A hair loss and scalp specialist has finally settled the debate on some of the most controversial hair care questions, including how often you should actually wash your hair.
Chelcey Salinger, a trichologist with a practice in Sydney and Adelaide, talked about her weekly hair and scalp routine, the must-have products everyone should own and the mistakes Australians make all the time.
The professional also sheds light on the impact of diet and lifestyle on your hair, what causes dandruff and how to avoid it.
In a surprising twist, Ms. Salinger told FEMAIL that she recommends washing your hair every day, especially after exercising and sweating.
‘The ‘gold standard’ would be to wash your hair every day. If the shampoo is well balanced in terms of pH, frequent hair washing is beneficial as it helps balance the pH of the scalp and prevents the overgrowth of unfavorable bacteria.”
Chelcey Salinger (pictured) is a trichologist working in Sydney and Adelaide
She added: ‘Washing the hair helps remove the build-up of sebum (oil) on the scalp and any dirt and debris. Many of the ‘bad’ bacteria are sebum-dependent, so it is good to wash the hair regularly.’
Although there are many different types of hair loss, most can be corrected within six months with the right treatment.
“Some causes are self-correcting, some are genetic, some have to do with autoimmune issues, some have to do with medical or nutritional imbalances, stress or taking medications,” she said.
While you’re working on correcting hair imbalances, Ms. Salinger recommended removing the John Frieda PROfiller+ range to make your hair fuller and look better.
“It adds texture to the hair, making it feel fuller and giving the appearance of thicker hair,” she said.
Ms. Salinger uses a simple weekly hair and scalp care regimen and does not believe that frequent hair spas or seven-step routines are necessary for good hair health.
The professional tends to wear her hair down and loose most of the time to minimize the tension on her hair follicles.
She typically washes her hair every second day, but more often if she sweats during exercise, and then applies a leave-in treatment.
On the rare occasion that Ms. Salinger uses heat to style her hair, she chooses the lowest setting and applies a heat protectant spray beforehand.
“Any hairstyle that requires heat treatment is more likely to cause hair breakage,” she said.
While you’re working on correcting hair imbalances, Ms. Salinger recommended removing the John Frieda PROfiller+ range to make hair fuller and better looking
‘People with colored or chemically treated hair are at greater risk of hair breakage because some of the bonds in the hair have already been broken. Avoid heat styling every day and use lower heat settings.’
Ms Salinger added: ‘I wear hats when I’m outside to protect my hair and scalp from the strong UV rays we have here in Australia.’
In the same vein, the products you use on your hair make a world of difference.
“A good shampoo and conditioner are a MUST,” said the trichologist.
‘Which one is the right choice for someone depends on the personal health of their hair and scalp. For people with thinning hair or generally fine diameter hair, the John Frieda PROfiller+ is a good choice.’
She believes that everyone should have a suitable leave-in treatment, anti-frizz serum and heat protectant spray.
What causes dandruff and how can I avoid it?
Ms Salinger revealed that the overgrowth of the yeast Malassezia Globosa is one of the main factors leading to dandruff and poor scalp health.
‘Overgrowth is more common when people don’t wash their hair regularly or sweat more. “When there is an abundance of this yeast, it damages the top layer of the skin, causing dandruff,” she said.
‘Washing your hair regularly is the first step in preventing dandruff. If dandruff is already present, a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo may be necessary.’
How do diet and lifestyle affect hair health?
Several studies have shown that a poor diet has a negative impact on your hair.
Science links the consumption of high-sugar snacks to hair loss. In particular, worsening of the hair loss pattern (thinning at the top).
Ms Salinger said: ‘I recommend a healthy diet, with plenty of fruit and vegetables, which provides us with antioxidants – which can help prevent cellular damage.
‘Consuming more plants also gives us fiber, which acts as a prebiotic for our good gut bacteria. Essentially, it provides their fuel source, allowing the “good guys” to flourish.
‘The good bacteria in our digestive tract produce compounds that are beneficial to our health.
‘Additionally, a large part of our immune system is located in our gut, so a well-balanced microbiome supports our immune system to perform better, making us less likely to suffer from autoimmune hair loss or scalp problems.’
