Advertisement

Lady Gaga’s hairstylist debunks hair myths and shares haircare tips you must know

Back rear view photo of three young attractive woman hug cuddle incognito anonym dander isolated over grey color background
Back rear view photo of three young attractive woman hug cuddle incognito anonym dander isolated over grey color background

During the heydays of Lady Gaga’s outlandish attire, her stylist, Nicola Formichetti, reportedly threw the hat and quit, citing that she has had enough of the star's outfit changes of at least 12 times a day. Imagine the accompanying makeup and hairstyle changes that go with each outfit change!

Yahoo Life spoke with a veteran hairstylist who worked magic on Lady Gaga’s hair during those crazy styling days when she came to Singapore in 2011. Considered a legend in Singapore's hairstyling scene, Issac's 30 years of experience speaks for itself. His current role as a master coach sees him grooming the next generation of stylists in Singapore.

In an exclusive interview, Yahoo Life fielded Issac Ng, Senior Director Stylist from You Are My Sunshine, with a barrage of questions on hair care and myths in an exclusive interview. Besides debunking hair myths, we got him to share the specific ingredients we should be looking out for in hair products. And to make it convenient for you, the Yahoo Shopping team went in search of said ingredients and products. Now, we can all look forward to healthy, lustrous hair in the near future!

Our editorial team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the products and deals we love. If you love them too and decide to purchase through the links below, we may receive a commission. Prices were correct at the time of publication.

Subscribe to Yahoo Singapore Telegram and visit Yahoo Shopping for first dibs on shopping deals

Myth 1: Washing your hair every day can strip the scalp of its natural oils

True

The oil that the scalp produces is meant to be spread throughout the entire hair shaft to keep your hair moisturised. Unfortunately, shampooing your hair every day prevents this natural process from happening and makes the ends of your hair dry. When the hair's surface isn't properly nourished, just like our skin, it forms microscopic cracks, which brings about frizz and a lacklustre appearance. Remedy this by reducing the frequency of shampooing and regularly using nourishing conditioners, hair masks, or hair treatment packs.

Smooth As Silk, Deep Moisture Shampoo, For Damaged Hair, 250ml

Smooth As Silk, Deep Moisture Shampoo, For Damaged Hair, 250ml. PHOTO: iHerb
Smooth As Silk, Deep Moisture Shampoo, For Damaged Hair, 250ml. PHOTO: iHerb

Myth 2: Brushing your hair every day (or 100 times a day) is good for the hair

Partially true

While it's not necessary to count to 100 brush strokes every day, regularly brushing the hair is beneficial because the brush/comb bristles act as mini-massage tools that stimulate the blood flow in the scalp. This constant stimulation leads to better hair growth and spreads the natural oils from root to tips.

Detangling Hair Brush, 2 Piece Set

Detangling Hair Brush, 2 Piece Set. PHOTO: iHerb
Detangling Hair Brush, 2 Piece Set. PHOTO: iHerb

Myth 3: Combing the hair when it is wet can damage the hair

True for fine, straight hair, false for wavy or curly hair.

Depending on the hair type, brushing the hair while it's wet can be harmful or good. For example, those with thin, straight hair aren't advised to brush through the hair straight out of the shower because the hair becomes more elastic while wet. This makes the strands prone to stretching and breakage from the pulling motion of each brushstroke. On the other hand, brushing the hair whilst dry will make the hair more frizzy for those with curly hair. As for those with wavy hair, it’s best to brush hair while wet. Always follow up with leave-in conditioning products to smoothen the curls and make the hair shiny.

