1 Thinning hair and scalp
Haircare brands have been launching products that target this common ageing hair woe. Try L'Oreal Professionnel's Age Densiforce ($42 for a shampoo, $38 for a mask) or look out for Kerastase's Age Premium haircare range which will launch later this year (call 6738-3113 for inquiries).
The System Professional Energy Range found at Toni & Guy salons also targets thinning, ageing hair ($34.20 for a shampoo, see www.toniandguy.com.sg for locations). These products will give you more natural volume than a tight perm.
2 Dull hair
Pamper yourself with the Density Expert treatment to restore shine and vitality to your hair (from $88, from Salon Esprit, 01-73 VivoCity, tel: 6376-9578; and Professional Hair Studio, 01-049A Suntec City, tel: 6338-7993), the Energising Ceremony treatment at Toni & Guy salons (from $113) or the La Biosthetique Volume Creme Shampoo ($45) and Conditioner Plus ($48) from Shunji Matsuo Hair Studio (20 Bideford Road, 01-02 Wellington Building) to add shine and movement to your hair.
3 Greying hair
Sometimes, grey hair can grow in an artfully scattered way that looks like flattering highlights. A whole head of snowy white hair can look lovely as well.
But if you would rather cover up your grey, consider organic dyes such as henna or ammonia-free colour, which is not so harsh on your hair. Henna colouring at Shunji Matsuo Hair Studio starts from $109.
Also, touch up no more than every two to three months to allow your hair to rest and stay away from jet black and very dark brown shades as they will make your hair look flat and artificial. Try not to DIY hair colour: Professional colourists will mix and apply dyes to ensure the best results.
4 Dry and brittle hair
Try strengthening shampoos such as Kerastase's Bain Bio-Recharge for Dry Hair ($38) or a weekly hair mask like Kerastase Care Volumactive ($62) to replenish moisture. Use a wide-toothed comb to gently untangle your hair only after it dries as wet hair is fragile and breaks easily.
If you blow dry your hair, use a leave-in heat protection product such as Kerastase Nectar Thermique ($46) beforehand. Call 6738-3113 for product inquiries.
5 Female pattern hair loss
Dr Wong Soon Tee, a specialist in dermatology at Raffles Hospital, says current medical treatments include topical lotion, oral medication and surgery.
Topical minoxidil (about $40 to $54 per month, depending on each case) is a solution to be applied directly onto scalp areas where hair growth is desired and can help to slow hair loss with regular application. Antiandrogens (about $100 per month) is another prescription medication for hair loss.
You may also want to consider surgical hair restoration. Hair follicles are transplanted from the back of the scalp to areas experiencing hair loss. Prices start from $5,000, depending on individual cases.
This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times.
