Happy Hair Days

Pre-wedding advice for picture-perfect locks. Words Anjana Gosai

On your wedding day, every detail matters, and your hair is no exception. Strong, healthy hair is a universal desire, even more so when you’re about to tie the knot, where it will play a key role in your overall bridal look. Healthy hair doesn’t develop overnight, so to ensure your locks are in perfect condition for the Big Day, experts recommend starting your hair care routine at least six months to a year before your wedding day. “The time it takes for hair to grow can vary based on several factors, including the type of treatments you may be having, your personal growth cycle and your overall hair health, so the sooner you start the better,” says trichologist and biochemist Ricardo Vila Nova. Here’s our guide to the latest treatments and products to help you achieve the wedding hair of your dreams.

Scalp Care

A healthy scalp is key to a luscious and healthy head of hair. “If your scalp is in good condition your hair has the optimal environment to thrive,” shares Vila Nova. Overuse of products can clog the follicles. Make sure you’re regularly exfoliating the scalp to remove build up and dead skin cells. “A clean scalp promotes good cell turnover, leading to super healthy strands and you’re also less likely to suffer from dandruff,” says trichologist Hannah Gaboardi. “Exfoliation also helps your hair products penetrate the scalp better, leading to more effective results,” she adds. Try Living Proof Scalp Care Exfoliator (£31). Remove product build up with Hydrafacial Keravive (hydrafacial.co.uk), which includes a deep cleanse and exfoliation, followed by an infusion of a growth factor, peptide and hyaluronic acid serum directly into the scalp, to help nourish it and stimulate new hair growth.

The pampering Scalp Facial at Cobella (cobella.co.uk) begins with a thorough scalp analysis, followed by a gentle dermabrasion to eliminate impurities. A hydrating mask, steam and soothing head massage are also included to ensure the scalp is in peak condition for healthy hair growth.

Stimulate Growth

If you’re looking to boost growth, keep in mind that, on average, hair grows about half an inch per month, which translates to approximately six inches a year, so give yourself enough time before starting a treatment plan.

“Treatments like microneedling can revitalise the cuticle production at the roots, restoring the growth cycle and increasing length and hair density,” shares Vila Nova. “PRP and exosomes are also powerful regenerative treatments, especially for those with genetic hair thinning.”

At his chic clinic in Harrods, Vila Nova specialises in stimulating hair growth and promoting healthy strands. Treatment plans begins with a unique x-ray like DNA profiling scan of a single hair strand. This helps identify specific concerns and underlying issues.

He then creates a bespoke plan that incorporates techniques such as scalp facials, microneedling, follicle jabs, light therapy and personalised shampoos and conditioners. By prioritising the individual needs of each client, Vila Nova ensures that every treatment offers an ideal environment for optimal hair growth and health. While it may take several months for new hair strands to make an appearance, those who have experienced Vila Nova’s treatments can vouch to their effectiveness (for bookings ricardovilanova.com).

Hair shedding can be due to a number of reasons. Our hair is composed of two parts: the follicle that is located under the skin and the hair shaft which lies above the skin’s surface. The hair follicle acts as a reservoir of stem cells, which deplete over time and can lead to thinning and hair loss. Various factors contribute to this condition, including hormonal changes, medical issues, genetics and medications. The Calecim Professional Advanced Hair System (calecimprofessional.com, available at www.drmedispa.com) is an innovative six-week treatment designed for anyone experiencing mild to moderate shedding. This serum is enriched with growth factors and proteins ethically sourced from stem cells derived from the umbilical cords of New Zealand red deer. The treatment involves the use of a dermaroller to stimulate the scalp before distributing the serum. Results are typically visible within six to eight weeks.

If the thought of needles frighten you, look into the exosome-based DeRive Hair Restoration treatment (available at drpreema.com). New to the UK, the in-clinic procedure begins with a scalp cleanse and exfoliation to eliminate toxins and debris. Next, a powerful plant-based exosome serum is applied, with an ultrasonic device enhancing its absorption and you also get a take-home hair growth serum. Results are visible in as little as one month.

For maintenance at home, try the Champo Pitta Growth Serum (£46) which is filled with caffeine, tetrapeptides and Ayurvedic haritaki extract. 90 per cent of users experienced less hair loss after 12 weeks of use.

It may seem counterintuitive, but trimming your hair every six to eight weeks can encourage growth by preventing split ends.

And finally, experts agree that healthy hair starts from within; a balanced diet rich in foods like eggs, green leafy vegetables and nuts can help with growth. Incorporating a supplement like Viviscal Hair Growth Vitamins for Women (£31.99) can nourish the body with essential vitamins and minerals to promote stronger locks.

If you’re running out of time or just need an extra boost, hair extensions have come a long way. Hadley Yates (hadleyyatessalon.com) is the man to see. His unique Hair Filler service involves the use of keratin bonds to add length and enhance volume precisely where it’s needed. He works with high-quality Indian hair that flows and blends seamlessly with your natural locks, making the extensions virtually undetectable. They stay in place for around four months, making them ideal if you have multiple wedding events.

Condition Boost

One aspect of hair that can be transformed relatively quickly is its condition. Regular deep conditioning treatments can improve hair health and prepare it for styling on your Big Day. If you notice that your tresses are dry, brittle, breaking or damaged by colour, chemicals and heated tools, a professional deep conditioning treatment can work wonders.

The K18 Repair Service (from £25, k18hair.com) is a speedy, two-step treatment designed to repair. It starts with a lightweight mist that penetrates the hair shaft, reinforcing its structure. Next comes a hair mask to repair and reconnect broken keratin chains, which enhances elasticity and softness. It can be used as a pre-service treatment before colouring or on its own for a pre-wedding pamper.

Hair oiling, especially with Ayurvedic herb infusions, is a centuries-old ritual that can improve hair condition. “Hair oiling not only helps to reduce dryness, but also increases blood circulation, promoting healthy hair growth,” says ayurvedic doctor Shivani Misra. “According to Ayurveda, regular oiling pacifies Vata, which is the air element that is responsible for scalp dryness and brittle hair, and it also balances Pitta – the fire element, that can lead to scalp inflammation and hair loss.”

We love the Ayurvedic herb infused IndeWild Champi Hair Oil (£29). Use it with the Kama Scalp Brush (£75), which is made with healing ayurvedic metals known to stimulate blood circulation, remove flaky build-up and release tension. For extra nourishment, apply Kama Bringadi Hair Mask (£51) to the mid-lengths and ends of washed hair. It is formulated with botanical butters like mango, shea and kokum, along with plant proteins to deeply nourish.

 

At Home Hair Heroes

Champo Pitta Growth Serum (£46, selfridges.com) has rave reviews for its hair-growth boosting properties.

The buttery Kama Bringadi Hair Mask (£51, www.kamaayurveda.com) intensely nourishes and repairs even the most brittle strands.

Opt for a salon-quality shampoo and conditioner tailored to your hair’s specific needs. Try K18 Shield & Smooth Kit (£70, cultbeauty.co.uk) which contains a cleansing shampoo, protective conditioner and repairing oil.

The Foreo Luna 4 Hair (£189, beautybay.com) combines sonic massage and LED light therapy to wake up tired follicles and promote growth. 

Scandinavian Bio Labs Bio-Pilixin Serum (£42, scandinavianbiolabs.co.uk) is formulated with plant growth factors to stimulate blood flow.

Heavy minerals and impurities in water can affect the condition of the hair and skin every time we shower. The Hello Klean Shower Head (£65, helloklean.com) filters out over 90 per cent of chlorine and heavy metals like copper, iron and lead.