If the saying, 'hair doesn't make the women, but good hair definitely helps,' resonates with you, editor Trudi Brewer says KeepItAnchored may be a game-changer for your mane.
Image @leahbaines_mua
Fact: One in three of us suffer from hair shedding or volume loss at some point over our lifetime. This is not just the 80 strands a day, that most of us naturally shed daily as we age, hair loss can be dramatic and heartbreaking. And guess what excessive hair thinning is an issue for so many women. To understand what is going on with your hair length and volume, here is a quick science lesson: Every hair follicle on our scalp is a miniature organ, which follows a rhythmic cycle of growth, (anagen), regression, (catagen), and a rest (telogen) phase and that is normal. However, one US-based hair scientist Dr Jeni Thomas, PhD and co-founder of a new hair brand KeepItAnchored believes reducing scalp oxidative stress could mean less hair shedding, which leads to fuller-looking hair for life. Read on to find out how this range could work for you.
“Oxidative stress contributes to accelerated ageing, once the scalp is compromised, it can weaken the hold it has on the roots of the hair. ”
What are the most common reasons hair starts to thin and shed?
The most common reason that impacts everyone is scalp oxidative stress. It’s caused by free radicals, which come from UV exposure, pollution, an unhealthy scalp, and stress. Oxidative stress contributes to accelerated ageing, once the scalp is compromised, it can weaken the hold it has on the roots of the hair. A stressed scalp will shed hair prematurely, which shows up as more hair in the brush or in the shower drain. The most common beliefs among New Zealanders regarding hair loss is genetics, ageing, and stressful life moments (such as having a child, the breakup of a serious relationship, and starting a new job), there is also published research on the connection between smoking and hair loss, even suggesting it can be caused by second-hand smoke. While these can all lead to hair loss, they do not affect everyone equally. We are not all genetically predisposed to hair loss, nor do we all notice age-related hair loss or shedding to the same extent. There are also factors including nutritional deficiencies, certain medications, and a change in your health that can affect hair loss.
What is the biggest myth when it comes to thinning, shedding hair?
Washing your hair too much causes hair loss. The opposite is true if you’re using products (such as KeepitAnchored) that will help to improve the condition of your scalp. Here's why. Going for long stretches without washing your hair can be stressful for your scalp. Oil builds up on the scalp and becomes rancid, creating scalp oxidative stress, (I mentioned earlier), which disrupts the scalp barrier and leads to a weakened hold on the hairs' roots. So, regularly washing (at least every two or three days, if not more often) will prevent the oil from building up on the scalp and causing this stress.
What's in the KeepItAnchored formula to treat the scalp and roots that will thicken the hair?
KeepItAnchored's technology, known as the ‘HairAnchor blend’, is a mix of antioxidant extracts, zinc minerals, and B-vitamins. The antioxidants reduce the free radical stress and help to calm the scalp. The zinc minerals improve the condition of the scalp, while the B-vitamins were added for their skin health benefits. This combination has been clinically-proven to refresh the scalp and keep the hairs' roots anchored in the scalp for longer.
The collection
KeepItAnchored The Complete Kit for Women, $99.
The one-month full kit includes the Hair Anchoring Essence, a leave-in serum, Pre-Cleanser, Shampoo and Conditioner. A step-by-step range designed for anyone concerned with volume loss or hair shedding. Created to replace your regular hair-washing routine, and used alongside your usual hair styling products.
Is it safe to use on coloured hair, or when you're pregnant or breastfeeding?
All the products are gentle enough to use on coloured hair. The Hair Anchoring Essence can be applied to wet or dry hair. When it comes to pregnancy or breastfeeding, our products are safe; however, it is always best to consult with your doctor.
There are a few steps to this regime, is it time-consuming?
This regimen was intentionally designed not to be time-consuming. This range will replace your current shampoo and conditioner shower products, not add to them. The Hair Anchoring Essence (daily leave-in treatment) is an extra step, but it takes less than 60 seconds to apply, and massage across your scalp.
KeepItAnchored the basic kit of HairAnchoring Essences for the Scalp, $59.
A concentrated formula of zinc minerals and B-vitamins that helps reduce daily hair shedding. We call this the power shot in the range, each day massage this leave-in hair treatment into the scalp to boost hair fullness and prevent shedding.
When can you expect to see results?
You should notice some results instantly, while others see results over time. Many feel the scalp refreshing benefits first; then, within a couple of weeks, they often notice less shedding and hair left in their hairbrush or the drain of the shower. It can take four or more weeks to begin seeing that hair is feeling and looking fuller. Dr Thomas adds it's important to treat your scalp and hair roots daily. KeepItAnchored is effective when used regularly.
KeepItAnchored Shampoo, $23 and KeepItAnchored Conditioner, $23.
These are the daily basics in the range, and both contain the blend of antioxidants, zinc minerals and B-vitamins, along with ginger root extract, honeysuckle flower, and hydrolyzed silk. They offer a volume-boosting hit each time you wash your hair. The result post wash is your hair feels smooth, yet it looks bouncy.