It’s common to think that hair thinning is the domain of middle-aged men but in reality, it’s something that effects women of all ages and can be a major confidence-buster. In fact, Marianne Knutson, vice president of Global Marketing, Aveda, identifies that a huge forty-six percent of women globally are concerned with thinning hair, yet only a quarter of them act on it.
We sat down with one of Aveda’s Hair Educators Darna Fieldes (pictured below) to chat about some of the common causes of hair thinning, what’s considered a normal amount of hair loss, how we can restore our scalp and hair health, and more.
RESCU: What are some of the common causes of hair thinning and loss?
Darna Fieldes: Many men and women may notice a mild thinning of hair starting in their thirties and forties. Other times stress, nutritional changes, medication and hormonal changes like those in pregnancy puberty, and menopause may cause hair loss or thinning. Shampooing too frequently and chemical procedures such as perms, bleaching, and dyeing can contribute to overall hair thinning by making hair weak and brittle. Losing up to 100-150 hairs per day however, is normal.
RESCU: Is there anything we might be doing in our every day hair routine that is causing hair loss without us realizing?
Darna Fieldes: Not all forms of thinning hair are due to loss of the entire strand of hair. Certain hair appliances that use high heat to help style your hair can lead to damaged hair and breakage, which can look like baldness. These hot hair appliances cause the most damage to your hair when you use them on wet hair, since they actually boil the water in your hair shaft, leaving your hair brittle. Another factor to consider daily is your diet. When you don’t get the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that your body needs from your diet, it can cause your hair to fall out. Too little protein in your diet, for example, can damage healthy hair, and inhibit your body’s ability to build new hair follicles.
RESCU: For a long time we were focused on mending split ends but now the focus is on the scalp – can you tell us a little about why this is?
Darna Fieldes: Beautiful hair doesn’t come in a separate package; it goes hand in hand with a healthy scalp. A healthy scalp is like fertile soil, it’s the foundation for hair to grow and flourish. If you look after your scalp, you will have beautiful hair.
RESCU: What are some of the signs of an unhealthy scalp?
Darna Fieldes: Discomfort on your scalp such as chronic itching, a dry/tight feeling or burning sensation can be signs your scalp is unhealthy. Dandruff, flaking, grainy, greasy or gritty residues, sore spots, cysts or pimples are all signs your scalp may be in need of some nurturing.
RESCU: Tell us a little about how the Aveda Invati Shampoo exfoliates the scalp and keeps it healthy.
Darna Fieldes: Oil and sebum build up on the scalp and can harden over time causing a blocked hair follicle. A blackhead or pimple on your face, for example is hardened oil blocking a hair follicle. The same thing is happening on your scalp. Invati Shampoo cleanses, exfoliates and renews the scalp with wintergreen-derived salicylic acid. Clinically proven to remove the build-up of sebum and product residue that can clog pores and affect healthy hair. Nourishes dry, tight scalps with extracts from millet seed and milk thistle, equalising the lipid balance.
RESCU: What is unique about the Aveda Invati Conditioner?
Darna Fieldes: Invati Thickening Conditioner contains arginine derived from sugar beets and soy protein and is clinically proven to restore strength and improve hair elasticity and reduce breakage. It also thickens hair with a blend of guar, palm and grapeseed-derived ingredients. Organic kukui nut oil helps add natural shine.
RESCU: And how does the Aveda Invati Scalp Revitalizer work to encourage scalp health and hair growth?
Darna Fieldes: Invati Scalp Revitalizer helps energise and rehabilitate the scalp around the follicles when massaged in. A blend of vitamin E ingredients is proven to help accelerate microcirculation (blood flow) with therapeutic massage. This creates the optimum environment for healthy hair.
RESCU: Is there anyone the Aveda Invati three-step system is not suitable for? For example, breast feeding mums?
Darna Fieldes: The Invati System is 97% naturally derived and uses plant power instead of petro-chemicals making it safe for all hair and scalp types.
RESCU: Is there anything we can do while using the Aveda Invati three-step system to further encourage hair growth?
Darna Fieldes: Consistency is key. Use the scalp revitaliser twice a day to keep thinning away (pop it near your toothbrush so you don’t forget) and try giving your scalp a brush and invigorating massage with an Aveda paddle brush to further encourage product absorption and microcirculation.
Real Women Review Aveda Invati
Aveda Salon Exclusive Offers
The Aveda three-step system includes:
Aveda Invati Exfoliating Shampoo (RRP $49.95)
Aveda Invati Thickening Conditioner (RRP $49.95)
Aveda Invati Scalp Revitalizer (RRP $89.95)
For stockists call 1300 706 377 or visit www.aveda.com.au for more information
