Struggling with “central heating hair”? We asked Kate Moss’ favourite hairstylist how to fix it …
First we’re caught in the rain, then we come inside to an overheated space that dries out both our skin and hair. It can be a constant roundabout of flat to frizzy hair. Who better to consult than legendary hair supremo Sam McKnight MBE, the genius behind countless catwalk shows, red carpets, Vogue covers and Kate Moss’ bedhead hair magic over the past four decades, as well as founder of his own-name haircare line.
“Central heating effectively creates a dry environment around you through heat. This dry air pulls moisture from your hair, scalp and skin. To combat this, you need to keep your hair and scalp hydrated to counteract the drying effects, and keep topping up hydration regularly. It’s not a one-fix thing: it’s about regular hydration and moisture, and there are many ways to deliver hydration to hair.
People forget your scalp is skin – it’s the foundation for healthy hair. A good scalp treatment helps to promote a healthy microbiome, rebalance oil production, soothe irritation and nourish, leaving the scalp able to take in nutrients.
Use a scalp oil and work it into the scalp with a massage motion to encourage blood flow/circulation, oxygenating the follicles which can encourage healthier, more resilient hair growth. Think of it like skincare for your head – you wouldn’t ignore your face, so why neglect your scalp? Scalp treatments are an investment for great hair.
Treat Your Scalp
Everyone could use a scalp treatment, whether you have issues you might want to address such as a tight, itchy, irritated scalp or even if there’s nothing that you notice but you just want to maintain its optimum condition. Your scalp, like your hair, can be affected by external factors such as environment, product buildup, lifestyle – so it’s worth investing in a regular treatment. It’s always a great way to gently clarify your scalp and remove buildup too, which for most people is part of daily life. Just like a facial, regular scalp care can keep everything in balance before issues crop up, and help to restore it back to its healthiest state.
For anything scalp-related, I always look for it to be certified Kind To Biome. That includes shampoos too! Your scalp microbiome, just like your gut microbiome, is essential to a healthy scalp. It means that a product is not going to damage the skin barrier and upset the balance which can lead to irritation, inflammation and essentially inhibit healthy hair growth.
Your first step is haircare – a scalp oil that nourishes and promotes a healthy microbiome is essential. The Sam McKnight Pure Genius Scalp Oil is a pre-wash scalp treatment that you can use regularly to nourish, soothe and clarify the scalp. Apply to the scalp for ten minutes before washing your hair.
Your first step is haircare – a scalp oil that nourishes and promotes a healthy microbiome is essential. The Sam McKnight Pure Genius Scalp Oil is a pre-wash scalp treatment that you can use regularly to nourish, soothe and clarify the scalp. Apply to the scalp for ten minutes before washing your hair.
A rich shampoo and conditioner for regular cleansing such as our Rich Cleanse and Rich Nourish are the perfect winter pair, giving shine, softness and manageability, and preventing frizz, fluff and static. Finally, a regular treatment such as Deeper Love 5-Minute Intense Treatment Mask deeply hydrates and rebuilds bonds, ensuring hair is ten times stronger in six uses.
Smoother Styling
Your styling routine will also ensure your hair looks healthy by giving moisture, boosting shine and styling hold, so your hair lasts longer. My favourites include Happy Endings Nourishing Balm which deeply hydrates, smooths flyaways, adds shine and tames frizz or static. Love Me Do Nourishing Shine Oil is a lightweight oil to smooth cuticles and frizz or flyaways (it helps with static by reducing friction). And Save The Do Blow Dry Style Starter is a protective spray to preserve moisture during heat styling which keeps hair smoother and less prone to static.
For some, changing up your haircare for more moisture and hydration is essential, particularly if your hair is naturally dry, coloured, static, frizzy and fluffy. These easy changes can improve manageability and ensure you aren’t fighting your hair in the winter months.
Hair by Sam McKnight, from €14.95, is available at stockists nationwide, including Arnotts, Marks & Spencer and Space NK, and online at www.sammcknight.com.
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