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As the number of COVID-19 cases grow exponentially, we don't have a choice but to do our pampering activities in the safety of our homes.

Unfortunately, our hair is the least likely to be maintained because salons are closed again as the government reverts the stricter quarantine measures, or the so-called MECQ (modified enhanced community quarantine), heeding the frontliners' call.

For some, shampooing and hair conditioning are enough, but for those whose hairs are prone to damage clearly need to put extra care into their crowning glories.

To effectively bring the locks back to life, GMANetwork.com asked Philippine Dermatological Society's Dr. Grace Beltran and Dr. Jean Marquez in a Zoom interview the easy and simple hair care routine we can practice at home.

Eat healthy food and get enough sleep
Lifestyle affects the condition of the hair so the primary step to maintain the mane and all its glory is by working on it from the inside.

Basically, eating foods high in omega 3 fatty acids and rich in vitamins C, B, E, A, and D, and getting enough sleep are vital to elevate the hair's appearance and nurture hair follicle growth.

Beltran explained, "Ang hair natin is stress-related din 'yan. If you're not under stress, then your hair and your skin glow. Basic pa rin, eating the right kinds of foods, drinking plenty of water, eating protein kasi 90 percent of our hair shaft is made of protein, and only two percent is water.

"And then para maging shiny 'yung hair mo, then you have to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables 'cause these are the sources of vitamins and minerals that will be good for the hair and the skin, and you have to have enough sleep daily."

Choose the right type of shampoo and wash hair the right way
Beltran pointed out that there are different shampoo variants for different hair concerns so better pick the right one to alleviate the problem and not to worsen it.

She said, "Avoid harsh shampoos and harsh conditioners as much as possible lalo na kung naghe-hair fall ka.

"Kung meron kang tendency for hair fall, pang-hair fall na shampoo 'yung gamitin mo because it is formulated in such a way na mild lang 'yung ingredients n'ya saka there's not much of additive to it kapag for hair fall.

"But if your hair is so oily, so thick, saka ang bigat-bigat, you need a stronger cleanser para maalis 'yung natural oils kasi kung oily ka naman, magkakaroon ka ng folliculitis d'yan, saka seborrhea or dandruff saka mga pimple rin sa scalp."

Marquez, on the other hand, shed light on the proper way of washing the tresses.

She shared, "I would always advice to use a regular shampoo to clean your scalp and then put the conditioner only on the tips of your hair, not on the scalp 'cause the conditioner could clog the pores and you can have dandruff.

"If you have dandruff, it's better to use an anti-dandruff shampoo. Not everyday because it may cause drying of your scalp which can further worsen your dandruff, lalo mag-scale and lalong mangangati kasi your scalp needs also moisture and oil.

"'Pag nasobrahan ng dry, na-i-irritate then lalong nagda-dandruff, so you only use it two to three times a week and then i-alternate mo s'ya with your regular shampoo. It can be two-in-one shampoo, it could be just a shampoo basta 'yung hair mo is not too oily when you shampoo, and does not get too dry. Tama lang."

Use coconut oil
When it comes to hair treatment substitute, Betran and Marquez swear by the same product: coconut oil.

Coconut oil provides various benefits for hair health such as hair growth, scalp nourishment, and sebum build-up removal, no wonder why it's often said to be the best oil for hair care.

"Virgin coconut oil is a good alternative kasi may antifungal na siya, may antibacterial pa siya," Beltran shared.

While coconut oil is a promising product for natural hair treatment, Marquez noted that it is not suitable for those who have oily hair and scalp because it can aggravate the condition of the hair.

"Use it if your hair and scalp are dry but do not use oil or do not use spa treatment if you have oily hair and oily scalp and have infection or folliculitis on your hair because the bacteria can grow more," she pointed out.

Take supplements
Since regular salon visits are far from sight, the easiest way to keep the hair healthy is by taking supplements, as Marquez recommends.

She said, "Take biotin, that's also good for hair loss and for the hair in general. Biotin is Vitamin B7. Also take zinc, especially if you have dandruff. If you have early graying of hair, you might be lacking in copper so have some copper supplement."

Under quarantine or not, our hair must receive the care and treatment it deserves 'cause, at the end of the day, it is a huge part of our identity.