Alas, it is true; we at Beauty Bulletin along with all our community members had our final Pantene chat with the beloved Pantene hair guru himself- Dr Gray. It has been a wonderful on-going 4 months with Pantene and the fantastic doctor, where we have all learnt a great deal about caring for our precious locks. Finding the Perfect Pantene Collection to suit your hair has never been this easy, thank you to Dr Gray!

So, without further ado, we give to you Dr Gray’s last wise words of wisdom on all our most pressing hair questions:

Use a hair mask once or twice a week depending on how much your hair is processed. Choose from the website to meet your specific needs: www.pantene.co.za

For dry tips of hair – spend longer and concentrate on moisturising the tips – that’s where the problem is. Certainly leave intensive conditioner longer in this area AND have them trimmed regularly.

Stress does not affect the condition of your hair.

Permanent hair dyes are genuinely that. The only thing you can really do to protect it, is to wear a hat to prevent UV lightening the tint. Nothing else I am afraid.

Frizz is all about static and dryness. Lots to choose from in the Pantene range for immediate management of frizz but long term it is all about careful hair care practices and regular conditioning. The less you process your hair – the less the frizz

Have a trim at least every 6 weeks. Concentrate on conditioning the last 3-4 inches of your hair where the real problems are and don’t worry so much about the crown where the hair is new.

With hair falling out – this is the end of the natural growing phase of your hair. This is normal and is inherited. There is unfortunately nothing you can do but blame your mother!

Many women have differing degrees of dryness down the length of their hair. Don’t forget – hair at the crown arrived today. Hair at your shoulders is at least 3 years old.

Protect the hair from the environment – sun, chlorine etc using an intensive moisturiser. What is important is that you assess your hair needs for the day and much of this in SA is dependent on the weather and the amount of processing your hair has suffered. Here in Durban we have humidity to excess. On really humid days it is ABSOLUTELY essential that you totally dry your hair before going out and use a styling product/spray combination to hold the style. ALL that after conditioning as well.

Receding hair from tying it up? Yes it can but it takes a lot of traction over a long time. In general, if you are going to secure your hair – ponytails included- a soft scrunchie is best.

You can’t repair split ends permanently. You can gum them up temporarily and prevention being better than cure – regular condition and 6 week regular trim.

Washing your hair does remove sebum but that is the purpose of modern hair shampooing. It does not damage the hair and whilst it is perfectly OK not to wash your hair – you may lose a lot of friends in the process. Get rid of oily hair by washing hair frequently too.

Eczema and psoriasis are not the same condition and I disagree about tea tree oil shampoos encouraging hair growth. One must see a dermatologist for either one of these conditions and have proper therapy.

Please be aware that so many things have anecdotal reports of hair growth properties. Only two therapies are accepted by regulatory authorities – Minoxidil for men and women and Finesteride for men. If you think you have genuine hair loss – PLEASE see a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis

Does what you eat affect your hair? A normal balanced diet, even vegan will usually provide enough protein and vitamins for hair.

Washing your hair every day is fine – just takes time I know. Alot of people complain of oily hair – try the Pantene Aqua Light product for a while – it gets rid of the sebum and does not over condition at the root. For the ends use the Pantene Coloured Range Intensive Conditioner.

Hair grows at just under 1 cm a week. The dye affects only the hair above the scalp – so one week’s growth is 0.25 cm’s and sadly will be visible.

If you have long hair and don’t like to blow dry then arrange your hair over your pillow in a loose towel if you can. This is what many women in Japan do – and they wash their hair at night

Moroccan oil Products – like many other traditional and recent oils are included in hair care products. They bring benefit but are not magic bullet ingredients, however part of a balanced formulation bringing a range of benefits to the hair

Thank you Dr Gray for every “tip” of advice you have given to all of us. We are truly grateful and so happy to finally have all our hair concerns at ease.. Here’s to Happy, gorgeous, beautiful hair everyone!

XOXO