The Real Secret to Healthy Hair

by Victoria Stanell
Published Apr 22, 2012

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Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

AVEDA INVATI
Aveda’s new three-step exfoliating system was designed to remove the buildup of sebum and product residue that can clog scalp pores. The formula in the exfoliating shampoo and thickening conditioner are intentionally thinner than most, designed to easily penetrate to your scalp.. The line harnesses ingredients such as turmeric, ginseng, yeast extract, and licorice to help activate the scalp around the follicles when massaged. Millet seed and milk thistle nourish the scalp, and organic kukui nut oil adds shine. Arginine, derived from sugar beets, and amino acids from soy protein, help to moisturize the scalp, restore hair strength, and reduce breakage.

PHYTO
This French-borne botanical hair care line harnesses the power of plants. For thinning locks, we recommend their Phytocane shampoo, Phytocyane treatment and Phytopolleine Universal Scalp Elixir to improve microcirculation at the hair root and surface of the scalp. Grape seed procyanidins, ginkgo biloba, virbunum (an evergreen plant), and chichona bark extracts boost cellular blood flow exchanges through tiny vessels in your scalp. To restore minerals lost in the hair fiber, the formulas also include horsetail leaf extracts and plant proteins.

DAVINES ENERGIZING
Designed to address scalp and hair loss issues specifically, Davines uses caffeine to stimulate the scalp’s cellular metabolism, and beta-glucans (natural carbohydrates) to protect the skin on your head. Essential oils of cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper further stimulate the scalp. We fell in love with the Energizing Shampoo and the Energizing Superactive, a liquid treatment designed to foster thicker, healthier hair growth.

VIVISCAL
With a growing roster of elite beauty followers including model Jessica Stam and hairstylists Guido Palau, Harry Josh, and Danilo (Lady Gaga’s hair guy!), Viviscal is quickly becoming one of the leading supplements for thinning, damaged hair. The Finnish tablets (available at viviscal.com) are formulated with a unique marine complex of fish proteins and horsetail extract (like Phyto) that increase the body’s natural production of keratin over a period of four to six months.

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Your hair is your crowning glory—so why don’t we give as much attention to the skin on our head as we do our face? If you’ve ever suffered from thin, limp, or lackluster locks, it might be time to dive into the root of the problem.

Your scalp is genesis of thick, plump, and full locks. Each strand of hair has its own blood supply and nerves which are directly responsible for regulating blood flow through surface of your head. This constant blood flow—called microcirculation—helps maintain keratin protein in the hair fiber (the stuff that keeps the hair shaft strong and healthy).

“When we’re young, it’s easy for the scalp to absorb all the necessary elements for keratin protein: amino acids, vitamins, minerals and sulfur derivatives. But as we age, our body’s ability to produce these elements lessens over time, and the quality of keratin decreases, leaving the hair more porous, fragile, weak, and thin,” says Phyto national educator Christyn Nawrot (see diagram, right). But it’s not just an age problem—temporary hair loss can occur at all stages of life. “When illness, fatigue, or medication disrupt the blood flow to the scalp, this directly affects the growth cycle and contributes to hair loss,” says Christyn. Aveda global marketing manager Robert Burns also notes that air and water pollutants, hormonal fluctuations, UV and free radical exposure, chlorine, metals, and seasonal shifts are key contributors to the temporary thinning of your tresses. Hair loss is most prevalent around the spring or fall months, because “these transitional months affect the aging and growth process of hair more than other months,” adds Christyn.

The most direct thinning culprit, though? Product overload. Like the skin on our face, the scalp is porous, and can get over clogged with sebum and heavy product. “Hair care products that contain heavy silicones, waxes, and chemical solvents clog the scalp and coat the hair,” says Christyn. “Choose products that are naturally water soluble instead.”

So what’s the real secret to a healthy scalp? Improving microcirculation and clearing build-up around the follicles. “Give yourself a scalp massage with essential oils at least three times a week for 10 minutes,” recommends Christyn. Brushing hair two to three times daily with a natural-fiber bristle brush also helps exfoliate the scalp and increases blood flow.

Now that you’ve discovered what hair health really means, are you ready for a scalp makeover? DIY solutions are the easiest to adapt, but sometimes it helps to arm your arsenal with the right products. Click through the slideshow above to learn about thinning hair solutions that might work for you!

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Mar 29, 2013

Alexis A.

