Hair And Scalp Health: Preventing thinning, Repairing Damage. The Tried & Tested Products

I've always had a wild mane of LOTS of hair, but it's quite thin and prone to breakage. I'm also prone to an itchy, irritated scalp. Training daily, putting my head on foreign yoga mats and a habit of touching and playing with my hair all make it much worse!

There's a zillion and two hair brands and products all on the shelves right now that claim to treat dandruff, soothe a sensitive scalp, make hair grow longer, halt thinning and more. But how many of them are legit? I can't honestly answer, because I don't have the time or funds to trial a zillion and two things. But I do try a lot of hair products and I only stick with what I genuinely find works for my hair. I have naturally red-brown brunette hair, curly and dry. It's a pain in the butt to style and I insist on dyeing it all the colours (that's my latest "do" below) so it's even more in need of conditioning treatments and care than most.

VIVISCAL

For the past year, I've been taking Viviscal supplements daily. I tend to notice a much greater impact on my nails than my hair, but I have certainly noticed considerably less split ends and the strands appear to be a little thicker than before. Jennifer Aniston swears by it and it has multiple clinical trials to back up its effectiveness so it certainly can't do any harm to try it.

DIET

The key to a healthy hair and scalp is much more internal than external. In addition to any supplements, you need to ensure you're consuming adequate quality proteins like beans, legumes, tofu and tempeh if you're vegan or organic beef, fish and eggs if you're not. A rainbow of vegetables and fruits, plus B vitamin rich carbs will also feed your hair, scalp and skin generally.

I eat a super colourful, varied vegan diet with plenty of healthy fats and proteins (tempeh, tofu and veggie burgers plus a vegan protein powder in my smoothies). I have also been washing my hair every 3 to 4 days because too often strips the hair of its natural oils and leaves it damaged and prone to further breakage. I also try to leave it out when I'm not training so that I don't pull it at the roots constantly (traction damage).

TREATMENTS

There's four brands I recommend and their particular ranges that work for my hair. I tried each for several weeks to be sure I saw measured improvement in my hair. The products you don't see listed made a lot of promises and yet, they left my hair greasy, or my scalp was itchy a day later, or they stripped my hair of any moisture and left it brittle. Here's the gold medallists.

Alfaparf Milano Reconstruction Range

The whole goal of the Reconstruction range was to protect hair against environmental damage, including pollution and harsh styling regimes. It's perfect for my hair because it also enhances coloured hair and prevents fading. The whole range is formulated with bamboo marrow to strengthen the hair fiber. I won't lie - the deep marine green colour is super chic and displaying it on my bathroom shelf makes me happy. Thankfully it also smells divine and actually leaves my hair really smooth and shiny. It's much easier to dry and straighten and so far, my purple and pink colour has stayed strong. I use the shampoo followed by the masque and one ampoule of the treatment every week. I also use the leave-in serum after styling.

Find the range here.

After using the shampoo and hair mask, my bright purple colour was exactly as bright as it was on the first day. My hair dried smooth and soft too, as opposed to the Kramer-like fuzz I sometimes deal with.

Green People Organic Irritated Scalp Range

Quinoa in my shampoo? Sure. If Green People says it's the way to go, I'm all for it. It makes sense. It's rich in protein, vitamins and minerals which are all elements the hair needs. I swear by the Irritated Scalp Shampoo and Conditioner. They're certified organic, vegan and cruelty free. Lavender and rosemary naturally soothe an itchy scalp and there's no toxic scents or preservatives. It's perfect for adults but also really good for kids, especially if typical hair products cause scalp irritation or itchiness.

Find the range here.

Less Is More (Organic and Natural)

Just like Green People, Less Is More is all about a natural, gentle approach to scalp and hair care. The products are all organic, with gorgeous minimal packaging. The big selling point, apart from how genuinely good they are for my hair, is how divine the scents are! I use Chitinspray daily - it smells like a citrus garden with hints of rose and aloe vera. Totally heavenly. Flower Whip is a mix of orange, rose, ylang ylang and aloe - a styling cream that I work into my hair when it's wet and just leave to dry. Perfect for warmer weather. The Herbal Tonic and Protein Spray are ideal for both soothing my scalp and the Protein Spray in particular for after I've had my hair bleached and coloured. 

Find the range here.

Breast Cancer Pink Products - Shop Your Support

Every October there's a blush that falls over the shopping aisles. Your favourite lipstick comes in pink casing, there's pink tennis balls, pink deodorant, pink pens and diaries. While you may be sceptical about it, or confused by what it means, ultimately buying that product puts money towards breast cancer research and treatment.

As we all know, despite humidity, I cannot be prevented from wielding a hair straightener and a handful of sprays, serums and conditioners to make sure it's all glossy and Melbourne-Weather Proof (this is MWP Hair!). I love those images of classic film stars with hair rollers in and silk robes on (stiletto heeled slippers optional) so I went all Dolly Parton with the hair products and chose VS Sassoon Straight 2 Curl and Secret Curl Silicone pop-up rollers. Check out the video on how they work. And remember Dolly: The Higher The Hair, The Closer To God.

