by Tony Pearce, Pantene Specialist Trichologist
tags : tips hair ADVICE
Q: What causes hair damage?
A: There are two separate points here; DAMAGE + PROBLEMS causing hair loss/breakage etc. Hair DAMAGE may be the result of CHEMICAL (over-processing, bleaching, sun damage) or MECHANICAL (breakage or hair loss due to over-zealous use of hair dryers, straighteners, braiding, or the 'plucking out' of one's own hair - termed Trichotollomania) or INTERNAL - poor growth causing structural damage to the hair shaft the result nutritional, metabolic and/or hormonal disturbance.
Q: How can you prevent hair damage? Repair hair damage?
A: This usually involves a multi-faceted approach and depends on the severity of the hair's degradation or amount of shedding. Seek the advice of an experienced Trichologist; establish any
under-lying or grooming reasons WHY this may be occurring and take steps to redress. Use a scientifically-tested product such as Pantene Nourished Shine Shampoo and Conditioner.
Q: What is the latest discovery you have made in hair?
A: I believe I was the first hair loss specialist to identify there are TWO forms of 'pattern' thinning in females; the genuinely inherited form and the one I've termed 'acquired' due to compensatory responses within the body. I also believe that the autoimmune hair loss condition alopecia areata in children is >90% caused by food allergies (Gluten + Dairy). It is also emerging the critical role Vitamin D has in maintaining hair growth.
Q: Is it true that supermarket brands cause a build up of silicone?
A: I believe there is very little difference between the quality and performance of 'supermarket' or 'salon' brands of shampoo/conditioners today. High-priced hair cleansing products do not necessarily make them better. A product should be gentle enough for daily use and Ph balanced.
Q: Do supermarket brands have the same ingredients as salon brands?
A: Ingredients may vary slightly in line with what the manufacturer wishes to achieve but essentially the foundation ingredients are the same. After reading the laboratory testing for the Nourished Shine range, I believe if it was a 'salon-only' range it would be readily embraced as such by the consuming public (without hesitation).
Q: Which ingredients are best for damage repair?
A: In a shampoo/conditioner the key is to return moisture and flexibility to the hair shaft; enhance cross-bond strength, and to strengthen and align the cuticle thereby diminishing risk of hair shaft fracturing. Panthenol and its 'PEE' derivatives are known hydrophobic enhancers; amino acids are essential for hair strength.
