Natural_Health_June_2017

Tackling the war on visible signs of ageing always
seems to stop at our complexion, but why? Our
hair may not fall victim to the dreaded wrinkles,
but it does get hit by time. From a loss of pigment
to dry ends and finer strands, your luscious locks
can take a battering. But much like our skin, a
healthy lifestyle, a few home hacks and an armful
of nourishing products is all it takes to keep your
tresses looking youthful. Not convinced? We’ve
drafted in the experts who’ve create a simple guide
to help you boost your hair’s vitality and keep it
looking, and feeling, young.
DON’T OVERDO IT
Overwashing hair is a common
problem, but it proves particularly
damaging for the more mature
strands. “Most people still use
shampoos that are too strong for
their delicate hair and use them too
often,” says Tabitha James Kraan,
founder and creative director at
tabithajameskraan.co.uk. “This is
quite literally washing the life out of
hair, leaving it looking dull, lifeless and
undoubtedly older than it should.”
The first step is to switch to a mild
shampoo which is free from harmful
silicones. “Choose a shampoo which
only mildly foams as the foam is really
bad for your hair. It roughs up the
cuticle layer and leaves it weak and
vulnerable to damage,” Tabitha adds.
“Think of your hair as a cashmere
jumper. It needs delicate nurturing
and care to keep it looking beautiful.”
GO BACK TO YOUR ROOTS
When washing hair, focus on the roots only.
“Never wash hair ends. They are far more fragile
and porous than roots,” explains Andrew Bidwell
and Jonathan Stallick, co-founders of Swell Hair
(swell.co.uk). “Deliberately rubbing concentrated
shampoo into ends will only weaken, dehydrate and
break hair ends, making them look tired, dull and
old.” Target your shampoo on the roots, scalp and
mid-lengths to boost hair’s health and if ends do
look a little dry, hydrate them with a small amount
of coconut oil. It’s a great multi-purpose product
which can be used to instantly nourish dry and
brittle ends as well as tame flyways.
EAT RIGHT
Just like our skin, our hair is a product of what
we eat so choosing the right foods is paramount
to hair’s health. “Zone in on foods which are rich
in vitamins A, C and E,” advises Andrew. “Load
up on omegas 3, 6 and 9 too for healthy looking
Think of
your hair as
a cashmere
jumper – it
needs delicate
nurturing and
care to keep
it looking
beautiful
skin and luscious locks.” Omega 3 is found in the
cells that line the scalp and help to provide the oils
which keep hair hydrated. “Also, say yes to citrus
fruits, berries, leafy greens, nuts, oily fish such as
salmon and tuna, eggs and garlic,” he adds. Maybe
not all at once...
KEEP LOCKS HYDRATED
Want to get the most from your moisturising
washing routine? Then invest in an oil.
“Nourishing hair with a natural oil is the single
best gift for your thirsty locks,” explains Tabitha.
“When the oil balance of the hair is correct it has
a protective seal that can hold the
moisturising conditioners that you
apply. Remember all hair is dead
no matter how old you are but years
of abuse makes it porous and less
able to hold moisture. Putting back
a fine layer of oil from the roots to
the tips acts like a magnet to hold
moisture in place for longer.” From
central heating to the summer
sunshine, our hair has to battle the
elements daily and, just like our skin,
needs regular hydrating.
BRUSH BEFORE BED
No, we’re not talking about your
teeth. For a tangle-free slumber, give
locks a little teasing before turning in
for the night. “Brush your hair with a
pure bristle brush every night ideally
before you sleep and follow with oil
or moisturiser,” advises Tabitha.
“Make it a ritual and treat your hair
to what it needs every evening. Using
the right brush will move your natural oil down
the hair shaft which will seal and protect it, not to
mention make it shine. Your scalp will thank you
too, as the stimulation is hugely supportive and also
acts as a good way to relieve stress.” Just what you
need for optimal beauty sleep.
WISE UP WITH STYLING
Greying hair doesn’t have to be worn limp or in
a pixie crop. “Get your hairdresser to show you
how to style your hair in an up-to-date style,” says
Andrew. “Trust them and be open to change. An
old fashioned style is ageing so be brave.” Here at
NH, we’re huge fans of embracing a natural grey
hue but if you’d rather continue colouring your
hair, make sure you do it right. “Colouring hair can
take years off, but avoid old-fashioned dark colours
and solid, all-over tints,” Jonathan says. “Instead go
for different shades of highlights and lowlights, and
even allow a few greys to come through. This will
look softer and much more natural.”
BEAUTY
Anti-ageing
hair heroes
The Soap Kitchen
Coconut Shampoo,
£8.50,
thesoapkitchen.co.uk
Giovanni 2Chic Ultra
Volume Shampoo, £8.99,
lucyrose.biz
Dr Organic
Moroccan Argan Oil
Restorative Treatment
Conditioner, £14.99,
Holland and Barrett
NATURAL HEALTH 101