Hair Guides
5 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Curly Hair
Living with curly hair is its own experience. Some days, your curls look incredible. Full of shape, movement and personality. Other days… not so much. One bit’s doing its own thing, another section looks completely different, and somehow humidity has entered the chat again. If any of that sounds familiar, you’re not doing anything wrong. Curly hair simply behaves differently to straight or wavy hair - and a lot of the common struggles people have with curls come down to misunderstanding how they actually work. Let's break down a few things that make curly hair unique - the stuff that surprises people, explains those “why is my hair like this?” moments, and helps you feel a bit more at peace with your curls. Because once you understand them, looking after curly hair becomes a whole lot easier - and a lot more enjoyable. 1. Curly Hair Is Naturally Drier (and It’s Not Your Fault) If you’ve ever wondered why your curls feel dry five minutes after washing, here’s the truth: curly hair is meant to be drier than straight hair. The natural oils your scalp produces (the ones that keep hair soft and protected) travel easily down straight strands. On curly hair, those oils have to navigate bends, twists and spirals - and most of the time, they just don’t make it very far. That’s why curls often feel dry at the ends, even when the scalp itself feels fine. This is also why curly hair tends to crave moisture in a way other hair types don’t. It’s not about over-washing or doing something wrong; it’s simply how curls are built. The tricky part When curls don’t get enough moisture, they’ll usually show it through: dryness and roughness frizz (especially in humid weather) lack of definition curls that feel brittle or lose their bounce And because dryness is so common with curls, many people assume their hair is damaged - when in reality, it’s often just thirsty. The good news Curly hair actually responds beautifully to moisture. When it’s properly hydrated, curls tend to look: softer and more defined springier and fuller smoother, with less flyaway frizz easier to style and refresh between washes This is why curly routines often include things like leave-in conditioners, curl creams or lightweight oils - not to weigh hair down, but to replace the moisture that naturally struggles to reach the ends. Once you understand that dryness is part of the curly hair package, a lot of frustration melts away. You stop fighting your hair and start working with it - and that’s when curls really start to shine. 2. Frizz Isn’t Damage, It’s Often Just Thirst (or Humidity) Frizz gets a bad reputation, especially if you’ve spent years trying to smooth it away. But here’s something a lot of people don’t realise: frizz doesn’t automatically mean your hair is damaged or unhealthy. For curly hair, frizz is often just a reaction - either to lack of moisture or extra moisture in the air. Curly hair is more porous than straight hair, which means it absorbs and releases moisture more easily. When the air is humid, curls can pull moisture from the environment, causing the cuticle to lift slightly. That’s when you get that irritating and familiar halo of frizz, even if your hair felt great when you styled it. Why frizz shows up so easily on curls A few common triggers: dry curls searching for moisture humid or damp weather over-brushing or touching hair while it dries products that don’t offer enough hydration or hold None of these mean your hair is “bad” or broken. They’re just part of how curls respond to the world around them. The upside no one talks about Here’s the flip side: frizz is caused by the same thing that gives curls all that movement and volume. The same structure that makes curls prone to frizz is what gives them their natural body, bounce and texture - things people with straight hair often try to recreate with heat tools and styling products. The goal with curly hair isn’t to eliminate frizz completely (that usually leads to flat, heavy curls anyway). It’s about balancing moisture and definition so frizz stays soft, controlled and intentional, not wild or crunchy. That’s why lightweight leave-ins, curl creams and gentle styling techniques tend to work so well for curls. They help keep moisture where it belongs, without fighting the natural shape of your hair. 3. Curly Hair Shrinks (A Lot - and It’s Completely Normal) If your hair looks long when it’s wet, then mysteriously shorter once it dries, you’re not imagining things. Curl shrinkage is real - and it’s one of the most misunderstood parts of having curly hair. Shrinkage happens because curls naturally contract as they dry. The tighter the curl pattern, the more noticeable this can be. For some people, hair can appear several centimetres shorter once it’s fully dry - even if it’s