Read more about Vidal Sassoon Power of Pink Collection and their support for Breast Cancer Network Australia: Vidal Sassoon Power of Pink.

While I am incredibly lucky to not have experienced breast cancer nor had any of my nearest and dearest struggle with it, I know that it is incredibly confronting and scary for the woman and for her family and friends. BCNA were kind enough to ask Renee Gani to share her experience. They have also given us some information on awareness and resources. This is also an insight into where your dollars go when you choose to spend on pink products. So you can glow (pink) with pride.

The average age of women diagnosed with breast cancer is 60. While breast cancer in women under 40 is not common, it does occur, particularly where there is a strong family history of breast cancer. It is important for women in their 20s and 30s to be aware of the risk factors and to discuss any changes to their breasts with their GP.  While most breast changes are not due to breast cancer, it is important to have them checked.

Melbourne mother of two Renee Gani says being diagnosed with breast cancer young had a huge impact on her and those around her.

“I was 36 when i was diagnosed with breast cancer, before then it had never crossed my mind that I could one day be going through this experience. I was shocked and fearful of what the future held.”

“My loved ones were really rocked by my diagnosis. My boys were 3 years old and 7 months at the time so there was a lot happening already. But we all grouped together to stay strong, my family and friends were my greatest support.”

With one in eight women expected to be diagnosed by the time they turn 85, breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting Australian women. This year alone 15,600 Australian women and 145 men are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) CEO Christine Nolan says health and wellness is an important part of staying well after a breast cancer diagnosis.

“Exercise during and following breast cancer treatment has a number of benefits, not only can it reduce the risk of breast cancer returning, but it can also help to improve emotional and physical wellbeing.”

BCNA has a range of resources and programs which provide women with reliable information and advice, and practical strategies to help them improve their health and wellbeing. These include:

•   Active and WellAfter Breast Cancer - BCNA’s pilot initiative funded by the Victorian Government, designed to help women improve their physical and emotional wellbeing following treatment for breast cancer. The initiative is designed to connect women with others in their local community who also want to take charge of their health and wellbeing and link women with local community-based programs and services to help them improve and maintain regular physical activity and healthy eating.  
•  The Breast Cancer and Exercise and Healthy Eating and BreastCancer booklets – two free information resources which include reliable and easy to understand information, and advice from women who have been through similar experiences.
• Personal Stories Section. Personal stories from women who have experienced breast cancer. 

Renee says her diagnosis prompted her to take control of her health and wellbeing and make positive changes to her lifestyle.

“My diagnosis put things in perspective. I made a conscious effort not to sweat the small stuff, stay focused and just take is day as it comes. Being active and aware of my diet has also become more important. Lots of fruit and veg, water and nothing too sugary like lollies or soft drink. I still can’t say no to chocolate every now and again though!”

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an important time to share my message to young women, which is to be breast aware, know your body and check yourself regularly.”

If you or someone you care about has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, contact Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) for a My Journey Kit, a free information resource for newly diagnosed women - 1800 500 258 or www.bcna.org.au

Hair Makeover - Ombre, Colour Investment Advice and Photos!

 I love a hair makeover – new colour, new cut – to signal the end or the start of something. I just finished up a work contract and I’m approaching more teaching, which I love. Rather than a new Porsche or a trip to Ibiza, I invested in my hair instead.

From dark brown with a bit of copper through the ends, I went ombre – or lighter at the ends with balayage technique. Because red is like a clingy boyfriend you just CAN’T GET RID OF, it took two appointments to tone up the light ends and get rid of the redness. Because hair appointments aren’t cheap and there’s so many options, I want to drill down to some haircare basics that will see your colour last and hopefully you can also see a big improvement in strength and softness.

1.    

   Olaplex: I had this treatment in-salon and also have the at-home conditioning treatment. It is a new system designed to protect colour, strengthen strands that have been highly processed, and create softness and shine. I definitely notice my hair feels softer and easier to style after I’ve used it. It’s early days still!

http://olaplex.com.au/

2.  Protein, silica and vitamins: Your hair is made up

of keratin protein. Just like your skin, muscle and nails it requires protein and essential vitamins, minerals and fatty acids to build and maintain lustre and strength. I eat lots of lean protein in the form of meat and fish, as well as taking a supergreens supplement every day for multivitamins and I also take a daily silica supplement. I definitely notice my nails get longer when I’m taking silica. By the way, the Q Silica spot gel is freaking amazing. If I need a spot gone overnight, it’s my new go-to.

