Dermatologist's Healthy Haircare Upgrades for 2025 | Dr. Sam Ellis

Summary

In this video, Dr. Sam Ellis, a board-certified dermatologist, shares expert tips for upgrading your hair care routine. She discusses the benefits of incorporating bond-building treatments, oils, and scalp care techniques to promote healthier, shinier hair. Dr. Ellis explains the importance of double-cleansing your scalp and using the right products, including clarifying shampoos and high-quality hair brushes. She also offers advice for growing hair with treatments like ketoconazole shampoo and red light therapy. With practical steps and product recommendations, this video provides easy ways to level up your hair care routine.

Takeaways

• 😀 Incorporating bond-building treatments, like K18 and eay, can significantly improve hair health by restoring broken hair bonds caused by chemical treatments, heat, and UV exposure.
• 😀 Use K18 as a leave-in treatment after shampooing and let it sit for 4 minutes before styling. It doesn’t need to be used every time but works best when applied consistently for the first few treatments.
• 😀 Pre-wash oils, like OGX Coconut Miracle Oil, protect fragile hair, especially at the ends, from damage during washing. Apply it before washing and leave it on for at least an hour or overnight for best results.
• 😀 Regularly applying hair oil, like one by Oribe or Virtue, on the ends of your hair between washes helps keep it shiny, smooth, and hydrated without adding grease.
• 😀 Double cleansing your scalp using a clarifying shampoo can remove excess buildup from hair products, oils, and dead skin cells, promoting healthier hair growth and reducing scalp inflammation.
• 😀 Flipping your head upside down while shampooing helps ensure the shampoo reaches the scalp, which is crucial for proper cleansing and removing debris effectively.
• 😀 A good-quality hairbrush, like Mason Pearson or Crown Affair, helps detangle hair without causing breakage, and distributing natural oils along the hair shaft for added shine.
• 😀 Always brush your hair starting from the ends and work your way up to prevent tangling and breakage, avoiding brushing from the scalp down directly.
• 😀 Drying hair with a microfiber towel is gentler and more efficient than using a traditional bath towel, as it reduces hair breakage and helps hair dry faster.
• 😀 Sleeping on a silk pillowcase or using a silk bonnet reduces friction on the hair, preventing frizz and breakage, and helps maintain smoother hair overnight.

Q & A

What are bond building treatments, and why are they important for hair health?

Bond building treatments restore the integrity of hair by repairing the broken bonds that result from damage due to heat styling, chemical processing, or UV exposure. These treatments make hair stronger, shinier, and more resilient, without weighing it down. K18 and eay are two popular brands in this category.

How does K18 bond repair treatment work, and how should it be used?

K18 works as a leave-in treatment after washing your hair. You skip conditioner in the shower, wash your hair with shampoo, and apply K18 to your damp hair for 4 minutes. It’s used initially for four consecutive washes, and after that, it can be used once a month for maintenance.

What is the difference between K18 and eay bond repair treatments?

K18 is applied after the shower on damp hair, whereas eay is applied to dry hair before showering. eay is more convenient for some people as it can be left in while performing other activities before washing it out.

What are the benefits of using a pre-wash oil for hair care?

Pre-wash oils help protect hair from damage during washing, especially for finer or more fragile hair. They are applied to the ends of hair to preserve its integrity, particularly for those with color-treated or heat-styled hair. Coconut oil is commonly used, but lighter oils may be better for some.

How can coconut oil be used effectively as a pre-wash treatment?

Coconut oil can be used as a pre-wash oil by applying it to the mid-shafts and ends of dry hair. It should be left in for at least an hour or overnight before washing out. However, some people find pure coconut oil too heavy, so lighter alternatives like OGX Coconut Miracle Oil can be a better option.

What is the purpose of double cleansing your scalp, and how should it be done?

Double cleansing the scalp involves using two rounds of shampoo to thoroughly cleanse any build-up of oils, dead skin cells, and hair products. This is especially beneficial for those with curly or dense hair, as it helps ensure the scalp is properly cleaned. It’s typically done once a week using a clarifying shampoo.

Why is scalp health important for hair growth?

A healthy scalp is crucial for optimal hair growth, as debris or inflammation can hinder hair production. Regular scalp cleansing and using targeted treatments can enhance hair growth by providing a cleaner, healthier environment for hair follicles.

What are the benefits of using a good-quality hairbrush?

A good-quality hairbrush helps detangle hair, distribute natural oils, and prevent breakage. Brushes with a combination of nylon and boar bristles, like the Crown Affair brush, are ideal for smoothening hair while minimizing damage.

How should you brush your hair to avoid damage?

To prevent damage, brush hair starting from the ends and working your way up to avoid tugging and creating tangles. Never start at the scalp, as this can cause breakage. Brush dry hair gently, and finger-comb wet hair to avoid excess pulling.

What are the advantages of using a microfiber towel to dry hair?

Microfiber towels are gentler on wet hair than traditional bath towels, reducing the risk of hair breakage and frizz. They also absorb moisture more effectively, drying hair faster and more comfortably.

How do silk pillowcases or bonnets help protect hair while sleeping?

Silk pillowcases and bonnets reduce friction on hair while sleeping, preventing snagging and roughing up the hair shaft. They help maintain smoother hair and minimize hair breakage and frizz. Silk is slippery, so it protects hair by allowing it to glide over the surface instead of catching.

What are some at-home treatments to promote hair growth?

At-home treatments for hair growth include incorporating ketoconazole shampoo (which has anti-dandruff and hair growth benefits), using minoxidil, and trying red light therapy caps that promote scalp health and stimulate hair growth.