Dry scalp or brittle, thinning hair that won’t grow? Here’s what you need

Words by Ciler Peksah

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Has your hair started to thin out, or become dry and brittle over time?

Holly’s hairdresser, Ciler Peksah, is here with some solutions.

How are you all?! Everyone feeling a little brittle and bit partied out? It’s time for some serious TLC, inside and out…so for my part I thought I’d start at the top…with your hair. So many of us – myself included following the birth of my son last year – struggle with hair thinning and loss. This can be such an emotional issue for both men and women and can be caused by factors like hormonal changes, medical conditions, hereditary issues or just the privilige of ageing.

Most people start to lose hair as they get older because the hair strands get thinner. Individual hair strands have a two to seven-year life cycle, but as we get older, the hair follicle shrinks and the rate of hair growth slows down. Hair loss caused by hormonal imbalance is treatable, either with synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT for which you need to consult a medical professional) or through natural remedies that boost Oestrogen and Progesterone production. Nutrition is also key to ensure our bodies are getting all the vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy. We need to keep our diets nutrient-rich for our skin and hair to thrive. Personally, I really suffered with pregnancy hair loss and after seeking medical advice I upped my Biotin, Vitamin B12, C and D levels to give my system a boost and it definitely made a difference (but always seek medical advice before taking supplements.) Regular hair treatments also help to nourish and strengthen hair follicles, and are an important part of the battle against hair loss.

So how can external hair products help?

When we think about a hair treatment, we think about a jolly good shampoo and condition, but it’s the restoration of moisture to your hair to prevent breakage, that’s at the heart of this practice. Daily styling and exposure to the elements wreak havoc with our hair, let alone what’s going on inside our bodies, so if you can keep up a regular hair treatment, you should start to see a big difference in hair health. One thing I always say to my clients is, “You wouldn’t dream of not cleansing, toning and moisturising your face to keep it looking healthy, and your hair needs just as much care – even more so when it’s long.”

1. Moisturising Mask

If you regularly colour, straighten, perm or heat-style your hair, try this Shea Moisture, Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Hair Treatment Mask, £12.99. I actually use this on my daughter’s hair as it leaves it so soft, tangle-free and easy for me to brush – meaning there is less pulling and breakage…and she smells delicious, like a summer holiday!

3. Alpecin, Hybrid Caffeine Shampoo, £6.35

If you have sensitive skin, this might be the one for you. It gently cleanses the hair, moisturises the scalp and the caffeine complex penetrates the hair roots to strengthen and is suitable for sensitive itchy scalps.

4. Klorane, Hair Strengthening Serum with Quinine & Organic Edelweiss, £17.33

I love this no-rinse spray serum for easy application as its non-greasy and non-sticky.
Organic Quinine reduces hair loss dues to less breakage and Edelweiss complex strengthens the hair and according to Klorane research, has proven anti-hair loss effectiveness due to less breakage after just 1 month. There is also a shampoo and conditioner available in this range, so if you can, use the whole system for better results. Apply approx. 10 sprays to dry or damp hair and massage into the scalp and don’t rinse it off. If you use this 2-3 times a week you should hopefully see a real difference.

5. Nioxin, 3-Part System 2 Trial Kit for Natural Hair with Progressed Thinning, £38.75

This set of hair care products has been developed to clean, optimize and treat the hair and scalp to strengthen against breakage. Nioxin Cleanser Shampoo 2 removes sebum and environmental residues from the scalp and hair. Nioxin Scalp Therapy Revitalising Conditioner 2 is a lightweight conditioner that helps provide hair resilience and control moisture balance. Nioxin Scalp & Hair Treatment 2 provides a refreshed scalp.

7. Larry King, My Nanna’s Mousse, £19

Gold star for the name…there’s nothing like your nanna’s style! Hair Mousse is one of my key products for all hair types and this product gives you fullness and thickness but with a soft finish. Mousse gives volume to so many styles, whether it’s a bouncy blow-dry or a scrunch curl. I’d recommend this one to anyone.

8. Umberto Giannini’s, Texture Boost Volumising Dry Texture Mist, £7.74

Amazing for fine or flat hair as it adds volume, texture and has a weatherproof hold – giving you the control that you crave. It’s also invisible, lightweight and humidity resistant for a naturally thicker fuller hair.

9. John Frieda’s. Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Soft Hairspray, £6.99

For a hairspray that gives great hold without being sticky or drying, John Frieda’s. Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Soft Hairspray, £6.99 is your friend.

I’m always amazed how much of our identity and confidence comes from how our hair looks and makes us feel, so we need to do all we can to keep it happy and healthy. If you are struggling I hope there’s a product here that will help make a difference. I’d love to hear your feedback too. The more we talk and share what works for us, the more we can help others.

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