healthy, hydrated and well cared for. Why shrinkage happens When curls dry, they spring back into their natural shape. That coil effect pulls the hair upward rather than letting it hang straight down, which is why length can seem to disappear. This often leads people to think: your hair isn’t growing trims are “too aggressive” your curls are trying really hard to ruin your day In reality, shrinkage is usually a sign that your curls are doing exactly what they’re meant to do. The positive side of shrinkage Here’s the part that doesn’t get enough love: shrinkage is closely linked to healthy, elastic curls. When hair has good moisture and flexibility, it can stretch and bounce back. That springiness is what gives curls their shape, body and definition - and it’s something other hair types struggle to achieve without styling tricks. Shrinkage can be frustrating if you’re growing your hair out, but it’s also a sign that your curls have life in them. With the right styling techniques and enough moisture, many people find they can reduce how noticeable shrinkage feels - without sacrificing volume or curl shape. 4. Curly Hair Changes Day to Day - Even When You Don’t Change a Thing One of the most frustrating things about curly hair is how different it can look from one day to the next. You use the same products. You style it the same way. You go to bed thinking, “Yep, nailed it.” Then you wake up and… your curls have other plans. This isn’t because your routine is wrong. It’s because curly hair is a LOT more reactive to its environment than other hair types. Why curls are so reactive Curly hair responds to things you don’t always notice, like: humidity and temperature changes how dry or hydrated the air is how you slept on your hair how much moisture your hair absorbed the day before even how active you’ve been Because curls are more porous and structured, these factors can shift how your curl pattern sits, stretches or tightens - without you doing anything differently at all. What this actually means Here’s the important part: inconsistent curl days don’t mean inconsistent hair health. It just means curls are dynamic. They adapt, react and move - which is part of what gives them so much personality. The goal isn’t to force your hair to look identical every single day (that usually just leads to a lot of frustration), but to work with where your curls are at. This is why refresh days are such a big part of curly routines. A bit of water, a touch of leave-in or curl cream, and gentle reshaping can often bring curls back to life - no full wash needed. 5. Curly Hair Has Built-In Volume Other Hair Types Can’t Fake One of the biggest double-edges of curly hair is volume. On one hand, it can feel like too much - uneven, bulky in places, flat in others. On the other? It’s one of curly hair’s biggest advantages. Curly hair naturally lifts away from the scalp. The bends and twists in each strand create shape, body and movement that straight hair often has to work hard to achieve with blow-dries, rollers or styling tools. That natural volume is why curls can look full and dynamic even without heavy styling - and why, when they’re properly cared for, they tend to hold their shape way better throughout the day. Why curly volume is different Unlike teased or heat-styled volume, curl volume: has movement, not stiffness looks intentional rather than forced grows out softly instead of collapsing gives hair personality and presence This is also why the goal with curly hair isn’t to “flatten it” or control it into submission. Overloading curls with heavy products (like supermarket-grade products) or aggressive smoothing often strips away what makes them special. Working with your volume When curls are well moisturised and supported with the right styling products, volume becomes something you can shape rather than fight. Definition improves, bulk looks more balanced, and curls sit where they’re meant to - without losing their natural lift. It’s the kind of volume people with other hair types try hard to recreate. Curly hair just happens to grow it naturally. So… What Does This All Mean for Living With Curly Hair? Curly hair isn’t difficult - it’s just different. A lot of the challenges people experience with curls come from treating them like straight hair, or expecting them to behave the same way day after day. Once you understand how curls work - why they’re drier, why they react to humidity, why they shrink, and why they change - everything starts to make a lot more sense. And with that understanding comes a shift. Less frustration. More confidence. Better hair days, even when things aren’t “perfect.” Curly hair has texture, movement, volume and character built in. With the right care and a bit of patience, those quirks stop feeling like problems - and start feeling like exactly what makes your hair yours.
