Licensed hair stylist, Zach of Zig Zach KL, shares how scalp care is key to healthy hair.

Have you noticed more hair on the floor that can’t be blamed on the cat? This time you’re the one shedding and it may be related to stress. Yup, another pandemic side effect caused by the stress and anxiety we’ve had to endure these past few months. How do we get to the root of this problem? Literally – by taking care of our scalp.

Scalp care is crucial to hair care. You can’t have healthy hair without having a healthy, clean scalp. But what we tend to forget when we’re scrubbing our scalps is that it is skin, and should be treated as well as we take care of our face. When your scalp is strong and healthy, it will be able to retain more hair. With the uncertainty we’ve been facing causing hair loss in many, we asked Zach how we can start giving our scalps the attention it deserves.

1. Stop using hot water! That doesn’t mean you have to give up the comfort of a hot shower, simply make the water warmer when it comes to your hair – hot water strips it of moisture and essential oils.
2. If you can, use cold water instead to seal the moisture in your hair. This will hydrate your scalp and prevent dirt from entering it by closing the pores. You’ll also get a good energy boost!
3. Check your shampoo labels – believe it or not, some contain harmful chemicals. Avoid sulphates, chemical fragrances and Parabens as they cause hair loss.
4. Oily hair needs to be washed daily to keep the scalp clean and healthy. When your scalp is too oily, it can form a fungus that will leave it feeling itchy and flaky.
5. For those who dye their own hair, make sure the colour doesn’t contain ammonia, peroxide or paraphenylenediamine (PPD). Most use a combination of these, which are harmful to your hair and scalp.
6. Internally, you can start consuming vitamin A or multivitamins, but do consult your doctor first. Vitamin A is known for increasing hair growth and keeping your scalp healthy.

Get more advice from Zach here and follow him on Instagram for the latest looks.

This year started with a bang of bright colors and Zach of Zigh Zach KL was behind some of the town’s most-talked-about looks. The home-based hair stylist has always been known for his bold use of color, but not only does his work look vibrant, it looks healthy too – a rare combination, usually resulting in lackluster hair.

For those with dark hair, which is a majority of us Malaysians, the only way to achieve a pop of color is by bleaching your hair. But bleach is no joke, and the damage it causes takes away from the appeal of having colored hair. This is why Zach has made hair health his top priority – creating the perfect canvas for his cutting-edge work. We asked him for his expert advice when it comes to having dyed hair.

 

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What is the most common hair problem you come across?
Most of my clients come in with over-processed hair, which has been damaged from bleaching. After the MCO, I saw a lot of dry hair because they would usually get it treated every month, as well as breakage from keeping their hair up all the time.

How serious are these problems – why is hair care so important?
Because your hair is part of your body, but like skincare – you need to know your hair type and understand that not everything will work for you. There are also many threats to our hair, including shower water – some contain chemicals that can cause hair fall.

 

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In your experience, do men take care of their hair well enough?
Surprisingly, my male clients don’t have damaged hair. I always suggest that they use conditioner when they bleach their hair, and grow it out.

How often should one go to the hair salon?
Once a month, especially if you’ve dyed your hair and would like maintain that specific colour.

 

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What has been your most popular request?
It’s between a bleach and colour or a balayage.

 

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What hair trends do you predict are going to be big next year?
For men, bald with different shapes and colours, and women – curtain bangs and babylights!

How can people maintain their dye at home?
Make sure your shower water isn’t too hot and use a shampoo that is specifically for coloured hair (and your colour). Dry your hair with a microfibre towel, which is more gentle than a normal cotton towel, and before using a heating device – apply a heat protector to avoid any discolouring.

DM him now to book an appointment!