Our hair is an important part of our lives – it’s an intrinsic part of how we see ourselves and how we want others to see us. From our first trip to the hairdressers as children to preparing to go out on a date, looking after our hair is woven into important milestones.
And like all parts of our bodies, haircare is very important, as there are a number of issues that can affect hair from time to time. From clips and other accessories to specialised hair treatments, the community can be our first port of call.
Most of the time, haircare is synonymous with shampoo, and there a huge array of shampoo products to choose from. The Alpecin brand has a range of products that includes Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo C1. It strengthens hair roots during washing and hair immediately has more grip and can be styled better without the use of softening silicones. Its unique formula contains caffeine, zinc, and niacin which support natural hair growth, and its effectiveness has been clinically proven.
Just For Men Control GX which gradually reduces greys by slowly bringing them back to their natural shade while also cleansing and conditioning hair. Another trusted product is L’Oreal Men Expert Men’s Hair Dye, which is mess free and specially developed for men’s hair.
The well-known Aussie line of shampoos includes a dry hair shampoo infused with Australian Macadamia Nut Oil which promises to moisturise and hydrate locks. The brand’s Gentle Clean Shampoo nourishes frazzled hair and is infused with authentic Blue Mountain eucalyptus extract. Aveeno also has a range of products for dry and damaged hair. Made with colloidal oats and wholesome, botanical ingredients, Aveeno Daily Moisture+ Oat Milk Shampoo gently cleanses and nourishes dry and damaged hair, while also respecting the scalp balance. TRESemme Pro Collection Keratin Smooth Shampoo is also designed for damaged hair and helps achieve a soft and shiny finish.
Another product is E45 Dry Scalp Shampoo. This gently cleanses and provides effective relief for scalps that are dry, itchy, and flaky, or with dandruff. Dry scalp occurs when hair is stripped of its natural oils, whereas dandruff is the result of fungal or bacterial infections. Both have similar symptoms including itchy skin and white flakes, and the Dry Scalp Shampoo provides gentle and effective cleansing for both.
As well as numerous trusted shampoo brands suitable for adults and adolescents, there are also products designed specifically for children and babies. Johnson’s Baby Shampoo gently cleanses a baby’s fine hair and delicate scalp, leaving hair soft, shiny, manageable, and clean while maintaining a fresh smell. It is pediatrician- and dermatologist-tested, and hypoallergenic. Its No More Tears formula contains no parabens, phthalates, sulfates, or dyes.
As well as our scalps, haircare extends to beard and moustache care, for which there are plenty of products also available from the local pharmacy. The L’Oreal Men Expert Barber Club range offers products for the daily care of a beard and other facial hair.
Another famous grooming product is Brylcreem Hair Gel. One of its products, Brylcreem Strong Hair Gel, gives hair strength and durability with a dependable, flake-free hold that lasts up to 24 hours.
DAX is another well-known brand, which has a range of hair care products. One of these is DAX Short and Neat, which is great for all hair types although, as the name suggests, it works best if used on short to medium-length hair. It contains coconut oil, an excellent conditioner that helps with hair growth and adds shine, castor oil, which contains Omega-9 fatty acids to nourish hair and prevent dryness, and mineral oil which helps minimise frizz and enhance curl.
Dandruff
One of the most common haircare issues is dandruff, something that can affect all of us at one time or another. Dandruff, which can be caused by a range of conditions, occurs when white or grey flakes of skin appear on the scalp and in the hair. These flakes are often more noticeable in people with darker hair and if they fall onto the shoulders.
Dandruff can be accompanied by itching, redness, and dry scalp. It can be caused by a number of different conditions including seborrheic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. It can also be caused by hormonal changes such as puberty. Stress and cold weather may make dandruff worse in some cases. While it is a common problem, dandruff can be very distressing – but there are a range of products which can help treat it.
One of the best known and most trusted brands is Nizoral. Its anti-dandruff shampoo treats dandruff and its symptoms such as dry, flaky, red, or itchy scalp. Nizoral with ketoconazole effectively combats the fungus that can cause dandruff and is clinically proven to control itching and flaking.
Nizoral is gentle on the scalp, is dermatologically tested, fragrance-free, and suitable for all hair types. For the first two to four weeks, people are directed to use it every three or four days to clear dandruff. Once the dandruff has been treated, it is recommended to use Nizoral once every week or once every two weeks to prevent dandruff from coming back. It is fragrance-free and suitable for all hair types and suitable for adults and adolescents aged over 12.
There is also Vichy Dercos Anti Dandruff Shampoo for Dry Hair from Vichy Laboratories. This is a shampoo that acts against dandruff while providing care to dry hair. It acts on visible dandruff from the first use while having a six-week anti-relapse action for long-lasting dandruff control and comfort. It eliminates up to 100 per cent of visible flakes from the first wash, leaving hair feeling cleansed and purified. It is approved by the Skin Health Alliance and recommended by dermatologists.