Wet Brush, Original Detangler Brush, Pink, 1 Brush

Wet Brush, Original Detangler Brush, Pink, 1 Brush. PHOTO: iHerb
Wet Brush, Original Detangler Brush, Pink, 1 Brush. PHOTO: iHerb

Myth 4: Using the hairdryer is bad for the hair

Neither true nor false

While it's true that all hot tools are generally damaging to the hair, blow dryers are one of the least damaging hair tools as it doesn't involve direct contact with high heat. In some cases, blow drying can be better than air drying when done correctly. If it takes more than 30 minutes to air-dry the hair, the cuticles will end up swelling and cracking from holding too much water; therefore, it could be better for those with thicker hair to regularly blow-dry. Just be mindful of the temperature settings and set it to medium heat.

Shea Butter, Thermal Shield Heat Protectant, 151ml

Shea Butter, Thermal Shield Heat Protectant, 151ml. PHOTO: iHerb
Shea Butter, Thermal Shield Heat Protectant, 151ml. PHOTO: iHerb

Myth 5: Dyeing your hair can lead to hair loss

It depends on the hair dye

Any chemical treatment whose quality isn't regulated will cause significant hair damage. Quality plays a crucial role in chemical treatments such as hair dyes, so it's imperative to choose trustworthy brands to colour your hair. At You Are My Sunshine, we use only natural products from reputable brands sourced worldwide to provide the best quality of colour treatments, so our clients never have to worry about the worst-case scenario of hair loss.

Myth 6: There’s nothing you can do about hair loss. It is genetic.

True and false

Although genetic hair loss is indeed irreversible, there are preventive methods you can do to minimise its effects. From simple daily habits like brushing your hair or regular scalp treatments at your favourite salon to clinical procedures such as laser and other minimally invasive treatments. Additionally, not all hair loss cases are caused by genetics. Some everyday hair loss situations are caused by stress or hormonal imbalances, which can be completely treatable.

Hair Follicle Stimulator with Jojoba & Vitamin B-5, 237ml

Hair Follicle Stimulator with Jojoba & Vitamin B-5, 237ml. PHOTO: iHerb
Hair Follicle Stimulator with Jojoba & Vitamin B-5, 237ml. PHOTO: iHerb

Myth 7: You cannot dye your hair after a perm

True

Perm chemically breaks down your hair's internal structure and alters it to change its behaviour from straight to wavy/curly. This process is already highly stressful for your hair, so we're firmly against adding any more chemical treatments less than 3-4 weeks after getting a perm.

Myth 8: Colouring the hair is very damaging for both the hair and the scalp

It depends on the hair dye and frequency.

Colouring, when done properly, is not as damaging as it's made out to be. However, I always recommend a reparative treatment to accompany a hair colouring session to mitigate the moisture loss from the colouring process. It’s also best to wait out at least two months before your next colour session so that the hair doesn’t get overly processed. As a plus, we only use gentler, all-natural hair colour formulas at You Are My Sunshine which ensures that our client's hair gets significantly less damage compared to industry-standard colour services.

Myth 9: Greys require stronger and more toxic hair dyes for coverage

False

Grey hair is a hair type that is different from other hair types like straight and curly hair. Most grey hairs tend to be coarse and dry due to oil production. Simply put, it has a different structure that needs special care, not necessarily stronger and more toxic products.

Henna Cream, High-Performance Healthy Hair Color for Grey Coverage

Henna Cream, High-Performance Healthy Hair Color for Grey Coverage. PHOTO: iHerb
Henna Cream, High-Performance Healthy Hair Color for Grey Coverage. PHOTO: iHerb

For those with greys

Use any moisturising conditioners to address the dryness; natural oils such as coconut or shea.

For those suffering from hair loss

Look for strengthening ingredients for daily maintenance, or best to consult your dermatologist for medicated treatments.

For those with dyed or damaged hair

Keratin-based conditioners and hair repair masks

For those with oily scalp

Clarifying shampoos with vinegar derivatives

PHOTO: You Are My Sunshine
PHOTO: You Are My Sunshine

You Are My Sunshine is at #05-05A, #05-06/07, #05-33, 391 Orchard Rd Ngee Ann City, Singapore 238872.

Yahoo Shopping
Yahoo Shopping