HEAD FIRST 
 

Your hair speaks volumes about your personality, lifestyle and general well-being.

There are many things you can do to maximize the most versatile of beauty assets: your hair.

Full, lustrous hair is rarely a gift of nature, but usually the result of dedicated attention and care. Here are a few useful hints and tips on how to tackle the basic and most common hair problems.

Down to the very ends

Beautiful hair never fails to dazzle, but it requires a lot of individual attention and care. Only healthy hair has that seductive luster that makes you want to reach out and touch it. What is the secret formula of alluring hair, you may now ask? One thing is for sure: combing alone won't do. 

What am I doing wrong?

Hair can be naturally glossy only if its scale layer covers the hair shaft smoothly and completely. Only then it can reflect the light and boast a lustrous sheen. Try care preparations based on protein, egg or lecithin. Shampoo your hair less often and leave it to dry in the open air. If your problem is dry hair, try the famous hundred brush strokes. Dull hair may be the result of a strong perm or taxing oxidation agents. Try a gentler perm and use a plant-based tinting product. 

Highlight and perm on the same day?

Never! That would be hair torture. A perm in itself is a massive attack on your hair since it has to undergo a chemical transformation process. If, in addition, bleaching streaks are applied, your hair may split or entire portions of your hair be damaged. Cutting it drastically short would be the mildest corrective measure – but you would have to wait months until your hair has regained its former length.

What about oily hair and dry ends?

The only care is a shampoo for oily hair plus a treatment pack for the dry ends. There are also products for split ends which you rub in the ends while they are wet; these treatment preparations enwrap the damaged ends like a protective coat. However, they can't repair the split ends, but merely 'mend' them visually. The best therapy: have split hair ends cut whenever necessary. 

Do I have to put up with oily hair?

Experience has shown that not every oily hair product attacks the problem at the root; most of the formulas in the market are merely effective cosmetically. If you suffer from oily hair, your sebaceous glands secrete too much sebum which makes the hair oily, heavy and unmanageable. Frequent shampooing with an anti-oil product will make your hair light and fluffy; but refrain from massaging your scalp when washing your hair.

Also, avoid frequent combing and brushing; instead, expose your hair to wind and fresh air as often as you can. Don’t use harsh and aggressive shampoos as they will stimulate your sebaceous glands.

A cream treatment for damaged hair makes oily ends fluffy (only these should be treated). A light perm and highlights add body to your hair while absorbing the oil so that your hairstyle stays in shape longer. A word of caution, though: As oily hair differs from person to person, it is important to keep track of how your hair responds to the various care methods and products. Sometimes concentrated and aggressive anti-oil shampoos may accelerate sebum production due to our self-defence system.

Wash your hair with a baby shampoo, for a change, and check the result. Follow a well-balanced nutritional diet; go slow on injurious articles of consumption such as coffee and nicotine. 

What about cuts?

Forget about bangs, fringes and layers, which are supposed to create the impression of added volume. Layered fine hair mostly looks as if a mouse has nibbled on it. Whoever tried this tack had to wait tormenting months until the hair had regained its original length. It is better to have your hair radically cut one and the same length in the back, and perhaps slightly shorter at the sides to avoid a flat experience. 

Can I use hair spray?

Never mist spray over a finished hairstyle - it merely forms a heavy layer on the hair. Always spray single strands from below and let dry briefly. After that, don't touch!

To ensure that hair remains in place all day use a natural hold spray - anything stronger will leave hair looking rigid and lacking movement.