3. Colour and damaged hair specific products: Depending on the shade of your hair, you may need a blue or red-based toner to maintain the colour.  I use the L’Oreal Vitamino range of shampoo, conditioner and also a new CC cream. Yes, CC cream for the hair! It is Color Corrector which means it ensures the integrity of your colour – no brassiness creeps in. Especially necessary if you are a swimming pool user...chlorine is NOT your friend. The range is available in salons, online or at Hairhouse Warehouse 

4. Non-damaging styling products: Remember the scrunchie? I learned how to sew them and use to pump out neon coloured scrunchies while watching Beverly Hills 90210. The following are absolutely mandatory for being gentle on fragile, post-colour hair.

• Brushology Detangling Comb
• Black Mini Scrunchies
• Bobby Pins in Travel Case

http://www.scunci.com.au/

fit girl hairspiration!

My go-to is the top knot and I will stick by it! I also love a high ponytail and waves. Now that everyone in your cafe and local organic produce store is in their yoga leggings and compression tank top, you really need to master hair that goes from crossfit to cafe.

I just upgraded from the ghd styler to the Cloud Nine Touch and it is the best straightening/wave making tool I've used. I've used a lot. It was the tool of choice at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia (MBFWA) and it had been recommended to me by friends and hairdressers.

Love it. Totally recommend it. What you REALLY need to know is it's automatic.

It switches off automatically after 30 seconds of no use! Great for absent minded girls!

It straightens, waves and does fringe smoothing in seconds.

It is temperature controlled with 2 settings.

Available at Cloud Nine Australia. Follow their YouTube for how-to videos.
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Healthy Hair, Head and Scalp

So - admission. For the past month or so I've had an itchy scalp and the dreaded D word: dandruff. I know I'm far from alone! In fact, it's pretty common for sporty or active types because sweating into your hair doesn't make for a healthy scalp and using dry shampoo instead of washing doesn't improve the situation.
So.
I tackled the issue on 3 fronts:

1. Diet and lifestyle
2. Hair Products
3. Styling Habits and Utensils

DIET AND LIFESTYLE

A healthy scalp means the skin and hair follicles are not clogged with product, there is adequate protein in your diet and the vitamins and minerals required to nourish healthy skin in general. Biotin, silica, vitamin B and D are all Healthy Scalp and Hair elements. Omega 3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and essential for healthy skin, hair and nails. The typical mediterranean diet, rich in fish, fresh vegetables and fruit, whole grains and healthy fats rather than heavy on white carbohydrates and convenience foods is your best option, but also consider a supplement like Swisse Ultiboost Hair Skin Nails 

As for other lifestyle factors? Stress and lack of sleep will impact every aspect of your body, from increasing the likelihood of injuries to sallow skin, moodiness and...bad hair. Rather than get even MORE stressed about it, look at what you can change. Could you reduce some of the activities you feel obliged to do? Could you ask colleagues for assistance? Could you do a yoga class instead of working through your lunchbreak? Could you swap your 3pm jelly bean frenzy for a power walk to the nearest juice bar and get a berry smoothie instead? (Or make a batch at home and take it to work!)

HAIR PRODUCTS

I have just discovered a new range of Australian Made products.
I wanted no nasties (formaldehyde, sulphates,parabens, etc) and salon-quality results. What is especially exciting is it's AUSTRALIAN! So, go local! bhave uses raw natural bioactive keratin extracted from New Zealand sheep wool that is rich in amino acids and proteins to nourish the scalp and hair. Essentially, this binds to damage and rebuilds strength and elasticity.
Here's what you need to know:

• Australian Owned
• Not Tested On Animals
• No Parabens, Sulphates, Sodium Chloride
• Certified Organic Ingredients
• Proven Results

I'm using the damage control rescue shampoo and conditioner as well as the scalp shampoo and since the FIRST WASH, no dandruff and no itching! It's specifically designed to control irritation and the non-toxic formulation is rich in naturally active ingredients to rebalance the scalp environment.

I'm also using the macadamia-oil enriched leave-in creme, fresh ends and riot control oil. It's called "riot control" for frizzy hair. What more could you ask for?

Find your nearest salon and read more on their Website.

Also check them out on

BhaveHair

BhaveHair

HAIR STYLING

I was saying to my Carlton class just a few days ago, I used to idolise the sleek, straight, raven black bob of a newsreader on TV as a child. I was certain that I would grow up and no longer have wild, curly, coppery brown tresses but a sleek, chic bob with a fringe. A perfectly straight, no-nonsense fringe. That is still my dream. So, of course, I am a straightener addict.

When the dandruff and irritation really started impacting on my sleep, I looked hard at both the products I'm using and the fact I've got an ancient hairdryer that only blasts super-hot air and is well beyond it's use-by. So I found a kickass replacement that is SUPER AFFORDABLE! For under $30, I found the Remington Styling Pro 2150 that has:

• Air Curler & Waver attachment
• 2150 watt Hair Dryer
• 6 switch combinations: 3 heat/2 speed
• Cool Shot to set style when you're done!

You can buy it at Harvey Norman for $27 (AU).

As for my straightener, it's still good for action and I use the salon-approved ghd. My pick is the ghd IV Styler (free delivery if you order on the ghd site!)