Have these summer months been leaving your hair feeling dry and damaged? Are you at your “splits” end with how to get your hair back to looking and feeling its healthiest? Not to fear, we welcomed back Pantene’s Dr Gray who answered all your most pressing hair questions!

This is what he had to say:
“If your hair is falling out, you need to see a dermatologist. We lose about 50 – 80 hairs a day naturally – more than this and you may have a real problem. As far as washing your hair is concerned, you can as many times a day or week as you like – it has no ill effects”

“Dry scalp problems: First check that you do not have dandruff.  If Yes, use Head & Shoulders, otherwise it may be that your current shampoo is not right for you, use a moisturising conditioner from any of the Pantene range”

“Dry hair – whatever the cause, environmental to over processing, use a regular conditioner from the Pantene range and if necessary use an intensive repair masque once or twice a week””

“old myth – massaging the scalp does NOT prevent hair loss”

“Oily hair seems to be a major problem and is probably a combination of the environment as much as anything. Consider using the Aqua Light Shampoo as this has very light conditioning ingredients and may help”

“Fine hair in general is an issue in respect of volume. Creating lift, particularly from the root is time consuming and often needs lots of styling product. Start with Aqua Light shampoo and conditioner and consider using the intensive nourishing treatment.’

“Split ends are the final breakdown of the hair protein. Regular Intensive conditioning and sensible hair care practices are essential PLUS that regular trim every 6 weeks”

“All processing of hair results in a degree of damage. The greater the shade shift in bleaching, the more the damage. I can only repeat: Condition, condition , condition and in the final analysis – cut and start again!”

“Wash as often as you wish. Obviously a light shampoo with minimal condition is the right choice”

“Pantene does NOT coat the hair. This is an ancient and entirely incorrect statement.”

“Split ends are assisted temporarily by silicones and gum/oils. Keratin is not an ingredient that has any effect.”
“Children may use the light shampoos in the Pantene range – they don’t need conditioners to any extent since unlike mum, they don’t use bleaches!”

“Frizz is essentially due to dry hair with too strong an electrical charge . Dependant on your hair type, use the appropriate intensive conditioner on a regular basis to reduce this and consult with your stylist on your hair condition and any processing”

“Percentage of the adult population. Try Head & Shoulders – if that does not work , let your stylist check your hair and scalp to see if it is over processing. If no answer – see your dermatologist”

“See Pantene Website (www.pantene.co.za)  for Protect and Shine range. Shine is driven by natural healthy hair . Processed hair tends to be dull as the protective and reflective outer layer has been removed”

“Cutting hair has absolutely NO effect on hair growth rates. Hair grows at an overall head-rate of 6 feet an hour!”

“Condition, condition, condition and use the appropriate styling products which help to keep the hairs aligned”

“There is no evidence that general stress is damaging to hair growth”

“General point on supplements for hair growth. Very limited and controversial evidence that ANY of these supplements radically improve hair growth quality in normal healthy adults.”

“So called Brazilian keratin treatments have a down side as they inevitably cause damage to the hair proteins. There are many reports of excessive breakage despite the obvious aesthetic benefits”

“Normal hair loss is 50-80 hairs a day”

“Bad” Brazilain formulations pose(d) significant general safety issues for the operatives applying them. Most countries have now legislated them out”

“Nutrition and hair growth – very controversial. Very little scientific evidence to show that in normal adults with average diet that any particular food or supplement makes a noticeable difference”

“The hairs on a child start to come out around about 6 months but it actually takes several years before there is a full head of “mature” hairs.

“No evidence that a Vitamin C rinse is any better than any other.”

“For oily hair try regular use of the Pantene Aqua Light”

“Pantene Classic Clean has only minimal condition ingredients (to help prevent tangling) – this is your best option to remove the gunk”

“Beer and hair – the alcohol has some transient effect but do you want to smell like an advert for Castle!”
“What I have observed in SA is that environmental conditions on top of hair processing leads to wildly different hair results on a daily basis. Dry in the morning, humid by the afternoon and back to dry all play havoc with hairs ability to control moisture. Essential to stick to one range of products.”

“Nothing makes hair grow faster than mother nature. Your total monthly growth is around one kilometre”

“If you have highlights try the Repair&Protect range.”

These were all the answers to everyone’s questions regarding their hair concerns. Dr Gray saves the day once again and even leaves us with a sense of humour:

“Grey hair is genetically determined – as I have said before – choose your parents wisely – I did or I was just lucky!”

Thank you Dr Gray, you are simply fantastic!