Is your haircut no longer what it used to be due to hair problems such as dandruff, hair loss, tangles or fluff hair? Here's what you can do about it.
You are literally and figuratively with your hands in your hair. What can you do about your hair problem? We asked top stylist Rick van het Meer. He has been in the hairdressing business for twenty years. He creates the most beautiful haircuts in his two salons in Amsterdam.
Read also: '3 tips for the perfect braid'
The white flakes on your scalp called dandruff are dead skin cells that peel off from the scalp after the renewal process. Under the influence of the yeast species Pityrosporum ovale, the amount of skin cells increases, which causes visible flakes. The yeast thrives best on a warm scalp, so wearing a hat or cap regularly can make you more sensitive to dandruff.
With anti-dandruff shampoo. Top stylist Rick van het Meer:“It is important to tackle dandruff thoroughly with an anti-dandruff shampoo. Wash your hair with the shampoo for about six weeks in a row, preferably every day. Supplement the washes with a treatment with anti-dandruff ampoules. These clean the scalp well.” Are you sensitive to dandruff? Then the problem will probably come back often. Therefore, maintain your haircut with anti-dandruff shampoo and skip the use of oily products on the scalp.
There are two types of dandruff:oily and dry. The most common is dry, where the flakes end up on your clothes. Oily dandruff sticks to your scalp and often causes itching.
In winter, indoor humidity is at its lowest and you have to deal with electrons that are conducted through your hair. The result:static hair. But brushing too often and wearing a woolen hat can also result in a static haircut.
Rick:“Moisturizing is the best remedy for static hair. A moisturizing shampoo and conditioner restore the moisture level of your hair. A moisturizing serum is also indispensable in winter. Brush your hair with a natural boar bristle brush or go for one with anti-static ions.”
Oily hair has to do with an increased sebum production from the scalp. Because more sebum (fat) is produced, you get greasy hair faster. Increased sebum production can be genetically determined, but also related to hormonal fluctuations and incorrect nutrition.
It sounds contradictory, but it is advisable not to wash your hair too often. Twice a week is sufficient. Rick:“You actually increase sebum production if you degrease heavily. As a counter-reaction, your scalp will actually produce more fat, resulting in even oilier hair. What you can do is rinse your hair daily with lukewarm water.” Also try to avoid using styling products at the roots; this makes your scalp greasy.
If you have naturally dry hair, your scalp produces less sebum. This is often genetically determined and more common with wavy and curling than with straight hair. Frequent coloring, styling and the use of the wrong products can also lead to a dry haircut.
By moisturizing well. Rick:“A good moisturizing shampoo, a moisturizing mask and the right styling products can give your hair a boost. Think of a serum or a light cream wax. Avoid shampoos with proteins:they will only make your hair stiffer.”
Friction (brushing, putting in a rubber band, towel drying your hair) and styling can cause your ends to thin and eventually split. Split ends occur in both normal and dry, damaged or oily hair.
Get your hair cut regularly. Rick:“It's not a myth that your hair can grow longer by cutting it. Sometimes hair wears out faster than it grows. Keeping the ends blunt keeps the hair strong. Do you have weak hair and prone to split ends? Then try a protein mask. This makes your hair stronger.”
Tangles occur when the hair cuticles are open. This happens, for example, in drizzly weather, a lot of wind or after a dip in the pool. You can also suffer from knots if you go to sleep with wet hair.
Gently brush tangles out of your hair with a wide, natural bristle brush. A detangler spray helps close the hair cuticles and makes brushing out tangles less painful. You can prevent tangles by sleeping with a braid or ponytail, wearing a cap in a rain shower, using conditioner and patting your hair dry instead of rubbing it.
The drier your hair, the greater the chance of frizz. Frizzy hair is more common in curls and waves, but can also be caused by the weather (cold and rain, or sun damage) and excessive styling.
By moisturizing well. The more moisture you provide your hair with, the less dry and frizzy your hair will be. Use a moisturizing mask once a week, treat your ends with an anti-frizz serum and avoid hot styling tools. Pat your hair dry after washing instead of rubbing roughly and brush your hair only when it is dry to prevent more frizz.
Hair loss is often seasonal:in the spring and autumn the sun shows itself less often and you lose more hair. Hormones, stress and an iron and vitamin deficiency are also culprits. Are you losing entire strands of hair? Then there is probably more going on and it is wise to go to your doctor.
A vitamin and mineral rich diet is the first step against hair loss. Iron in particular contributes to strong hair. Not sure if you're getting enough? Then consider a supplement. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo against hair loss and only brush your hair when it is dry. Brushing wet hair can damage your haircut and promote hair loss.
It is normal to lose up to 120 hairs per day. You don't see any of this because new hairs are constantly growing.
Lifeless hair lacks volume and feels 'limp'. Too heavy styling products can be the cause, but more often a wrong cut is the culprit.
“A good haircut can make a big difference. Have a haircut that suits you and that makes your hair fall nicely. And try to create volume with the help of a curling iron:by applying strokes, your hair becomes more voluminous," says Rick.
Anyone who suffers from hair pain feels a nagging pain at the hair roots. The cause has not been scientifically established, but it is associated with muscle contraction in the hair follicles. Wearing your hair in a bun or ponytail often puts pressure on the hair follicles. And that is painful.
Alternate a bun or ponytail with loose hair as much as possible. Do you have extreme hair pain? A short coupe is worth considering. The longer your hair, the heavier and the greater the chance of a painful crown.