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American Crew: The Do-It-All Haircare Brand for Men
If there’s one brand that’s cemented itself as a go-to for Kiwi men, it’s American Crew. Short hair, long hair, curls, waves, beards, styling - whatever you’re working with, there’s an American Crew product built to sort it out without overcomplicating your routine. And that’s the thing men love most about this brand: simple, reliable solutions that just work. No ten-step systems. No niche products you’ll use once then forget about. Just high-quality grooming basics designed to cover pretty much every hair and beard need you can think of. We're gonna tell you why this all-star brand should feature on your shower shelf - and how to choose the right products for your hair, scalp and beard. How American Crew Does It All American Crew built its name on one simple promise: grooming shouldn’t be complicated. And that’s exactly why it’s become the brand Kiwi men rely on. It doesn’t matter if you’re dealing with dryness, oiliness, rough texture, beard itch or hair that never behaves - there’s an American Crew product designed to sort it without adding unnecessary steps. One of the biggest reasons American Crew stands out is that every formula is designed with men’s hair, scalp and facial hair in mind. Men’s hair tends to be thicker at the strand but oilier at the root. Men also wash more frequently, use more gel- or clay-based styling products, and deal with facial hair that’s coarser and more textured than the hair on their head. Crew gets all of this - and formulates accordingly. The result is products that tick multiple boxes at once. Shampoos that cleanse without stripping. Conditioners that soften without weighing hair down. Styling products that hold, shape and define without flaking. Beard care that hydrates both the hair and the skin underneath. And while plenty of brands have great standalone products, American Crew’s real strength is how well the entire range works together. You can mix and match for your hair type, switch between styling finishes, or keep it as simple as a one-product routine - and you’ll still get clean, consistent results. If you want grooming that fits your life instead of complicating it, Crew is the brand that delivers. Haircare That Covers the Basics (and then some) American Crew’s haircare range works because it keeps things simple. No clutter, no complicated systems - just a tight lineup that covers common culprits and everyday needs: clean hair, a comfortable scalp and hydration that doesn’t weigh things down. Every formula is built with the way men wash, sweat, train and style in mind. The result is a set of products that multitask naturally, making your routine feel easier instead of longer. Here’s what makes Crew’s haircare such a solid all-rounder. Daily Cleansing That Doesn’t Strip Your Hair Most men wash their hair more often than they realise - after the gym, after work, after sport, or simply out of habit. Crew’s cleansing shampoos are designed for exactly that. American Crew Daily Cleansing Shampoo gives you a proper clean after sweat, sunscreen and styling products, but still leaves your hair feeling soft and your scalp comfortable. Pair it with American Crew Daily Moisture Conditioner for added softness and slip, especially if your hair gets knotty or coarse. This combo is the foundation of a lot of men’s routines for a reason: reliable, balanced and fuss-free. Built-In Scalp Support Crew also understands that scalp issues are common - flakiness, dryness, itch, irritation - especially in summer or for men who wear hats or helmets. That’s where American Crew Anti-Dandruff + Dry Scalp Shampoo shines. It cleans, calms and resets the scalp without feeling medicinal or overly harsh, making it an easy “set and forget” solution when your scalp needs a bit more care. Lightweight Hydration That Works for Short Hair Too Plenty of men skip conditioner because it makes their hair feel heavy. Crew’s formulas are designed to hydrate without the weight. The Daily Moisture Conditioner is smooth, softening and lightweight - perfect for short hair, longer hair and anything in between. It’s also one of those products you don’t fully appreciate until you stop using it and realise your hair is suddenly harder to manage. The Multitaskers: Crew's Real MVP Products The best example of Crew’s “do-it-all” approach is the 3-in-1 Tea Tree Wash - shampoo, conditioner and body wash in one. It’s ideal for the gym bag, travel, camping trips or anyone who wants their routine as streamlined as possible. But even the more traditional products in the range are built with versatility in mind. Crew’s shampoos cleanse thoroughly enough for daily use, conditioners soften without heaviness, and everything fits into a routine without adding complexity. It’s practical grooming - the kind men actually stick to. Crew for The Beard One of the biggest strengths of American Crew is that their beard products are designed to look after both the beard hair and the skin underneath. And Crew’s beard care isn’t just for big, full beards. Short stubble? Patchy early growth? A neatly shaped medium-length beard? Everything in the range works across all stages