A month or so back I had an appointment with the Davines brand team at d&m Salon in Ponsonby. The reason for my trip was a hair condition (well two to be precise) that I have been suffering from in the last year – hair loss (Alopecia) scattered around my scalp, but mainly on one side, and itchiness – by the end of last year I was at my wit’s end and so stressed out it, I was pulling and scratching at my hair even more.
The body has strange ways of telling you to calm down, relax, start looking after yourself, slow down on work (all of these apply to me) and manifesting itself in a physical way was the way it was punishing me. A trip to a trichologist and blood tests last year gave me no clues, until recently when I was reading about the new Davines Naturaltech formulations. Davines is an Italian company which marries science and nature and produces products that do what they say they will (a seemingly easy, yet tough task to achieve in the world of skin and hair care.) This amazing collection of products uses phytoceuticals – which are active biological compounds present in plant life and when used on the human body work as antioxidants to protect, calm and ease inflammation.
Davines brand manager, Ryland talked me through the range and also asked me detailed questions about my hair and scalp symptoms. After leaving me in the very capable hands of a d&m staffer, I was given a blissful head massage before a shampoo and condition with the Naturaltech Calming Shampoo – extracts from blueberries are used in this formulation which have very high anti-inflammatory properties, whilst patchouli oils calm the mind. The Well-Being conditioner applied next uses Echinacea to protect and clove, nutmeg and sandalwood to sooth and stimulate.
Back in my chair, the next two stages of my treatment are the active stages. The Nourishing Hair Royal Jelly Superactive is applied – this comes in a box of 6 doses for your ongoing homecare programme. This product has really helped hydrate my scalp and calm down the itchiness, as well as improving the condition of my hair. Royal jelly is like nectar from the gods (well bees) and is rich in vitamins. This treatment is gently massaged in and left on to work its magic. Next up is the product that I swear has stopped my hair loss dead in its tracks – the Energising Lotion. This product has a very high concentration of caffeine phytoceutical which stimulates the scalp’s cellular metabolism, with added beta-glucans, which strengthen the immune system and ginger, black pepper and cinnamon oils aping up the stimulating properties. This liquid is left on and can feel very tingle-ly when applied (no need to worry, its just working miracles!)
After a blow dry, I am sent away with my homecare kit of the aforementioned products to start 3 months of homecare (obviously this is the most important part of the treatment) It’s important you stick to the 2 day application of the Energising Lotion and weekly application of Nourishing Hair Royal Jelly Superactive to see the best results. Obviously its also best to take a look at your routine, diet and stress levels as well and stop stress-related hair loss happening in the first place. I am also very careful about what styling products I use – nearly everything i have tried aggravates the itching, but I am finding the above regime gives me enough style and body not to have to use anything else.
Many thanks to the amazing team at d&m for hosting my Davines treatment.
Call d&m Salon on (09) 376 3666 to book in for a Davine’s treatment or purchase the Naturaltech collection.
Phone 0800 252-530 to find your Davines salon out of Auckland.
