Struggling with dandruff, hair loss, tangles, or frizzy hair that's ruining your style? Top stylist Rick van het Meer, with over 20 years of experience and two salons in Amsterdam, shares proven fixes to get your hair back on track.
Read also: '3 tips for the perfect braid'
The white flakes known as dandruff are dead skin cells shedding from your scalp during its natural renewal. The yeast Pityrosporum ovale accelerates this, especially on warm scalps—like from frequent hat-wearing.
Use an anti-dandruff shampoo consistently. Rick advises: "Treat dandruff thoroughly with anti-dandruff shampoo for about six weeks, ideally daily. Follow with anti-dandruff ampoules to deeply cleanse the scalp." If prone to it, maintain with these products and avoid oily scalp treatments. Dry dandruff flakes onto clothes; oily dandruff clings and itches.
Low winter humidity builds electrons in hair, causing static. Over-brushing or wool hats worsen it.
Moisturize effectively. Rick recommends: "Opt for moisturizing shampoo, conditioner, and serum—essential in winter. Use a boar bristle brush or one with anti-static ions."
Excess sebum from the scalp, often genetic, hormonal, or diet-related, greases hair quickly.
Wash sparingly—twice weekly max. Rick explains: "Over-degreasing triggers more oil production. Rinse daily with lukewarm water instead, and skip root styling products."
Naturally low sebum (often genetic, common in wavy/curly hair), plus coloring, styling, or wrong products.
Hydrate deeply. Rick suggests: "Choose moisturizing shampoo, masks, serums, or light cream waxes. Skip protein shampoos—they stiffen hair."
Friction from brushing, ties, towels, or styling thins and splits ends in any hair type.
Trim regularly. Rick notes: "Regular cuts prevent wear-out. Protein masks strengthen prone hair, promoting healthier growth."
Open cuticles from drizzle, wind, pools, or wet bedtime hair.
Detangle gently with a wide natural bristle brush and spray. Prevent by braiding at night, capping in rain, conditioning, and patting dry.
Dryness amplifies frizz, especially in curls/waves, plus weather or over-styling.
Hydrate weekly with masks and anti-frizz serums. Avoid heat tools, rub-drying, or dry brushing.
Seasonal (spring/fall), hormones, stress, iron/vitamin shortages. Entire strands? See a doctor.
Eat iron/vitamin-rich foods or supplement. Use mild anti-loss shampoo; brush only dry hair. Normal loss: up to 120 daily.
Heavy products or unflattering cut flatten volume.
Get a volume-boosting cut. Rick says: "A tailored style enhances fall. Curl with a tong for instant volume."
Tension from tight styles contracts follicles, worse with long hair.
Alternate styles; consider shorter cuts for relief.
