Trichologist Penny James spills how Oribe’s latest launch can help thinning hair
From causes to prevention, Dr James, one of the masterminds behind the new Serene Scalp Densifying line, talks everything about fragile, thinning hair.
Congratulations on the new launch! How did this partnership with Oribe first come about?
Thank you! We are super excited about all the positive feedback we are getting from those who are using the Densifying Shampoo, Conditioner and Treatment Spray.
Our partnership started when the Oribe Product Development team reached out to me over two years ago, while they were exploring expanding their Serene Scalp Collection and wanted to tap into an expert in the Trichology space. I was thrilled to be asked to assist the team and help create a luxurious collection for those with fragile, thinning hair. I was already familiar with (and a fan of) the brand. I also worked with the legendary hairstylist Oribe Canales many years ago at his 5th Avenue salon in New York City. Our partnership just seemed to be a perfect, natural fit.
Can you tell us more about your role in bringing the new formulas to life?
In addition to assisting Oribe’s Product Development Team with product formulations, my role was to test the formulas on myself. I have fragile, thin, aging hair, so I knew that if we could improve my hair, we would have a wonderful product to offer others who struggle with their hair health. For the shampoo, our goal was to create a formula that gently cleansed and nourished the scalp and hair strands. The conditioner was designed with very fine, fragile hair in mind, so we had to make sure the formula didn’t weigh down strands or make hair look greasy and flat. Together, the shampoo and conditioner had to give hair fullness, density, body and natural shine.
What went into choosing Capixyl™, Redensyl™ and Pea Sprout Extract as the star ingredients for this collection?
Oribe’s existing Treatment Spray originally included Capixyl and pea sprout extract in the formulation. We used inspiration not only by the success of that product, but also wanted to expand our focus on plant-based ingredients that were backed by science.
Capixyl, Redensyl and pea sprout extract are relatively new to the hair market, and studies from clinical trials in the Trichology space have been published with very promising results. Oribe is also the first brand to feature these three ingredients across a full regimen.
Are there any other ingredients in the formula that deserve a special shoutout?
Yes, I love the Densifying Treatment Spray, which also has peppermint oil and witch hazel water. Both have a calming, refreshing effect on the scalp. Additionally, rosemary extract helps protect scalp and hair from free radical damage and the elements.
I’m blessed with quite thick hair, but years of tying it back have led to thinning at my temples. How can those with partial hair thinning, like me, incorporate this collection into their routine to see improvement?
This is an excellent question. First, you can use the Densifying Shampoo and Densifying Conditioner. Because you have thicker hair and may need additional moisture, you can also mix and match a conditioner from a different Oribe collection, such as the Supershine Hydrating Conditioner. After you cleanse and condition, towel dry your hair and apply the Densifying Treatment Spray onto the temple and frontal hairline. Massage gently and then style your hair as usual. You should also be mindful to limit the number of times you pull your hair back into tight ponytails.
I would also recommend exfoliating your scalp using the Serene Scalp Exfoliating Scrub once a week. This will help detoxify, purify and balance your scalp, and prep your weakened follicles in the frontal area to fully absorb the Serene Scalp Densifying Collection.
With so many potential causes of hair thinning, how can someone navigate their concerns and choose the right products for their needs?
If you are losing your hair, I suggest seeing a trichologist to find out why. You can also go to the doctor and get the necessary blood tests to show what you might be deficient in. It may be as simple as low iron or vitamin D. Once you’ve been given the right advice, you can start caring for your health and your hair. For example, the Serene Scalp Densifying Collection was created to help those with fragile, thinning hair, add fullness, density and volume back to their strands.
In Malaysia’s hot and humid climate, many of us shower more than once a day. What should we keep in mind when washing our hair frequently?
Due to the gentle nature of Oribe’s Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo, it’s not a problem to wash your hair twice a day if needed. In humid environments, try to stay away from using scalp oil too frequently. If you have to use it, do so only once a week, wash it out, and do not keep it on the scalp. In very humid conditions, the oil creates a barrier, and the scalp’s natural microbiome will become unbalanced.
What lifestyle factors should we be mindful of to support healthier, fuller hair and prevent thinning?
- Eat healthy
- Get proper rest
- Stay hydrated with water
- Avoid too much sun and exposure to UV rays
- Avoid toxic environments (exposure may contribute to inflammation)
- Limit alcohol consumption (this can contribute to inflammation)
- Take vitamins, including vitamin D, everyday if needed/deficient (vitamin D receptors are expressed in hair follicle cells, helping with hair growth cycling)
- Reduce stress
Looking ahead, do you see any exciting breakthroughs or trends in scalp and hair health that we should watch?
Trends are now focusing on anti-aging for the scalp. Scalp aging can be caused by many factors, one being oxidative stress. People are now realizing that their scalp is an extension of the skin on their face, so the hair care and scalp care market will begin to draw inspiration from skincare treatments that target oxidative stress and apply similar ingredients and ideas to products for the scalp and hair.
Another trend is the grey hair market. We are seeing new solutions for reducing grey hair and keeping hair looking and acting younger. Our hair follicle is the second smallest organ in the body and our hair grows for our entire lifetime; understanding what makes it grow and stop turning grey is complex and exciting.
Visit oribe.com to discover more.
