276: How to Have Your Best Hair Ever and Why You Need to Treat Your Scalp Like Your Face with Trichologist Helen Reavy of Act + Acre
Oct 11, 2023
auto_awesome
Helen Reavey, trichologist and veteran hairstylist, discusses scalp health, common hair myths, scalp conditions like dandruff and oily scalp, and the importance of nourishing and stimulating the scalp with ACT and Acre. They also talk about the impact of hormones on the scalp and hair, achieving a tousled hair look, and the scalp's microbiome. Additionally, they cover scalp care for healthy hair, including proper cleansing, active ingredient use, and tips for improving hair health and circulation.
Taking care of the scalp is as important as taking care of the face, as the scalp ages faster than the skin and disruptions in its microbiome can lead to scalp issues.
Hair thinning and hair loss are two distinct issues, with hair thinning caused by various factors such as age, stress, scalp health, or diet, while hair loss refers to actual shedding or follicle loss and should be properly identified to address specific concerns.
Adapting hair and scalp care routines to seasonal changes, such as using humidifiers or dehumidifiers to combat dryness caused by indoor heating, and incorporating oil treatments, hair masks, and leave-in conditioners to maintain moisture are essential for optimal hair growth and scalp health.
Deep dives
Importance of Scalp Health and Taking Care of the Scalp
In this podcast episode, the guest emphasizes the importance of scalp health and treating the scalp in the same way as we treat our face. The scalp ages six times faster than the skin, so it's crucial to take care of it. The scalp has its own microbiome, and disrupting its harmony can lead to scalp issues like dandruff and psoriasis. Lifestyle factors such as hydration and diet play a role in scalp health. Proper cleansing, exfoliating, and stimulating blood flow to the scalp through scalp treatments can promote healthier and fuller hair.
Difference Between Hair Thinning and Hair Loss
The podcast discusses the distinction between hair thinning and hair loss. Hair thinning can happen due to age, stress, scalp health, or diet. It occurs when the hair follicles become thinner, and the hair strand diameter decreases. Nutrient deficiencies and hormonal imbalances can contribute to hair thinning. However, hair loss refers to actual hair follicle loss or shedding, which can be normal up to 100-200 hairs per day. It's important to identify hair breakage versus hair loss to address specific issues properly.
Tips for Maintaining Hair and Scalp Health
As the weather transitions from warmer to cooler, it's essential to adjust hair and scalp care routine accordingly. Using a humidifier or dehumidifier to combat dryness caused by indoor heating is recommended. Oil treatments, hair masks, and leave-in conditioners can help maintain moisture. Supplements like Irish sea moss gel are also mentioned for overall hair health. Avoiding excessive heat and taking care of the ends can prevent damage. It's important to prioritize proper scalp cleansing, exfoliation, and stimulation of blood flow through scalp treatments for optimal hair growth and scalp health.
The importance of scalp care and the use of oil treatments
Taking care of the scalp and using oil treatments can help address dryness and remove dead skin cells. Oil treatments like Sculpti Toxoil can nourish the hair follicles, balance oil production, and effectively remove scalp buildup. It is recommended to leave the treatment in for 20 minutes before rinsing and repeating as needed.
Debunking hair myths and avoiding harmful ingredients
Contrary to popular belief, washing hair frequently does not damage it. It is heat styling that can cause harm, so it's important to minimize heat exposure. Hair myths like the use of rosemary oil and keratin treatments are discussed. Additionally, the negative effects of silicone-based products are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of using gentle and scalp-specific products that do not leave residues.
Helen Reavey is a trichologist and veteran hairstylist for some of the world’s leading fashion brands, media outlets and celebrities including Harry Styles, Marisa Tomei and Sarah Snook. Having worked worldwide from salon to runway, Helen noticed an overwhelming commonality of poor scalp health. Her curiosity resulted in a realization that the industry was serving up a selection of sub-par products that do not serve to nourish, balance, and stimulate the scalp which led her to create Act + Acre. She joins the show to discuss what we have wrong about hair health, how to best take care of our scalps, scalp conditions including dandruff and oily scalp, how often we should be washing our hair, common hair myths and so much more.
This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.
Go to Chomps.com/BLONDE for 20% off your first order, and free shipping.