We Westerners seem to forget about the care in "hair care". Besides regular shampoo and conditioner, oil is a must. No it's not sticky and gross, it is hydrating and beneficial. Olive oil, Jojoba oil or Almond oil are great. Cover hair and scalp with a hot towel after the oil is massaged into the scalp and applied throughout the length of your hair. Do this 2 to 3 times a week for amazing hair. Use a few drops of oil on your hair after washing, avoid the scalp unless you want greasy roots! Clarify once a week with apple cider vinegar, protect hair from the elements, do not use a lot of heat and please use natural hair products! No sulphates or parabens. Mask your hair once a week with bananas, honey and/or avocado. Invest in a good brush (bamboo or boar bristles) and eat healthy, drink plenty of water. Now you are set for healthy hair. I follow all these tips and I hardly have any problems with my hair. :)

Aug 31, 2012

Jackie S.

I use viviscal and do apple cider vinegar rinses to keep my scalp clean.

Jun 18, 2012

Aylarose V.

I was going to try this Folic Acid, with vit. B, But, I also came down with a Thyroid problem. I might have it all my life; I hope not, but I'm much better now..I dont know anything else on it, the doctors havent said anything to me for a while now. But I'm not able to take the folic Acid because it doesnt go well with someone who has Thyroidglycoisssssss, (dunno how it's spelled), Now I'm going to have to stick with dying my hair, for some reason, it helps alot! I dont use heat,,,only on occasions. I trim it 1 every 2 months. But my hair still fills like a drrag:( and my hair doesnt take dye very well, Unless I dye it black, which I dont. I use oils, coconut. I still havent found the right shampoo and conditioner, some strip my hair too clean, and others make it too greasy:( My hair is pretty long, could be longer, but it's pretty lifeless:(

Nov 26, 2012

Elaine P.

Try an organic shampoo, like Tints of Nature. A conditioner is not always necessary as it can over hydrate the hair and make it brittle, or weigh it down. Leave-in conditioning spray can be great as the protein penetrates directly into the hair to strengthen it, like Revlon 2 phase range. Massaging oils into the scalp will help to stimulate blood flow and nourish the hair also :)

Nov 26, 2012

Aylarose V.

I've been using Clean (something like that) Shampoo and conditioner. It's the best thing in the world! Love it! It leaves it silky smooth! And it has grown quite a bit!
I love the leave in conditioner, I'll have try some out. I cant use Revlon though. and any other ideas?

Jun 15, 2012

Anne S.

I have thyroid problems too. I have my first appt. with an Endocrinologist on the 28th where they will assess it's condition. I have what's called Hashimoto's Thyroiditis...my immune system is attacking it and essentially it's in the process of deteriorating and will eventually stop working all together. I'll be on thyroid medicine for the rest of my life. I'm glad we figured out what is going on though. It could be a lot worse...and millions have this condition. I hope my hair will grow faster though it seems like it's taking forever to grow....it is a lot thicker though from taking the Kelp. :-). The thyroid loves Iodine (from Kelp).

Nov 26, 2012

Aylarose V.

I have Hypothyroidism. I'm also on medication, but I still have here and there problems. I just want the Docs to do their job and find out what wrong, so during Track Season I wont be benched again. I've been loosing weight from my Med, which they say is good, as long as i dont gain weight I guess. When mine acts up, it's very painful; My doc. Finds that weird, I guess it's not suppose to hurt, Huh? Mine sure does!
I'm glad you have yours all figured out! Now it's my turn!! (:

Nov 26, 2012

Anne S.

Hey! You know I found out more when I went and got a Live Blood Analysis. Turns out all autoimmune disease is caused by a Leaky Gut (Leaky Gut Syndrome). Do you have tummy troubles too? If so, google someone in your area who does Live Blood Analysis, I was not absorbing nutrients. So now I'm treating by tummy too. Lots more supplements but it's worth it! Your medical doctor won't know what this is because it's in the realm of naturopathy and nutrition. They cost about $50 to $75, take a drop of your blood (pricking your finger) and putting it under a microscope you see it! It's really cool. The supplements cost money too, but you see what is actually happening in your cells! It's really cool! Everyone should have it done my opinion. I"m also taking magnesium at night.

May 21, 2012

Diane M.

Been taking viviscal since jan of this year and i swear its making my hair grow a little faster..love them!

Apr 24, 2012

Munirah C.

I love massaging the scalp. I don't know about these products, but I believe in inexpensive products yet gives off results - coconut oil & olive oil. They always work wonders on me.

Apr 24, 2012

Tania P.

I recently started using Suave Keratin Shampoo and it's been helping my hair a lot. I lost a bunch of it because of thyroid problems. That was actually what led me to go to the doctor. I thought I had cancer! Now, I only lose a little bit, and my hair is much stronger.

May 20, 2012

Holly I.

My problem with the Suave Keratin Shampoo set is that it contains alcohol and other stuff that actually help strip your hair :/ (or at least my hair...it always left it so dry and gross. ;[)

Jun 27, 2012