of growth because the goal is the same: keep the hair soft and the skin underneath comfortable. That’s exactly why American Crew stands out - their beard care feels tailored without being complicated. Beard Hydration Without the Residue Hydration is the foundation of a healthy beard - even short stubble benefits from it. But no one wants something oily or shiny sitting on the skin. Crew’s approach? Lightweight, quick-absorbing formulas that soften the hair while calming the skin underneath. American Crew 2-in-1 Skin Moisturiser & Beard Conditioner softens beard hair, hydrates the skin and absorbs fast. Zero heaviness, zero shine - just comfort. Softening Coarse or Textured Beards Coarse beard hair is incredibly common, especially for men with curl or natural texture. Crew’s beard products make that hair easier to shape and kinder to your skin. American Crew Beard Serum is a lightweight softening serum that helps tame coarse, wiry hair and adds a natural, healthy-looking sheen. This is the sort of product most men don’t realise they need until they use it once! Style with Crew, Too! When we said American Crew does it all, we meant it. Crew built its reputation in barbershops, and it shows - every product has a clear purpose, behaves the way it says it will, and works across multiple hair types and lengths. Their styling collection is no different. The biggest strength of Crew’s styling lineup is that you don’t have to guess. Matte or shine, strong hold or flexible movement, texture or smoothness - everything is straightforward, easy to apply and easy to rework through the day. For guys who want their hair to look styled but not styled, Crew’s matte products are the MVPs. They add grip, definition and a thicker-looking finish without shine or stiffness - ideal for short to medium lengths. American Crew Fiber - matte, firm, and great for adding natural-looking thickness. American Crew Defining Paste - slightly softer, still matte, perfect for everyday shaping. American Crew Fiber Cream - flexible, lightweight texture with a soft feel. These are the products men try once and then stick with for years. Just the Right Amount of Hold If you like your hair to move, breathe and look effortless (not slick or crunchy), Crew’s cream-based stylers are where it’s at. But classic, polished styling is where Crew started, and they still do it exceptionally well. If you want a sharper finish, a bit more control or a style that stays put all day, Crew has you covered. Your hair, your choice - no matter what you need, Crew will deliver. American Crew Forming Cream - the go-to for easy, clean, natural-looking hair. Works across most hair types and gives enough hold to keep things tidy without locking your style in place. American Crew Firm Hold Styling Gel - strong hold, high shine, and great for structured or slicked-back looks. American Crew Pomade - a traditional barbershop finish with modern performance. Try American Crew's All-Rounder Range American Crew isn’t a brand that tries to be everything to everyone - it’s a brand that understands men and builds products that make everyday grooming easier. Clean hair, a comfortable scalp, a beard that feels good, styling that works with your hair instead of fighting against it, Crew covers the full picture without cluttering your bathroom shelf. Add it all together and you get a brand that genuinely does it all - without asking you to overhaul your routine or learn a dozen new steps. If you’re building a simple, effective grooming routine that fits into your life (and actually makes a difference), American Crew deserves a permanent spot on your shower shelf.
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Men's Grooming: Our Top Tips & Products
Men’s grooming doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need to be intentional. Most guys deal with the same handful of hair and beard problems: thinning or receding areas, dryness or grease that won’t balance out, styling that looks great for five minutes then collapses, or a beard that somehow feels dry and itchy at the same time. The good news is that none of these things require a 10-step routine. They just need the right products and a bit of know-how. And that’s where we come in. This guide breaks down the things that actually move the needle for men’s hair and beard health - from understanding what’s really going on with thinning hair, to choosing products that match your hair type, to keeping your beard soft and the skin underneath happy. Simple, practical advice backed by salon-grade brands like Nioxin, American Crew and Wahl. Basically, if you’re keen to level up your grooming without overthinking it, you’re in the right place! Dealing with Hair Loss & Thinning? Thinning hair is one of the most common concerns we hear from men - and honestly, half the battle is just understanding why it’s happening. Sometimes it’s genetic, sometimes it’s stress, sometimes it’s buildup on the scalp, and sometimes it’s as simple as using products that weigh your hair down and make things look flatter than they really are. The goal isn’t to “fix” your hair overnight. It’s to help your scalp stay healthy, strengthen the hair you have, and make thinning less noticeable day to day. What actually helps Here’s where you can make a real difference without going down a rabbit hole of miracle cures: 1. Switch to a thinning-focused system Regular supermarket shampoo isn’t designed for thinning hair. A targeted system supports density, keeps the scalp balanced, and helps reduce breakage so you hold onto more of the hair you already have. Top pick: Nioxin System Kits - the gold standard for thinning hair. Each kit includes a cleanser, conditioner and leave-in treatment that work together to improve scalp health and fullness. 