THE sheer number of shampoos, hair masks and supplements that promise to help your hair grow can be overwhelming.
And if you’re suffering from hair loss then picking the right item that doesn’t break the bank can be a struggle.
A 20-second trick in the shower can improve the condition of your hair[/caption]
But one hair expert has revealed her top trick for improving your hair’s health that won’t cost you a penny.
In fact, it will actually save you money in the long run.
Maria Mukaranda, beauty editor at Cosmetify, said the temperature you set the water at in the shower can be just as important as the products you rinse your hair with.
She said: “Rinsing your hair with cold water at the end of your shower may sound unpleasant, but it’s one of the most cost-effective and efficient ways to improve the health and appearance of your hair.
“The cold water helps to avoid striping the hair of natural oils, in turn keeping your hair hydrated and nourished.
“Switch the water to cold for the last 20 to 60 seconds of your shower.
“Not only will your hair look gorgeous, but you’ll also feel energised and ready to take on the day!”
The money this could save on your energy bills is a bonus too.
Maria’s cold water hack isn’t the only way she’s proved you don’t need to spend a fortune to have incredible hair.
She insisted: “While it’s great to treat yourself from time to time, a high price tag doesn’t always mean a better product.
“More affordable brands often harbour similar ingredients and benefits, and there are a great deal of DIY hair hacks you can perform at that offer incredible results.”
Here, Maria reveals her four other tips for shiny, healthy locks…
Read the ingredients
“By mastering the art of reading the ingredients of haircare, you can decipher good products from bad ones and expertly select products that cater to your needs”, Maria says.
“Even luxurious, high-end brands are prone to having questionable ingredients, so this is an important step regardless of the product’s price tag!”
Maria listed the ingredients that work best for the most common haircare needs:
Hydration: “If your hair is dry, keep an eye out for glycerin, shea butter, coconut oil, argan oil, and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients will keep your hair moisturised and prevent breakage.”
Volume: “If you’re aiming for volume, ingredients like caffeine and aloe vera work great. Caffeine can help thicken the hair, and aloe vera can promote scalp health, which in turn boosts volume.”
Hair growth: “For longer, stronger hair, look for coconut oil, biotin, argan oil, and rosemary oil in your haircare products. These ingredients nourish the scalp and encourage healthy hair growth.”
Maria also mentioned the ingredients that consumers should consider avoiding:
Silicone: “Silicones can cause product build-up, leading to breakage and blocking nutrients from reaching the hair follicles. Check for terms like ‘dimethicone’ on your product labels, as this is one of the most common forms of silicone used in haircare.”
Sulphates: “Sulphates, often listed as ‘sodium lauryl sulphate’ or ‘sodium laureth sulphate’, can dry out your hair and irritate the scalp. They also strip away natural oils and can cause coloured hair to fade more quickly.”
Parabens: “Parabens are regularly used as preservatives in beauty products, but they’ve been linked to scalp irritation and potential hormone disruption. Avoid ingredients ending in ‘-paraben’, such as methylparaben and propylparaben.”
“Some stand-out, affordable brands that offer products with hair-loving ingredients include Shea Moisture, Maui Moisture, and OGX.”
Prioritise scalp health
Maria revealed that while many people focus on hair health they often overlook the importance of scalp care, which is actually one of the most critical factors in achieving strong, healthy hair.
She says: “Regular exfoliation of the scalp using a scrub or DIY solution—such as sugar mixed with olive oil—can effectively remove product build-up, excess oil, and dead skin.
“This not only promotes better hair growth but also helps your hair absorb the nutrients from your haircare products more efficiently.
Everything you need to know about hair loss
Marie Nieuwoudt, a Group Education Manager at CLOUD NINE told Fabulous everything you need to know regarding hair loss.
What are the common causes of hair loss?
Marie explained: “There are so many reasons why someone may face hair loss.
“The number one reason is usually hormonal changes or underlying health conditions (like thyroid conditions), and stress of
course also plays a big part in changes to your hair health.
“But another very common day-to-day cause is excessive damage to your hair created by mistakes in your styling routines – and this a
big one to be aware of for people who are regularly applying heat to their hair!
“It’s important to know the right temperature for your hair type when using styling tools, as this is essential in reducing unintentional heat damage.
“I also see a lot of people facing hair loss resulting from hereditary conditions, which are passed down from generation to generation.”
What are the best hairstyles people should try to reduce their hair loss?
According to Marie: “Less is more when it comes to hair loss! It’s important to be gentle with your hair, so a low-maintenance style that limits pulling on your scalp will be your best option.
“Putting your hair up in a tight ponytail or adding hair clips can cause stress points at the roots.
“Instead, try leaving your hair down, or out.
“You’re not limited in your options, but it pays to be intentional with your hair styling. Using tools which limit damage to your hair is vital.
“Discussing your concerns with a hairdresser or hair loss specialist is also a great way to find styles that suit your specific needs, whilst still making sure you look and feel your best.”
How long does it take for hair loss to stop?
If you’re itching to know when your hair will grow back, Marie confirmed: “Hair loss is a personal journey – and it’s different for everyone, so it’s very difficult to put exact timings on this process.
“Every head of hair is unique, and so too is your hair loss experience.
“As always, you can speak to a professional hairdresser or trichologist about your specific concerns and hair changes, and they’ll be able to help you manage those expectations.
“I can’t emphasise enough how important it is to be kind to your hair. Most people treat their hair quite roughly, and this is something you definitely want to avoid when dealing with hair loss in particular.
“Make sure you’re choosing products and styling routines that you know are good for your hair, rather than causing additional damage.”
“For an even more cost-effective approach, consider purchasing a reusable scalp massaging tool. Brands like Brushworks offer these for less than £5, providing a more sustainable and affordable way to maintain scalp health.
“Simply use it to massage your shampoo into your scalp while in the shower, and you’ll be well on your way to salon-quality hair!”
Use natural oil treatments
“Hair oils are one of the best ways to enhance your hair’s shine and strength”, insists Maria.
And natural oils like coconut oil, argan oil, and castor oil are both affordable and highly effective.
These oils can also be easily incorporated into your routine to nourish and hydrate your hair.
Maria says: “After washing, apply a small amount to the ends of your hair to smooth frizz and hydrate dry ends.
“Alternatively, you can use these oils as a pre-shampoo treatment or even leave them in overnight for a deeper conditioning effect.”
Invest in a silk pillowcase
Maria says: “If you tend to toss and turn while you sleep, your hair could be suffering from damage caused by friction against your pillowcase.
“While a silk pillowcase might feel like a splurge at first, it can actually save you money in the long run by reducing the need for reparative haircare products.
“The smooth texture of silk reduces friction, helping to prevent breakage and frizz. With less wear and tear on your hair, you can cut back on heat styling and product usage.”
