Ask The Expert: Choosing the right shampoo, and other hair-y problems explained

Regular hair treatments will make your hair healthy and shiny. Photos: Kevin Murphy

Ask The Expert is a monthly column to answer your questions on topics related to fashion and beauty.

This month, Australian haircare brand Kevin Murphy answered the questions.

Does using hair conditioner make your scalp oily? – Liza, Petaling Jaya

Silicone based conditioner will actually cause a build up of substance, making hair and scalp oily. This will eventually weigh down hair. Choosing the right homecare products and following a routine are important.

Take some time to discover which products best fits your daily needs, scalp and hair care. Look for silicone free haircare which will not clog the scalp and pores.

How do I prevent hair loss caused by ageing? – Allen, Kota Damansara

To prevent hair loss by ageing, try using scalp tonic. It can help the hair growth cycle and strengthen the hair root and follicle. Tonic can regulate the right growing pH too.

Besides the right products, a healthier lifestyle is also important.

Read more: Ask The Expert: How to use makeup primers, and other beauty questions answered

My hairstylist says I need to do a hair treatment every few months. Is this true or a sales tactic? – Melissa, Bangsar

Environmental pollutants, free radical, hair services and hormonal issues will cause a change in hair condition every month.

As such, a deep rejuvenating treatment is necessary to maintain healthy hair, so a recommendation for regular hair treatments is not a sales tactic.

Hair treatments help restore and strengthen hair, and a deep conditioning masque helps hydrate excessive dryness and dullness in hair.

Using the right products for your hair is important as it can help rejuvenate hair or address hair issues. Photo: Kevin Murphy

Do hair thickening shampoos work? – Lilian Teh, Kuala Lumpur

Yes, look for products that has tripeptide to strengthen and densify thin and fragile hair.

Rice amino acids also help in strengthening and expanding the diameter of the hair shaft and thickening it instantly.

Immortelle flower and Baobab extracts work to retain moisture and elasticity.

Is there any kind of tonic or treatment I can do to slow down greying hair? – Rebecca, Damansara Utama

Hair ageing can come from different aspects. The strengthening and rejuvenation of hair can be slowed down by factors such as hormones, biochemicals, genetics, and the environment.

The lifespan of a hair cycle can last up to seven years and when hair reaches its peak, it is normal for it to fall out.

After the hair falls out, the regrowth phase takes over.

As we age, our body produces less nutrients and melanin to support our hair. This can lessen hair growth and follicles. We will slowly start losing hair while grey hair will appear regularly. And this is a normal cycle.

You can use hair treatments to stimulate and strengthen the roots of your hair.

Is purple shampoo really a thing? – Alisa, Taman Megah

Yes, purple shampoo can repair brassy or yellow tones. The right purple shampoo can provide a deep nourishing effect and protection towards colour treated hair as well as maintain the brilliance of blonde hair.

Read more: Do you use makeup products beyond their expiry date? It can be harmful

How often should you shampoo your hair? – Tania, Damansara

The general recommendation for hair wash or cleansing is two to three times a week but this depends on your hair.

Is your hair freshly coloured, chemically treated or colour free?

As Malaysia has a tropical climate, hair will get greasy and some people might need to wash it more.

It’s also not just about how often but also your haircare regime. The right selection of products is key to hair maintenance, so use products that can benefit both hair and scalp.

Do you have any questions on fashion and beauty? Email us with the subject heading Ask The Expert to [e-mail]. Please include your name, address, contact number and if you prefer, a pseudonym.