HAIR IS THICK, TEXTURED OR UNRULY

The three biggest mistakes you can make when choosing haircare?

According to session stylist and piiq digital founder Richard Kavanagh the first is reaching for a shampoo based on fragrance as opposed to what your hair type calls for. The second? As Richard puts it: ‘self-analysing’ your own hair problems (did someone say Doctor Google?) and scouring product labels for potential solutions. All without an accurate analysis or understanding of your hair type.

The final product no-no? Choosing your shampoo based on a friend’s recommendation. Worse yet… expecting the same results. “What your hair needs can vary drastically from your friends’ needs, and what works for them might not have the same effect for you,” says Richard. “Professional haircare should be prescribed by a professional, for your unique hair needs or concerns.”

Richards advice for choosing products to enhance natural curls or textured strands: “Generally speaking, curly hair needs more moisture as it tends to frizz,” he continues.

“The more moisture that is added to the hair, the more crisp and relaxed your curl will be.” As for your regime? Add a weakly treatment to your shampoo and conditioner bundle, and don’t be afraid of daily leave-ins. “Curly hair responds well to daily treatment. For thick, course hair choose a heavier, cream formula. For finer, or thinner textures, use a lightweight moisture product, like a light oil or (non-aerosol) spray.”

RHS: 1. Moroccanoil Curl Enhancing Shampoo, 2. Oribe Curl Gelée, 3. Amika Soulfood Nourishing Mask 4. Davroe Curl Creme Definer

HAIR IS DRY, DAMAGED OR PRONE TO BREAKAGE

Repairing damaged hair begins with a good care regime and as we now know, not all shampoos (or conditioners) were created equal.

The key to selecting the right formula? “Be informed and consult your hairdresser,” shares Edwards And Co. founder, Jaye Edwards.” A big part of your hairstylist’s job is to prescribe the right products and advise on how to use these correctly. So many people are choosing products that are not suitable for their hair type or concern and are wondering why they aren’t getting the results they’re after.”

“Your hairdresser will assess your needs and advise accordingly,” he continues. “Does your hair need repairing? Hydration? Volume? Damaged or coloured hair will generally need something repairing.” Jaye’s top picks for transforming dry, depleted strands into silky smooth lengths? “The Virtue Labs Recovery Shampoo and Conditioner are must-haves – as is the Virtue Labs Restorative Treatment Mask for once a week use.”

As for his staple strand saviour: “My all time favourite product is the new Virtue Labs Healing Oil – which has the highest concentrate of Alpha Keratin (to drastically increase moisture levels, strand thickness and hydration levels). This can go through wet, dry or whenever your hair needs a bit of something – it repairs your hair instantly!”

LHS: 1. Virtue Labs Recovery Shampoo, 2. Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, 3. Davroe MCT Treatment, 4. Virtue Labs Healing Oil

HAIR IS FINE, LIMP OR LACKING IN VOLUME

When not styled correctly, fine hair can very easily look sparse, dull or lifeless. With the right base however, your strands can go from zero to Blake Lively in next to no time at all.

The secret’s in the prep work. “So many clients don’t do their research nor do they consult their hairdresser,” shares celebrity hairstylist and self-confessed volume-lover, Marie Uva. “One of the biggest errors is using the same product category to address different problems. For example, oily roots will require a different shampoo type to coloured ends. It’s important to mix and match; to tailor your products for each of your specific concerns.”

Marie’s top tips for amplifying volume? Besides a good blow-dry (would you look at this woman’s hair!), “for those seeking more volume, a volumizing shampoo is an absolute must. My top picks are the Wella SP Volumize Shampoo and Mask – great for strengthening hair without weighing it down. I also love the entire I WANT BODY range from ELEVEN Australia; it’s perfect for creating body while retaining shine.”

LHS: 1. Wella SP Volumize Shampoo, 2. ELEVEN Australia I WANT BODY Volume Shampoo, 3. Davroe Senses Amplifying Shampoo, 4. evo gluttony volumising shampoo

HAIR IS LACKLUSTRE OR COLOUR TREATED

According to Monique McMahon, founder of Que Colour, the biggest mistake people make when choosing their haircare is, well, assuming they need more products than they actually do (looking at you, shower-hoarders). “Your home haircare regime should suit your lifestyle,” says Monique. “If you’re a wash-and-wear kind of girl, invest in a great shampoo and conditioner – with a simple leave-in moisturiser or oil.”

