FEATURED IN : Shop With Beauty Editor (Jan 2021)

I Have Thicker, Healthier Looking Hair Thanks To This one (New) Local Product . . .

Hair loss at our age is inevitable, but thankfully there is a myriad of products available to work wonders in restoring our crowning glory. Adriana Donnola had great success with our new Australian haircare range – Grow –  and its scalp scrub in particular. The targeted range for happier, thicker locks is not only results-driven but purse-friendly!

Grow brand spokesperson Belinda Keeley, from Chumba Concept Salon, explains just what’s happening to our hair at this age and why you need this scrub too:

1. What’s an average amount of hair loss at our age and when should we be worried?  “In women, hereditary hair loss usually starts after the age of 40. Unfortunately, it can affect women at any age but more commonly it happens after menopause, with hormones likely being responsible. Minor hair loss usually begins around the age of 30 but becomes noticeable at 40. Then, by the age of 50, roughly 40% of women have noted detectable hair loss. Typically, the normal amount of hair loss is around 80 strands a day. As a general rule, if you are shedding more than 100 strands per day it is advisable to check in with a healthcare professional.”

 2.  The main culprit is. . .  “Menopause, unfortunately! Research suggests that hair loss during menopause results from a hormonal imbalance, specifically related to consistently low levels of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones usually help hair grow faster and stay on the head for longer periods. Another thing to note is that during and after menopause, hair can become finer or thinner because the hair follicles actually shrink. Other factors include lifestyle choices, environmental factors and/or products being used.

3.  Is hair loss on the increase in other age groups, and why?  “During 2020 there was a noticeable increase in hair shedding, due to stress and changes in haircare routine. Thanks to COVID-19, many people have experienced additional stress which can, unfortunately, affect hair shedding. Cortisol (the stress hormone) makes the already-grown hair move into the telogen part of the hair cycle quicker [which is not good]. The telogen phase is the resting phase of the hair follicle. Anything that disrupts the hair growth cycle, such as stress, can cause more hairs to enter into this phase. When the body is subjected to extreme stress, as much as 70 per cent of hair can prematurely enter the telogen phase and begin to fall, causing a noticeable hair shedding. Then there are changes in people’s hair care routine as a result of being in lockdown or working from home. This means that many people are likely to wash and style their hair differently (or not at all). So, people seemingly feel as though they are shedding more hair because they’re washing or brushing it less often – this is called cumulative hair shedding. What it means is that the hair has become trapped together and then when you wash the hairs are released, particularly if you’re using a conditioner or treatment which make the hair slinky and less tangled. It isn’t necessarily that more hair is shedding or loss, it is just that it appears to be – all that accumulated hair is coming out when you hit the shower!”

4.  Grow’s hero product is an (affordable) scalp scrub ($16.99). How does that help?  Grow’s Longer Stronger Stimulating Scalp can help with hair shedding and thinning in many ways. We like to refer to it as ‘exfoliation for the scalp’, and it focuses on fixing hair at the root of the problem – in the hair scalp. Just like exfoliation on your face can be the key to a luminous complexion, exfoliation of the scalp can lead to luminous hair. Allowing for a deep cleanse of the scalp, it will remove excess sebum, dead skin cells and product build up to allow our natural oils to keep the hair and scalp nourished and healthy. The formulation can help with hair thinning and shedding, by helping to unclog hair follicles. Many people don’t realise that over time the build-up of products, residue and sebum can clog our hair follicles, which can lead to hair thinning. This happens because hair follicles typically have two or more hairs growing from them, but if they become clogged, this can result in less hairs being able to grow through. Healthy hair should always start with the scalp, so ensure your scalp scrub will work hard to lift away impurities and remove product build-up which can keep your hair follicles clear. What’s more, it can be massaged into the scalp which can further stimulate blood circulation, delivering oxygen to your scalp and encouraging hair growth.

4. There’s also a hair mask ($5.99) in the range. How often should we use it?  Yes, Grow’s Anti-Breakage Hair Mask provides a one-step solution to salon-worthy hair. Unlike silicone-based hair masks that only temporarily coat the hair, this one is a long-lasting solution that intuitively keeps your hair shiny, healthy and damage free. The innovative formula features a rich concentration of amino acids and key actives, allowing the mask to penetrate deep into the hair shaft to nourish, protect and rehydrate hair. There’s really no limit to how often you use it, however we recommend applying at least once a week for optimal results. It is best used in conjunction with the scrub, providing salon results at home.”  (Beauty ed: I’ve been using it twice a week)

5.  What are the key ingredients and why? “ The key ingredients are aloe vera, jojoba, and avocado oil, making it a 90% natural formulation that’s cruelty free and vegan, suitable for all hair types, including colour-treated hair. These ingredients work in synergy to nourish and protect hair, whilst providing a burst of hydration to dull and tired locks. The innovative formula features a rich concentration of amino acids and key actives, allowing the mask to penetrate deep into the hair shaft to nourish, protect and rehydrate hair. What’s more, the avocado oil will help tame and fight frizz, thanks to its ability to penetrate the hair and moisturise for a frizz-free finish.”

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