Head & Shoulders is one of the best known anti-dandruff shampoo brands available. The shampoo treats dandruff while also tackling flakes, itching, and dryness. Among its range is Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength anti-dandruff shampoos, Head & Shoulders Cooling Itch Rescue Shampoo and Head & Shoulders Advanced Oil Control Shampoo. They are powered by 1 per cent selenium sulphide for maximum dandruff protection that breaks the cycle of stubborn flakes. They are gentle enough for daily use without irritation, dermatologically tested, and clinically proven for healthier, cleaner hair.
The Alpecin Double-Effect Caffeine Shampoo, with its combination of salicylic acid and piroctone olamine, gently removes oily dandruff and effectively relieves scalp itch. Another product from the range, Alpecin Hybrid Caffeine Shampoo, gently relieves the scalp from oily dandruff. With its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant properties, it promotes a healthy scalp and prevents the formation of new dandruff. It also helps hair growth phases and stimulates hair growth.
Alpecin Dandruff Killer Shampoo kills dandruff and keeps the scalp healthy. With its four active ingredients: Allantoin, fumaric acid, panthenol, and piroctone olamine, it effectively removes and prevents dandruff. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated over several years of scientific research and in numerous clinical studies.
Head lice
Like dandruff, head lice are a very common problem, and every parent and guardian is familiar with frequent outbreaks in schools. It is estimated that one in 10 children can get head lice at any one time, with 80 per cent of incidents occurring in children between the ages of four and 16. Head lice are wingless insects that live on the scalp and feed on its blood. Lice spread when heads come into contact so sleepovers, after-school activities, playing with friends, and visiting family are often the most common places for children to pick them up and pass them on.
Fortunately, there are a number of over-the-counter products, such as nit combs and many shampoo products, to treat head lice.
One of the best known brands, Hedrin, has a range of products to help treat head lice. Hedrin Once is a fast-acting solution that takes just 15 minutes to work. It has a thicker gel formulation which contains penetrol to aid the penetration of the louse egg. It is fast acting to shorten treatment time and clinically proven to kill head lice and eggs with just one application. Other products include Hedrin Protect & Go, which disrupts the life cycle of head lice, thereby preventing an infestation. It is a water-based conditioner which is easy to use and can be applied to wet or dry hair after shampooing. It is recommended to apply it after every hair wash or at least twice a week.
Another trusted and popular product is Lyclear Head Lice Shampoo. It is a tested and effective head lice treatment. The dual-action formula suffocates and dehydrates both the head lice and eggs. Lice cannot develop resistance to the shampoo and it does not contain insecticides. The pack contains 200ml shampoo and a comb. It is used on dry hair and then after 10 minutes, water should be added to the hair, and the product is worked into a foam, before washing and rinsing the hair thoroughly. The nit comb should be used again on wet hair to remove any remaining lice and the treatment should be repeated after seven days.
There is also Full Marks Head Lice Solution. It has been specially formulated to kill head lice and eggs in just five minutes. The powerful and effective formula contains no traditional pesticides and is effective after just one treatment.
As well as shampoos, there are a number of nit combs, which are essential in helping to tackle head lice. The Nitty Gritty NitFree comb was designed by a group of mothers who no longer wanted to use chemicals to remove head lice. The comb has 33 round-tipped teeth which comb through hair very easily while their micro-spiral grooves gently remove anything that’s attached to the hair such as lice, nits, and even un-hatched ‘live’ louse eggs. It is suitable for adults and children.
Hair loss
Hair loss is something that can affect many people, both men and women. While it often runs in the family, it can also be caused by illness, cancer treatment, stress, weight loss, and iron deficiency.
There is a range of products available from the Nourkrin range to help tackle hair loss. Nourkin is a clinically proven proteoglycan replacement therapy formulated to stop hair loss and promote hair growth in women and men.
Nourkrin Woman is scientifically formulated to help restore and maintain a normal hair growth cycle, which supports normal, healthy hair growth. Up to 60 per cent of women will experience a hair growth disruption at some stage in their lives. The hair growth cycle can be disrupted by many factors, for example, stress, genetics, hormones, childbirth, medicine, health, diabetes, poor nutrition, hyperthyroidism, cholesterol, hypertension, hairstyling, and others. Utilising a proteoglycan replacement therapy, which is rich in specific hair growth-regulating proteoglycans, the hair follicles can be induced to begin a new hair growth cycle. As well as this product, there is also Nourkrin Man, Nourkrin Maintain, and Nourkrin Liquids.
Regaine For Men Foam works by increasing the blood supply to the hair follicles, which helps to strengthen existing hair and stimulate secondary hair growth. The easy-to-use foam takes very little time to apply, making it easy to fit into your daily grooming routine. It helps to strengthen existing hair and stimulate secondary hair growth, and results may be noticeable in just eight weeks.
Viviscal Men’s supplements also help to support normal healthy hair growth. They are scientifically formulated with the important nutrient zinc and the proprietary marine protein complex AminoMar C.
Another product is Bioxsine Hair Loss Herbal Shampoo, created for men and women experiencing hair loss. It maintains existing hair growth and encourages new hair growth. The special ingredient biocomplex B11 helps reduce hair loss, as well as thickening and strengthening hair. It also reinforces active hair follicles when used regularly.
