Q&A with Tony Pearce - Pantene Specialist

Hair can be damaged by everyday routine, especially after the dry, cold winter months. Tony Pearce is an industry expert in the science behind hair damage and here he shares his expertise on how to protect hair from the daily elements that cause damage and how to restore hair health and shine.

Q: What causes hair damage?
A: There are two separate points here: DAMAGE plus PROBLEMS causing hair loss and hair breakage. Hair damage may be the result of chemical (over-processing, bleaching, sun damage) OR mechanical (breakage or hair loss due to over-zealous use of hair dryers, straighteners, braiding, or the 'plucking out' of one's own hair – known as Trichotollomania) OR internal - poor growth causing structural damage to the hair shaft which results nutritional, metabolic and/or hormonal disturbance.

Q: How can you prevent and repair hair damage?
A: Repairing damaged hair usually involves a multi-faceted approach and depends on the severity of the hair's degradation or amount of shedding. Seek the advice of an experienced Trichologist and establish any under-lying or grooming reasons why this may be occurring and take steps to redress. Use scientifically-tested hair products such as Pantene Nourished Shine Shampoo and Conditioner.

Q: What is the latest discovery you have made in hair?
A: I believe I was the first hair loss specialist to identify that there are two forms of 'pattern' thinning in females; the genuinely inherited form and the one I've termed 'acquired' due to compensatory responses within the body. I also believe that the autoimmune hair loss condition alopecia areata in children is >90% caused by food allergies (Gluten + Dairy). It is also emerging the critical role Vitamin D has in maintaining hair growth.

Q: Is it true that supermarket hair brands cause a build up of silicone?
A: I believe there is very little difference between the quality and performance of 'supermarket' or 'salon' brands of hair care shampoo/conditioners today. High-priced hair cleansing products do not necessarily make them better. Hair care products should be gentle enough for daily use and Ph balanced.

Q: Do supermarket brands have the same ingredients as salon brands?
A: Ingredients in hair products may vary slightly in line with what the manufacturer wishes to achieve but essentially the foundation ingredients are the same. After reading the laboratory testing for the Nourished Shine range, I believe if it was a 'salon-only' range it would be readily embraced as such by the consuming public (without hesitation).

Q: Which hair treatment ingredients are best for damage repair?
A: In a shampoo/conditioner, the key is to return moisture and flexibility to the hair shaft; enhance cross-bond strength, and to strengthen and align the cuticle thereby diminishing risk of hair shaft fracturing. Panthenol and its 'PEE' derivatives are known hydrophobic enhancers; amino acids are essential for hair strength.

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