TREATMENT and repair.
How many of us include these two important components in our haircare routine?
Gone are the days when a shampoo and wash were all you needed to keep hair looking healthy.
Just like skin, hair that is "stressed" from over use of chemical products, colouring or straightening, needs "rest and relaxation" to regain its vitality and this is where repair and treatment comes in.
The signs of unhealthy hair will always be noticeable, explains Brian Tu, director of i-Care Marketing Sdn Bhd.
One may suddenly realise that hair feels lank, lifeless, is prone to dryness and breakage, and lacks shine and vitality.
Treatment and repair should be part of a regular hair care routine, but choosing the right product is crucial, says Tu.
"Malaysian consumers today are increasingly discerning, seeking products that not only deliver results but also align with their values of authenticity and quality," he remarks.
START WITH A CLEAN SCALP
One of the common mistakes women (and men too) make is not rinsing their hair thoroughly during shampooing.
It's important to rinse clean, says Tu, at least for four minutes. Double cleansing is also recommended as the first wash only lifts surface dirt and grime. The second shampoo session targets the scalp, cleansing it thoroughly. Only then is the scalp ready for treatment products.
Tu advises leaving treatment products on the scalp for a few minutes to let the active ingredients do their work before rinsing off.
AT HOME CARE
Many consumers have less time to go to salons these days, which is why salon-style treatment products which can be used at home have become popular.
Tu says with regular treatment, hair "calms" down and becomes easier to manage and issues like frizz and dryness reduce.
"Treatments help replenish moisture to hair and when applying treatment products, it's best to wrap hair in a warm towel for 3-5 minutes before rinsing," he says.
Hair oils are also an essential product in many women's hair care routines, but it's important to choose oils that suit our hair type and address the root concerns of our hair issues.
Most hair oils today have a non-greasy texture and help smoothen and nourish hair too depending on their ingredients.
Tu says hair oils protect hair from external factors like heat, UV rays and dryness.
Ultimately, like skin, hair too needs tender loving care for it to flourish and look its best.
TREATMENT AND REPAIR TIPS
*Wash hair twice - once for surface cleansing and the second time to target the scalp. This helps prepare the scalp to receive treatment products.
*Using a hair mist before treatment can enhance the penetration and absorption of nutrients to hair.
*Use hair oil before blow drying to protect against heat damage to hair. Use it after drying to add shine to hair.
*Hair treatments should ideally be done once a week.
A NOURISHING EXPERIENCE
The Japanese are known for their meticulous approach to things and hair care is no different.
A Japanese hair treatment and repair range which addresses a spectrum of hair concerns is now available in Malaysia.
The products address the root causes of dryness, frizz and unmanageable hair by taking a natural approach.
Infused with an organic repair formula, Ahalo Butter for example, revitalises hair, restoring natural shine and vitality.
It has a unique blend of botanical oils and essential ceramides and this treatment nourishes and repairs damaged hair from within.
Addressing the root causes of hair damage, Ahalo Honey, meanwhile, has a comprehensive hydration solution to combat dryness, tangles and frizz, common problems for women living in the tropics where humidity wreaks havoc on hair.
Enriched with organic manuka honey, royal jelly and botanical extracts, this collection replenishes moisture and nutrients, restoring vibrancy to hair.
Fun Azum, meanwhile, developed by a team of haircare professionals, recreates the salon experience within the comfort of your home.
With its platinum ceramide formula and plant-based cleaning agents, this range promises salon-quality care for hair.
For a solution to those awful "bed head" days, Theratis by Mixim offers a night care solution. The night repair shampoo and hair treatment, provide a soothing experience for hair.
The flagship hair care collection is available at Guardian.
MEANINGFUL COLLABORATION
Mercure Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie recently held the Tee Weave and Tress Treat Creative Bonding Workshop at its Urban@13 Rooftop Bar.
The workshop, curated in collaboration with artist Nini Marini and i-Care Marketing, aimed to provide a platform for mothers and daughters to bond over creative activities.
The weaving workshop saw a slight departure from traditional weaving as t-shirt yarn was used to craft projects as its an alternate but more sustainable material.
In addition to the weaving workshop, participants were treated to a haircare workshop by i-Care Marketing, featuring a collection of treatment and repair products.
The workshop showcased tips on treating tresses with live demonstrations of hair care and styling using organic and plant-based ingredients.
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