2. Keep your scalp clean (but not stripped) Oil, sweat and styling buildup can cling to the scalp and make hair look flatter. But washing with something harsh can backfire and cause irritation. You want something that clears buildup while keeping the scalp comfortable. Try: American Crew Anti-Dandruff + Dry Scalp Shampoo: Great for guys dealing with itchiness, flakiness or irritation. Helps calm the scalp while keeping it clean. NAK Daily Detox Shampoo: A solid weekly or twice-weekly detox to remove buildup from sweat, gels, waxes or clay without stripping the scalp. Nioxin Scalp Purifying Exfoliator: A deeper reset for the scalp - ideal if you use styling products daily or feel like shampoo alone isn’t cutting through buildup. Helps create a cleaner base for healthier-looking hair. 3. Choose styling products that build texture, not shine Heavy waxes, pomades or shiny gels can make thinning hair look sparse. Matte texture helps hair appear fuller and gives a natural-looking boost. Try: American Crew Fiber: matte, grippy, ideal for finer or thinning hair. Nioxin Density Defend Hair Thickening Gel: lightweight hold that lifts at the root (bonus: doesn’t go crunchy). 4. Get regular trims Long hair can look wispy or uneven when it’s thinning, which exaggerates the issue. Shorter, sharper cuts give a cleaner shape. What won’t help (and what to ignore) A few things men are often told that don’t make much of a difference: Washing less often won’t “save” your hair. A clean scalp is a healthy scalp. Using more styling product doesn’t create volume - it usually does the opposite. Waiting it out rarely helps. Early support is always easier than damage control. You don’t need to overhaul your life or build a five-product routine. Start with the right system, keep the scalp healthy and choose styling that works with your hair. That alone makes a huge difference for most guys. Struggling with The Basics? Let's just be honest - when it comes to hair care, most men fall into one of three camps: washing with whatever’s in the shower, washing too often with something harsh, or using great products… but not the right ones for their hair type. Good hair days start with the basics - clean hair, a healthy scalp, and the right conditioner (yes, even if your hair is short). Once that foundation is sorted, styling becomes easier, your hair behaves better, and issues like dryness, grease or frizz stop being daily battles. Here’s how to look after your hair properly without spending half your life in the bathroom. If your hair gets greasy quickly You’re likely dealing with overactive oil glands, product buildup, or sweating throughout the day - especially if you work outdoors, hit the gym or wear hats often. The goal is to remove excess oil without over-washing, because stripping your scalp will only encourage it to produce more oil. What helps: Lightweight daily cleansers Occasional detox shampoo Avoiding heavy conditioners at the roots Rinsing thoroughly (underrated!) Try: American Crew Daily Cleansing Shampoo: an easy everyday option that cleans without leaving your hair squeaky or stripped. NAK Daily Detox Shampoo: use once or twice a week to shift sweat, wax, clay and environmental buildup. If your hair feels dry, coarse or brittle Dry hair often comes from sun exposure, chlorine, colouring, heat styling, or simply having naturally coarse hair. Men also tend to wash more frequently, which can dry out the hair even further. Hydration helps with everything - softness, movement, frizz control, shine, and overall manageability. What helps: Hydrating shampoo + conditioner Leave-in conditioner or treatment Less heat or harsher products A microfibre towel (instead of rubbing with cotton) Try: American Crew Daily Moisture Conditioner: light but effective hydration. Nioxin Scalp Recovery Moisturising Conditioner (if you want something more nourishing). Wahl Traditional Barbers Hair Tonic: a classic for smoothing and softening dry ends. If your hair is “doing its own thing” Some men have hair that’s technically thick but behaves unpredictably - flips, kinks, tufts, pesky cowlicks or volume that goes in the wrong direction. Others have fine hair that collapses or curls that turn to frizz. The trick here is matching the product to the hair type, not the hairstyle. What helps: Hydration to stop fluffiness Lightweight texture for fine hair Curl creams for waves and curls Avoiding heavy oils or gels for hair prone to collapsing Try: American Crew Forming Cream: soft, flexible hold for everyday styling. American Crew Fiber: matte, fuller-looking texture (especially good for finer or thinning hair). Nioxin Strong Hold Hairspray: if