“Those with highly coloured hair should invest in a treatment to use in place of conditioner,” she continues. “Make sure you’re using a hairdryer with adjustable heat and always prepping with a heat protectant spray.” Monique’s top shampoo pick? “The Christophe Robin Cleansing Mask with Lemon is incredible for heavily bleached or freshly coloured hair – it’s detergent free and has an acidic PH which prevents the release of artificial pigments used in hair colour. It’s also deeply nourishing to the hair fibre.”

As for conditioner: “The Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask with Rare Prickly Pear Seed Oil is the Rolls Royce option here. This cult mask is deeply restorative and protective – with prickly pear seed oil and inula flower extract that work to intensify and protect hair colour, giving you a salon quality finish from your own shower!” Pro Tip: Use in place of conditioner (a little product goes a long way) to deeply nourish even the most damaged of strands.

RHS: 1. Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask with Rare Prickly Seed Oil, 2. Color Wow Color Security Shampoo, 3. Joico Defy Damage Protective Masque, 4. Matrix Biolage Color Last Conditioner

HAIR THINNING AND LOSS

While atypical hair loss (or thinning) may be symptomatic of other health or dietary issues (always consult your GP), there are a couple of simple measures you can take to help tackle the problem head on.

When it comes to hair growth shampoos and conditioners, there are two main factors to keep in mind: prevention and reversal; both of which may be vastly improved with the help of the right formulas – and a couple of key care rituals. “Under-washing, overuse of dry shampoos (or any other products that clog the scalp) and irregular haircuts are the key contributors to hair loss and thinning,” says co-owner & creative director of Headcase Hair, John Pulitano.

“While hair shedding is a natural part of the regeneration process (most people shed between 50 to 100 hairs a day), neglecting regular haircuts leads to increased or constant shedding, resulting in thinner hair over time,” says John. “Likewise it’s vital you wash your hair regularly and remember to clarify your scalp of excess dirt and residue. A great product for this is the Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt.”

As for shampoos? “Products should contain nourishing properties and ingredients that stimulate the hair follicle,” says John. “This is how hair growth shampoos work. Along with a good conditioner and treatments, daily leave-ins such as the Bondi Boost Intensive Growth Spray work to break down DHT levels (a major proponent of male and female pattern balding) and/or eliminate any barriers to blood, ultimately promoting more hair growth.”

RHS: 1. Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt, 2. Bondi Boost Hair Growth Shampoo, 3. Aveda Invati Advanced Scalp Revitalizer, 4. Bondi Boost Intensive Growth Spray 

SENSITIVE SCALP AND IRRITATION ISSUES

Do you suffer from dandruff, itchiness or scalp sensitivity? If the answer to any of these is yes, then it’s high time you looked into your haircare regimen.

Session stylist and founder of Koda Cutters Diane Gorgievski suggests popping into your local salon for a thorough scalp analysis. “We all have the ability to mis-diagnose ourselves and for so many this extends to haircare,” says Diane. “It’s vital to receive the right product prescription for your hair and scalp so as to maintain your locks in the long run. Every consultation should include a scalp analysis to address your specific concerns.”

“Oftentimes, sensitivity stems from sulphates or other irritants found in some shampoos, so the first step involves cutting out the nasties and gauging the difference. For those who need a more directed course of action, the next step is to target these concerns with a suitable product. One of my favourite shampoos for scalp sensitivity is the Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. Not only is it beautiful, but our clients who use it have great results.”

As is the case for hair loss and thinning, it’s vital you wash your hair regularly, add a scrub or clarifier to your weekly routine and (try t0) reduce products that will clog your scalp (*cough* dry shampoo). “Another top pick is Redken’s Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo,” continues Diane. “Not only is it affordable, but it also contains pyrithione zinc to help fight and control dandruff.”

LHS: 1. Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, 2. Urban Alchemy Opus Magnum Salt Scrub Cleanse 3. Kérastase Specifique Bain Prevention 4. KMS Head Recovery Anti-Dandruff Shampoo