Skin School with Mane Addicts: 6 Takeaways
8th Nov 2022
Dr. Barbara Sturm’s philosophy is inspired by her research into anti-inflammatory medicine which forms the basis for all of her products, including her skincare, supplements and high performance haircare line, the MOLECULAR HAIR & SCALP COLLECTION. During a recent Skin School, Dr. Sturm was joined by hairstylists and colorists Emma Willis, Sabrina Porsche and Amanda Lee from MANE ADDICTS – the leading digital hair community founded by Jen Atkin. Together, they discussed their top tips for a healthy, nourished scalp and beautiful hair. Read on for six takeaways from their conversation.
1. An anti-inflammatory lifestyle promotes healthy hair
Dr. Sturm highlighted the correlation between inflammation and the products we put on our hair, scalp and body. “When inflammation overflows it can cause chronic diseases; it can disrupt our tissue. Regarding our skin it can cause redness, irritation, breakouts, aging, pigmentation...so everything we do not like about our skin can be targeted to inflammation.”
2. Inflammation can lead to hair loss
Our hair goes through three different growing phases, with one being hair growth. An excess of inflammation can cut this phase short. “If we have hormonal imbalances, it can cut [phase one, the growing phase] off and then we are too much in the phases two and three and then we experience hair loss,” said Dr. Sturm, adding that “our scalp is the soil for our hair”. Dr. Sturm recommended her ANTI-HAIR FALL collection as it works in prolonging phase one. “The ANTI-HAIR FALL is interesting because it works for genetically induced hair fall...hair fall comes from a disbalance from the scalp, and we are addressing that with ingredient science that nourishes the hair follicle and strengthens the hair to promote growth.”
3. Hair oils can make hair drier
Dr. Sturm highlighted the myths surrounding haircare and the best ways to tackle dryness. “If you add oils to your scalp, it actually dries your scalp out even more because your own oil production goes down...dandruff for example, is not due to dryness of the scalp.” She went on to explain that the key is to bring hydration to the [scalp] and skin and after that, the oils can get into the skin and help the skin barrier function. Dr. Sturm recommended the BALANCING COLLECTION to protect and balance the scalp and for a deeper boost of hydration, the REPAIR HAIR MASK.
4. Using low quality products can damage hair
Amanda advised using science-backed, high-quality hair products because “lower-quality products can really trick you into thinking they are working but it’s really just putting a layer on the outside of your hair shaft, and underneath that layer, you’re going to find dry and damaged hair.” Amanda also suggested reducing the amount of product we think we need to use; a good product will go a very long way.
5. Why you should rinse hair before swimming
To prevent highlighted hair discoloring in the pool, MANE ADDICTS recommended getting your hair wet first with fresh water. “If you wet your hair before you go into the chlorine, your hair has soaked up the clean water versus the chlorine,” said Amanda.
6. Washing with cool water prevents color fade
“Water temperature has a lot to be said about how it can affect the way your skin and your hair can be,” said Emma. Washing with cool water can help boost circulation to the scalp and can help you keep your colored hair color fresher for longer. “If you are someone who colors their hair and uses really hot water, you are opening up that hair cuticle and the color is really fading out,” advises Amanda.