you’ve got natural movement that needs defining, not flattening. If your scalp is irritated, itchy or flaky A lot of men deal with scalp dryness or sensitivity without realising it’s a separate issue from hair concerns. Weather, stress, sweat, hats, sunscreen, product buildup and even water quality can mess with the scalp. A calm, balanced scalp leads to softer hair, less flaking and better styling - it’s worth taking seriously. What helps: Gentle scalp shampoos Anti-dandruff formulas that don’t strip moisture Occasional exfoliation Avoiding heavy waxes that cling to the scalp Try: American Crew Anti-Dandruff + Dry Scalp Shampoo: great for irritated scalps. NAK Daily Detox Shampoo: resets the scalp without harshness. Nioxin Scalp Purifying Exfoliator: a deeper cleanse for those dealing with heavy buildup or persistent flakes. Beard Care Got You Beat? A good beard doesn’t just “happen.” Even the most naturally full, even, well-behaved facial hair needs maintenance. The most common beard issues men face - itchiness, rough texture, patchiness, dryness, dullness, or a general “why does my beard feel like wire?” feeling - all come back to one thing: the skin underneath. Healthy beard → healthy skin → far easier styling and shaping. The good news is that beard care doesn’t need to be a full routine. A few smart swaps will fix most issues quickly! If your beard feels itchy, tight or flaky This is almost always skin dryness, not beard dryness. Normal shampoo strips the oils that keep the skin under your beard comfortable, which leads to itch, flaking, and irritation. What helps: A beard-friendly wash (gentle on skin) Daily moisture, especially after a shower Lightweight oils or balms Try: American Crew 2-in-1 Skin Moisturiser & Beard Conditioner: hydrates both beard and skin without heaviness. American Crew Beard Foam Cleanser: softens coarse hairs and relieves itch. If your beard feels coarse, wiry or hard to shape Coarse beard hair is extremely common - especially for men with texture or curl in their hair. Coarse hair needs two things: hydration and flexibility. What helps: Conditioning products (yes, even for short beards) A few drops of oil through the mid-lengths A smoothing cream if you want a polished finish Try: American Crew Beard Serum: softens coarse hair effectively. American Crew Beard Balm: great when you want softness and a neater finish. If your beard looks patchy or uneven Patchiness is normal. A lot of men’s beards don’t grow evenly - especially on the cheeks. The goal is to support healthy growth and shape your beard in a way that looks fuller. What helps: Keeping the skin healthy and moisturised Slightly shorter, sharper lines Hydrating products to soften and bulk up the beard visually Brushing your beard daily to train the hair Try: American Crew 2-in-1 Skin Moisturiser & Beard Conditioner: essential for healthy growth. Nioxin Scalp Purifying Exfoliator (very sparingly): encourages a cleaner, less congested base for growth. Wahl Beard Brush: helps distribute natural oils and train the hair. Making Hair & Beard Care Simple (and Affordable!) Once you’ve got the basics sorted (healthy scalp, the right shampoo, a conditioner that suits your hair, and a beard routine that keeps your skin happy), everything else becomes easier. Better styling, better texture, better beard days - it all starts here. If you’re ready to build a routine that actually matches your hair, beard and lifestyle, you can explore all our men’s grooming essentials. Salon-grade brands, real results, and products that fit how you live. You’ll never “just use whatever’s in the shower” ever again!
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Top 5 Tips for Proper Hair Hydration
Dry hair doesn’t always look the same - for some it’s brittle ends, for others it’s all-over dullness or that tricky combo of oily roots and dry mids. The secret to proper hydration is knowing what your hair really needs, and where.
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What is Seasonal Hair Shedding?
Ever notice more strands on your brush as the seasons change? Don’t panic - it could just be seasonal hair shedding. Much like your skin adjusts to warmer or cooler weather, your hair follows its own natural rhythm too.
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What Causes Dandruff?
Flakes happen - but they’re not forever. Find out what causes dandruff, bust common myths, and shop scalp care that soothes, balances, and refreshes.
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The Benefits of Using Nioxin
Backed by 30+ years of expertise, Nioxin systems and treatments improve scalp health and strand strength, giving your hair a fuller, healthier look.
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What Causes Hair Loss?
Hair falling out? Find out what’s normal, what’s not, and the expert-backed products that help strengthen strands, soothe the scalp, and support healthy hair growth.
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Top Salon-Grade Treatments You Can Do at Home
No salon visit? No worries. Find pro-level hair treatments for hydration, frizz, colour care & more - that you can do at home.
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