Anti-pollution hair products for Londoners
Wondering how to protect your hair from environmental damage? From anti-pollution hair products to detox scalp masks, here's how to deep clean your tresses
According to research by Future Market Insights, ‘particulate matter such as minuscule bits of soot and dust, or any other grime, smoke, and harmful gaseous pollutants can settle on the hair and scalp, leading to stunted growth, dandruff, scalp dryness, or an itchy scalp. Urban dwellers are at a higher risk of hair damage caused by environmental aggressors, resulting in a rising demand for anti-pollution hair care products in the market.’
Search engine stats confirm this, with the term ‘anti-pollution beauty’ up by 73 percent from last year alone. Trichologist Anabel Kingsley says: “To remove daily environmental pollution from your hair and scalp, simply cleanse with the correct shampoo for your hair texture. Like your face, this should preferably be done every day. Porous hair is more likely to become stained by environmental pollution, such as smoke fumes, especially if it is blonde or grey.”
It’s also been said that you can choose a less busy route to walk, opting for quieter streets instead of main roads, buy a hat or headscarf or even easier - try our pick of the hairdressing pack to cleanse, condition, detox and protect your London locks. Here’s our edit of the hardworking hair heroes we trust.
1. Buy a prebiotic shampoo and conditioning range
The Gallinée Hair and Scalp range contain fermented rice water, which is packed with an anti-pollution brigade of amino acids, and vitamins B, C and E, and ensures the scalp is at the right pH levels for proper hair growth and sebum is regulated with less oiliness for dirt and grime to cling onto.
2. Try a targeted hair serum
Oribe’s Power Drops Hydration and Anti-Pollution Booster, £55 at Space NK contains 2% hyaluronic acid complex works to retain the hair’s optimal moisture level by producing a shield around each cuticle. While the moringa seed extract protects against harmful particles penetrating the hair, resulting in a softer, sleeker and protected ‘do.
3. Use an exfoliating hair mask
Grow Gorgeous Scalp Detox Treatment, £28 with its exfoliating castor oil beads and pomegranate enzymes removes the build-up of product residue and dry skin and also neutralises hair from harsh environmental factors including pollution and UV damage – thanks to its unique bean bio-ferment formula.
4. Detox your locks with a deep cleansing shampoo
Vichy Dercos Nutrients Detox Purifying Shampoo, £9.35 is especially good at cutting through grease and grime with detoxifying spirulina and a plant-derived cleansing base. Plus its paraben and silicone-free too.
5. Protect and condition at the same time
This clever Anti-Pollution Protective Conditioner by Klorane £10, not only detangles but also contains an environmental shield, scientifically proven to decrease heavy metals in both the scalp and lengths, while leaving hair minty-fresh too.
6. Include a protective spray into your hair care regime
Davines Melu Hair Shield, £23.95 prevents not only damage from all of your blow-drying and heat styling – but also environmental aggressors too. While the woody and floral notes impart a wonderfully pretty scent.
7. Reduce porosity to keep pollutants out
To help reduce permeability, seal the outer hair cuticle with a weekly pre-shampoo conditioning treatment, like Philip Kingsley’s Elasticizer, £21.50. It acts as a fixative, allowing hair to retain moisture and oils, while also keeping the nasty polluters out. Plus they come in dreamy scents like creamy Coconut Breeze or Pomegranate Cassis.
