair, it acts to keep the scalp hydrated, energised and flake-free, while reducing excess oil and protecting against bacterial overgrowth.
Should you be using Sulfate-free hair products?
‘Sulfate-free’ seems to be an increasingly widespread term in the haircare world, and you’ll often find this claim on high-end and professional haircare brands, but what does it actually mean? We investigate – should we be avoiding sulfates, and if so, why? What are sulfates? Sulfates are essentially cleansing agents often found in household detergents and personal care products, the most popular of which are sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS), and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). Sulfates are made from sulfur-containing salts. They attract both water and oil, which is why they can effectively clean your hair (or skin, teeth, and clothes). As you wash your hair, sulfates grab onto all the dirt, oil, and product buildup in your strands and scalp, and then carry them out of your hair (and down the drain) when you rinse clean with water. If you’ve noticed how some shampoos quickly lather into a foam when mixed with water, you have already seen sulfates at work. Sulfates are ‘surfactants’ which means that they lower the tension between the shampoo’s active ingredients and your scalp, facilitating the removal of dead skin cells and oils. Unfortunately, they work a little too well and can sometimes result in excess natural oils being stripped away during washing. Are sulfates harmful to health? The use of sulfates in detergents has been a cause for controversy in recent decades, with rumors that sulfates are potential carcinogens with frequent exposure. However, these rumors are not supported by scientific evidence, and there are no scientific studies that point to a link between sulfates and long-term harm or cancer. So why would we avoid sulfates in haircare? Although the use of sulfates has not been directly attributed to any particular health concerns, that doesn’t mean that they’re great for your hair either. Sulfates can still potentially cause damage your hair either by causing irritation or damaging your strands. Hair is made up of protein, and when this protein is damaged, then your hair is weakened and can lose its natural luster. Unfortunately, the use of sulfates in haircare is associated with speeding up the removal of natural proteins which can leave you with breakage, split ends and generally dull, lifeless hair. In this same way, sulfates can strip your hair of colour and lead to premature colour fading. Those with dry or fine hair may be particularly susceptible to sulfate damage, as they naturally have fragile strands that suffer when too many natural oils are removed. Sulfates are also known irritants and can cause contact dermatitis on your scalp as well as your back and shoulder if you have sensitive skin or rosacea in particular. In extreme cases, this may even lead to breakage and hair loss as a result of the irritation. What are the alternatives? If your regular supermarket shampoo is giving you the results you want without excessive dryness, colour fade or irritation, there is really no need to avoid sulfates. After all, it’s not only about whether sulfates are included in the formula, but also how they are worked in and at what ratio. If the balance is right, the other ingredients are high quality, and the shampoo is working for you, keep lathering away! If you do want to reduce your exposure to sulfates there are many sulfate-free options available on the market that do a great job at gently cleansing your strands. Just remember that the sulfate-free experience may feel a little different! That luxurious foam you get with supermarket shampoos will be a thing of the past, but you have a shiny, healthy mane of hair to look forward to as a long-term reward.
Ten tips you need to follow for guaranteed good hair days
A good hair day - the kind when your hair feels glossy, radiant and just behaves exactly how you want - can skyrocket your self-confidence in the best way possible. Whilst no one can have great hair every single day (apart from maybe Beyonce) there are small changes you can make to how you currently care for your strands that do pay off big: 1. Don't brush your hair when it's wet. Seriously, your hair is very fragile when wet, so just don’t do it, as this is a sure-fire way to create breakage and split ends. If you must, comb instead of brush, and only do so after applying a leave-in conditioning product. 2. If you have wavy, curly or dehydrated hair, style with your fingers as much as possible Unnecessary combing or brushing will just lead to unnecessary breakage. With some practice, you may find that you prefer your chic new hand-styled look anyway. 3. If you are investing in a hair conditioning product, why not consider a scalp treatment? A healthy scalp is at the root (!) of solving any hair problems and is essential to shiny hair that's full of life, although it is often neglected, despite how much of an effort we may make to take care of our skin otherwise. Shampoos are formulated to wash your hair strands, however scalp treatments are designed to deep-cleanse and refresh the scalp. A scalp treatment is additionally a must if you frequently use dry shampoo, to prevent build-up, flaking and a dull appearance. 4. Be careful with towel-drying! Rubbing your hair dry with a towel after showering creates frizz and damages the hair shaft as towel fibers tend to be too rough for our delicate strands. Instead, gently wrap your wet hair in an old cotton t-shirt - the softer fabric will minimize frizz and loss of shine. 5. Watch the water temperature Treat your hair gently like a luxurious cashmere sweater - avoid washing in it water that’s too hot or washing it too frequently as it could be left dehydrated and stripped of its natural softness and shine. 6. Go easy on the shampoo Avoid shampooing your hair every single time you shower as this could lead to lifeless, stripped hair and a scalp that gets greasy increasingly quickly. Dry shampoo is miraculous as long as you invest in a high-quality product which doesn’t leave too much build-up on your scalp. To make your fresh wash last longer, do apply shampoo twice - think of it as double-cleansing for your hair, particularly if you use styling products. This does actually make your wash last longer - just trust us and try it! 7. Blow-dry gently When blow-drying, try to avoid using the highest heat setting and use the cold air setting for a finishing blast after you have finished styling as this will minimize frizz and fly-aways and make set your blow dry. 8. Be selective with your hair products When it comes to hair products, try to use products formulated specifically for your hair type - it does make a difference! Also, in the same way you might switch up your make-up seasonally, for example using lighter products in the summer, consider switching your hair products up for the season - depending on your own personal styling and haircare habits. 9. Wake up with luscious locks Do you struggle with morning hair? Don't we all! Before bed, tie your hair up in a loose topknot for bouncy root volume or in a braid for waves and texture the next day. 10. Consider investing in a silk pillowcase - it may be the best money you ever spend on your hair (and skin)! Silk is smooth and contains sericin, which mirrors the protein structure of hair. This means that instead of the pillowcase fibers rubbing against your hair strands and causing frizz like those in cotton, it allows the hair to glide over, maintaining soft, sleek locks and minimizing split ends. Bonus: unlike cotton, satin silk will not absorb your night creams or natural moisture so your skin is also left soft and hydrated.