HAIR TALK – The Apotecari Inside Scoop

We all have our hair challenges. Whether it’s breakage, curls that refuse to be tamed, a flaky scalp, thinning hair, hair loss, or it JUST WON’T GROW, you are not alone.

We took a look at the most-asked questions that both Apotecari salons and the team at Apotecari HQ receive daily... Here’s the inside scoop.

1. To brush or not to brush? Will the more you brush your hair make it healthier?

Brushing your hair helps to stimulate the capillaries of the scalp, increasing blood circulation and the transport of oxygen and nutrients to your hair follicles. This helps to promote healthy growth and strengthens your roots. Brushing also helps to carry the protective oil and natural conditioner produced by the sebaceous glands in our scalp, down along the hair shaft.  Now while it is important to brush our locks, overbrushing may pull out hairs that aren’t ready to fall out.  Here are some tips on how to brush to get the results you’re after: 

• Know your tools.
  Equip yourself with the right quality hair brush for your hair type.
• Use a comb when your hair is wet, never a brush.
  When our hair is wet it’s at its most vulnerable so be sure to take extra care with slow movements and the right tool.
• Brushing with a hair mask, conditioner, serum or conditioning product
  Always use a wide toothed comb to evenly distribute along your strands. Avoid product directly on the scalp, but do take this leave-in time to promote circulation and give yourself a scalp massage… Because, Self Care, you know!
• Dry brushing
  Avoid brushing your hair whilst bone dry or in the case of being loaded up with Dry Shampoo or Hairspray. This may cause breakage to healthy hairs, so ensure you detangling when you are conditioning or with the use of a leave in detangling/conditioning spray

2. Dry Shampoo… Paired well with Coffee and deadlines

We live busy lives and many of us can put our hands up to admit that we love a bit of dry shampoo between our washes, right? It’s the ultimate beauty cheat product and there’s an abundance of quality products out there.

But there is a right way and a wrong way to use dry shampoo and the reality is that there is a difference between refreshing your luscious locks with a restorative shampoo and condition. Internationally renowned salon Que Colour confirms that our scalp is a prime spot for build-up - from styling products, dry shampoos, natural oils and sweat - which can suffocate the follicle and lead to dull, flat hair and breakage.

Here are a few little secrets to combat the tendency to block the pores of your scalp, hindering healthy hair growth and disrupting scalp health.

• If you have a sensitive, flaky scalp, pair a restorative scalp vitamin with your home hair care ritual to restore the scalp’s natural balance.
• If you’re selecting a dry shampoo, opt for one which works for your hair condition and texture – like our skin, our haircare should be prescriptive to our needs
• Don’t apply your dry shampoo too close to the scalp or hair. Aim for an application of about 20cm from your hair.
• Resist the urge to overuse

3. Keep grey hair at bay with self-care

Self-care is good for your hair! It has been scientifically proven that stress can have an effect on the pigmentation within your hair shaft, and it’s the free radicals behind this process that make the role of antioxidants so valuable.

According to new research, published in the journal Nature, stress triggers nerves involved in the flight-or-fight response which, in turn, causes permanent damage to the pigment in your hair follicles. Also, stress increases free radical production, which actually produces hydrogen peroxide in your hair bulb - in effect bleaching that pigment right out of your hair.

Vitamins and antioxidants can help support our immune system to help assist in our body’s natural defence system against stress or a busy lifestyle.

5. Rinsing your hair with cold water makes it shinier 

Finding the right temperature for your hair at the different stages of your cleansing and conditioning routine will influence how well it all works. Warm water helps to open up the hair cuticle when we shampoo, removing the build-up of dirt and oils, however too much heat can leave your scalp dehydrated resulting in frizzy hair.  Follow a warm wash with a cooler temperature to rinse out conditioner to close the hair cuticle and pores, flattening the hairs, sealing in shine and reducing frizz.

6. I need to change my hair routine when taking Apotecari supplements

Apotecari is designed to join your daily hair wellness ritual, amplifying it with inner nutrition for beauty on the outside. There’s no need to change anything you’re doing.  For the sake of supporting your nutrition regimen, we’d recommend avoiding things like over-styling with heat tools and various chemical treatments to ensure optimal results.

7. I can’t take Apotecari supplements if I am pregnant or breastfeeding

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you may still begin your hair and scalp wellness regimen with Hair Atelier. Hair Atelier is suitable through pregnancy and breastfeeding, and alongside other medications.

If you would like to introduce Crowning Glory or Mane Event to your hair care regimen, it is recommended that you do so under the supervision of a healthcare professional.