We've separated fact from fiction so that you don't have to!
MYTH #1: SHAMPOO BARS ARE INFERIOR TO LIQUID SHAMPOO
FACT: Shampoo bars are a natural and sustainable alternative to traditional liquid shampoos that come in plastic bottles. They are made from a combination of natural ingredients, such as essential oils and plant-based oils, that are gentle on the hair and the environment. With a variety of options available, there is a shampoo bar that is suitable for every hair type, from curly to straight, thin to thick, and colour-treated to natural. For travelling, they are lightweight and there is no need to worry about liquid restrictions or leaking.
Nourish & Restore Shampoo Bar, R190 - Damp
MYTH #2: CONDITIONER IS NOT NECESSARY WITH EVERY WASH
FACT: A conditioner is essential in any hair care routine. It is specifically formulated to put moisture back into your hair after it has been washed with a shampoo. It can also contribute to detangling, damage repair, frizz-fighting and strengthening the hair shaft so that it can take on environmental wear and tear.
As with Shampoo, mentioned above, a Conditioner Bar is just as good (if not better) than regular conditioner.
Moisture & Shine Conditioner Bar, R190 - Damp
MYTH #3: HAIR OIL CAN’T BE USED ON OILY HAIR
FACT: Contrary to common opinion, there is an oil for every hair type and texture; this includes those with naturally oily hair. In fact, there are many hair oils that will actually leave scalp healthier and producing less natural sebum than before. Natural oils provide several advantages for your oily scalp and hair, from enhancing shine to resolving dandruff and hair fall-related problems. The solution is not to avoid hair oils, but rather to know which ones are suitable for oily hair.
Lightweight oils with anti-bacterial properties, such as rosemary essential oil and lavender essential oil, are most ideal. Luamu's Hair Treatment contains both of these, as well as South African prickly pear oil which is suitable for oily hair as the antioxidants in the oil stimulate collagen and keep the scalp healthy.
Black Seed Hair Treatment, R169 - Luamu
MYTH #4: TO BE EFFECTIVE, HAIR OIL MUST BE WORN OVERNIGHT
FACT: Leaving hair oil in overnight and washing it out the next day is not more effective than applying oil to the hair a few hours prior to washing. In fact, most of the time, applying oil to hair for 15 to 30 minutes is more than enough time to benefit from the oil's goodness. When oil is kept in hair for more than a few hours, it tends to start attracting dust and dirt. It can clog your follicles and it also mixes with your scalp’s natural oils. With added dirt, not only will it be harder to wash out, but the extra shampoo needed might further dry out the hair.
Try applying Mare & Itis Hair Oil and covering with a bonnet for a few hours before washing it out. This allows the strands to soak up all that moisturising goodness, as well as guards your locks from attracting dirt. If you are short on time, do a quick at-home treatment by mixing a few drops of oil with your conditioner and leaving in your hair for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing off.
Hair Oil, R265 - Mare & Itis
MYTH #5: SPLIT ENDS CAN BE REPAIRED
FACT: Unfortunately, once hair has split, it has split. The only solution, ultimately, is to trim the ends off. Although there is no way to repair split ends, you can make the damage less noticeable and even temporarily prevent it from getting worse. This can be done by applying an oil or moisturising product to the ends of the hair. These types of products not only add shine but also smooth the hair, which helps conceal split ends.
While the Nourishing Face Oil by Lotus Breath has actually been formulated as skincare, we couldn't help but notice the glorious ingredient list which is filled with natural oils that would also be effective and beneficial to hair too. But these benefits extend further than just smoothing of hair. Think: hair growth, strength, shine, protection from the elements, cleansing, follicle stimulation and so much more!
Nourishing Face Oil, R235 - Lotus Breath
MYTH #6: AIR DRYING HAIR IS BETTER THAN TOWEL DRYING OR HEAT DRYING
FACT: A study comparing blow-dried hair to naturally air-dried hair found that blow-drying causes more damage to the hair’s external structure, but air-drying causes damage deeper within each strand. When hair is saturated with water for an extended period of time, it swells from within, causing severe damage internally. Therefore naturally air-drying your hair is not the best choice either. And then, if using a towel, the dry and coarse texture of the towel may cause harm to the hair too!
Our solution is to actually do a combination of the above, with the non-negotiable being a good quality, pure cotton towel. After gently squeezing the excess water out with your hands, you will pat your hair dry with your soft towel. To ensure minimal damage to the hair shaft, do not forcefully squeeze or wring out your hair. Twist and wrap your hair up in the towel and leave it to partially dry for at least 15 minutes. Now you can use the hair dryer on medium heat to finish it off. Keeping your arm fully extended, be sure you are moving the dryer to new spots to prevent damage. In our opinion, the best towels to do this with is one made from Turkish cotton.
Turkish Hand Towels, from R169 - Le Comfie
MYTH #7: THE SCALP IS PROTECTED FROM THE SUN
FACT: The sun’s rays can do just as much damage to the scalp as it can to your skin. Not only does the scalp need protection from harmful UV rays, but so does our hair. The sun’s rays can dry out our hair and cause it to become damaged and frizzy. The fastest and most effective way to protect the scalp from damage is to wear a hat. Unfortunately, a hat may be easy, but it may not always be practical. You may (or may not) be surprised to hear that spraying SPF on to hair and scalp is a brilliant solution too.
If you do not have a spray application SPF, you can make your own DIY SPF at home. Simply dilute 2 teaspoons of sunscreen (SPF 25 or higher) with 1 cup of water. You can add a few drops of rosemary essential oil for a subtle scent. Transfer this to a spray bottle and use it before stepping out the house.
SPF40 Everyday Sunscreen, R591.74 - CF Suncare
MYTH #8: WEARING HATS LEADS TO HAIR LOSS
FACT: Wearing hats frequently and for long periods doesn't accelerate hair loss. However, very tight hats can trap oils at your hair's roots and leave the ends dry. When hair gets greasy, the circulation of oxygen to your follicles may be obstructed and dirt and bacteria may build up, potentially causing hair to fall out. The lesson? Wear a hat that fits properly. A hat does way more good than bad! They protect your head from the elements. They keep you warm in the winter and help protect your skin and scalp from the sun's UV rays in the summer.
Mix fashion and function to protect your locks in style.
Casa Raffia Bucket Hat, R490 - Summah
So what do you say? Are you ready to switch out that liquid shampoo for a Damp hair bar?
Which hair care tips will you be taking on board?
All my love,
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