Ask The Expert: Keeping your scalp healthy, and other haircare doubts clarified

To manage frizzy hair, use smoothing and hydrating shampoo and conditioner. Photo: 123rf

Ask The Expert is a monthly column to answer your questions on topics related to fashion and beauty. Joon Haircare founders Shiva and Kayvon Tavakoli replied to the questions this month.

If one has dandruff or a sensitive scalp, what are the haircare ingredients to avoid? – Sofiya, Kuching

It’s best to avoid any ingredients that can be overly drying or irritating to the scalp. Sulfates can completely strip the hair and scalp of natural oils, causing dryness and irritation. Alcohol and fragrances can also be very irritating to some sensitive scalps.

Also, there are some ingredients that have long been used to treat dandruff but may irritate the scalp; ingredients such as coal tar, salicylic acid and zinc pyrithione can be harsh on the most sensitive scalps.

Is regular oiling recommended for hair? – Nadine, Kuala Lumpur

Most people would benefit from regular hair oiling. Hair oiling can moisturise the hair and scalp. It can smooth, soften, detangle, and add shine to your hair. In essence, it forms a barrier from the environment, which protects hair from damage.

If you use a hair oil on the scalp, it can even help with hair growth by nourishing hair follicles and improving blood circulation. Of course, not every hair oil may work for everyone so you need to assess what your hair goals are, what hair type and scalp condition you have before you decide on an oil.

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

Shiva says when it comes to dandruff or a sensitive scalp, it’s best to avoid any ingredients that can be overly drying or irritating to the scalp. Photo: Instagram/Joon Haircare

Which oils are best for scalps? – Diana, Kuching

There are a number of great oils that have different benefits for the scalp. Tea tree oil, for example, helps control oil production and has antimicrobial properties that combat buildup, itchiness or dandruff. It is a great oil to reduce scalp inflammation.

Olive oil is gentle and moisturises the scalp and hair. It also contains antioxidants and fatty acids which promote scalp health.

Castor oil promotes healthy hair growth by nourishing dry hair and strengthening hair follicles.

Peppermint oil soothes scalp itchiness and irritation. It also stimulates blood circulation to the scalp as well as regulate sebum production, making it very suitable for those who have oily scalps.

What are the best products to use to manage frizzy hair? – Pushpa, Kuala Lumpur

Managing frizzy hair really begins in the shower. A smoothing and hydrating shampoo and conditioner will reduce frizz and hydrate the hair. Use products that are free of sulfate, which can strip natural oils from the hair, leading to frizzy hair.

After showering, use a hair oil which will lock in moisture and provide a protective barrier against humidity, thereby reducing frizz.

A leave-in conditioner also helps seal the hair cuticles, providing hydration and smoothness to the hair.

How can you tell if a product is cruelty free, what sort of research should one do before buying a product? – Sara, Kuala Lumpur

There are several ways to check. Some brands will mention they are cruelty-free on their website or may have logos or certifications from reputable organisations such as Peta or Leaping Bunny on their website and/or packaging.

There are also databases that provide a list of cruelty-free brands.

Lastly, keep in mind that some brands may claim to be cruelty-free but their parent company may still conduct testing on animals. So, you may need to research the parent company to make sure that the entire company, in fact, is cruelty-free.

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Is it bad to blow dry your hair every day? – Jessie, Petaling Jaya

It is not good to blow dry your hair daily. Excessive exposure to heat daily strips the hair of its natural oils which will lead to dry hair and eventually even split ends and breakage.

Using a product with heat protection can minimise the damage significantly by creating a barrier but no product can fully protect against daily blow drying.

If you need to blow dry your hair every day, it’s best to use the low or medium heat setting and to hold the blow dryer at least six inches away to reduce heat damage. Use a product with heat protection and have a deep conditioning hair routine to restore moisture to your hair.

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.