Pamper

THE GLOW UP News from the beauty aisle

HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW Hair loss is something we usually associate with men, but the truth is that it's almost as common in women. Andrea Clark is an expert in trichology, the scientific study of the hair and scalp, at the Mandarin Salon. We ask our most dis-tressing questions about female hair loss. By Carla Thomas

Q How do you get to the root (no pun intended) of the problem when it comes to hair loss? There are so many reasons we might experience hair loss of some kind. What needs to be determined is - are we losing excessive hair because of an underlying (and treatable) cause, or is the diameter of the hair shaft gradually reducing because of your genetics?

Q What are some common reasons women might start to lose their hair? If it’s not genetic, the most common would usually be iron deficiency. Other causes could be low levels of ferritin (which helps with iron storage), high levels of stress, hormonal changes during post-pregnancy or menopause, and proper absorption of nutrients (namely your gut health).

Q What's the biggest myth about hair loss? There’s the misconception that all hair loss will be permanent. Once an underlying cause is found, often the hair will start to grow back within a few months, but it still takes time and patience due to the fact the hair only grows about a centimetre a month.

Q How can a trichologist help someone experiencing hair loss? Trichologists will delve deep into the possible underlying reasons, asking questions and examining the scalp for signs and symptoms. Most importantly, we offer a lot of reassurance and empathy.

Q What are some signs that we should be concerned about hair loss, and what can we do about it? We all have to shed some hair daily, as this is normal. If there are extreme amounts of hair in the shower drain, if your pony tail seems thinner, or if you notice tufts of hair that look like breakage, don’t selfdiagnose; go see someone who can help solve the puzzle from professional experience with hair loss.

Q Why is female hair loss still so taboo? I actually think it’s become less so for both men and women. We talk about a lot of topics more openly than past generations, and I believe we’re aware of our own health and wellness needs increasingly today. That said, although we have evolved as humans to not need our hair, it is and always will be important to our confidence and self-esteem, and can often be seen as a part of who we are.

JING OF THE CHILL Spent too long looking at world news lately? You could probably use a little extra relaxation in your routine to put you at ease. European lifestyle brand Rituals just released their Jing collection, inspired by the Chinese concept representing stillness and tranquility, and it’s a calming, rest-inspiring range of bath and body products that’s got us audibly exhaling. Using stressmelting essential oils like lavender, lotus and jujube, the entire collection is geared towards rest and sleep, with pampering hand masks, herbal teas, pillow mists, sleep serums, eye pillows, and everything else under the sun needed to nod off. Individual items start from $65, or pick up a gift set from $205. Available in-store (including ifc mall) or online. rituals.com/en-hk

MAKEUP CLASS

COS PLAY Confounded by contouring? High-strung about highlighting? Why not take some of that extra time on your hands and finally learn how to execute a flawless face of makeup? Locally-owned Kalamakeup provides one-on-one or group makeup lessons for anyone looking for a serious glow up when it comes to their cosmetics routine. Makeup classes at this Central studio cover a wide range of topics, from how to achieve the perfect au naturel look to more advanced areas, like eyebrow shaping and eyeliner techniques. Students also get individualised skincare and makeup product recommendations, as well as instructions on proper makeup removal. Classes are 90 minutes, with all cosmetics and tools provided by owner Kalam herself. Private lessons cost $2,500 (or $4,000 for two), and anyone booking two or more classes receives a free set of professional makeup brushes. Room 101, Ivy House, 18-20 Wyndham St., Central, 9757-4220, kalamakeup.com. Pamper

LIV LOVES… MASKS

SARAH FUNG, PUBLISHER

Fresh Rose Face Mask ($510 for 100ml) "With a light rose scent, this mask has a jelly-like consistency and is awesome for delivering a shot of moisture and radiance to dry, tired skin. It's super gentle and soothing, making it ideal if you suffer from redness."

CARLA THOMAS, EDITOR

Bodia Charcoal Pollution Detox Facial Mix (US$8.50 for 60g) “I discovered this all-natural Cambodian beauty brand on a trip to Siem Reap, and fell in love with their coconut charcoal and clay mask powder! You mix it up with a bit of water so it makes a paste, which sort of makes me feel like an olde tyme apothecary.”

ANSHU RIJHWANI, SENIOR SALES MANAGER

Mask of Magnaminty ($205 for 315g) “I love this mask! It’s fresh peppermint blended with honey and evening primrose seeds. Refreshing and tingly, but not harsh or abrasive.”