Interview
Hair Hacks with Elias Da Silva
The ultimate everyday dream? Great hair, every single day. And yes, it’s possible.
Elias Da Silva is a hairstylist at Atelier a Place in Hellerup, Copenhagen, where the salon’s focus extends beyond cutting and coloring to head spa treatments and overall hair health.
Here, he shares his expert tips on hair care, the importance of a healthy scalp, and the best techniques for caring for your hair at home.
How do you wash your hair correctly?
“Many people wash their hair out of habit rather than based on its actual needs. I recommend washing only when your hair feels dirty, greasy, dull, or flat. In Denmark, the water has a high mineral content, which can irritate the scalp and dry out the hair.
When washing, always shampoo twice. Think of it like washing a greasy frying pan. The first round of dish soap just spreads the grease around, but the second wash really cleans it. The same goes for shampoo — first, it dissolves oil and dirt, and the second wash gives a deep cleanse. If you use a high-quality shampoo, you only need a small amount.”
Why should you use conditioner?
“Conditioner is often an overlooked step in hair washing, but it’s crucial. It has a low pH that neutralizes the hair’s cuticle layer, which opens up due to the higher pH of water. This helps seal the cuticle and protects the hair from heat, cold, and other external stressors.
Many people skip conditioner because they feel it weighs their hair down, but this usually means they haven’t found the right one. I often compare hair to a pinecone. Without conditioner, the hair cuticle stays open, like a rough, spiky pinecone, making it more prone to damage. With conditioner, the hair cuticle is sealed, like a closed pinecone, offering protection. A hair mask should never replace conditioner, as masks don’t have the same low pH to properly close the cuticle.”
How do you get the most out of conditioner?
“Try to squeeze as much water as possible out of your hair before applying conditioner. If your hair is too wet, the product gets diluted and slides off before it has a chance to work. Use a dry towel to gently squeeze out excess water first, then apply your conditioner.”
If you also use a hair mask, in what order should you apply the products?
“Shampoo, hair mask, then conditioner.”
Can you brush your hair when it’s wet?
“Yes, but only with the right tools. I recommend a good wet brush or a wide-tooth comb to avoid pulling or breaking the hair. When I apply conditioner and let it sit for 1-3 minutes, I use that time to brush through the hair in the shower. This helps prevent tangles, especially at the nape of the neck, and makes the hair feel smooth and healthy.”
How do you maintain a healthy scalp?
“A healthy scalp is the foundation of healthy hair — and the first step to a healthy scalp is keeping it dry. If you don’t have time to blow-dry every lock of hair, at least make sure to dry your scalp with a hairdryer.”
What are your best hair care hacks?
“I believe in having the right products, not a large collection of them. Too many products can overload your hair. It’s better to invest in a few high-quality essentials that suit your needs. Focus on what works for your lifestyle and be realistic about how much time you have.”
How should you choose the right products for your hair?
“If you have oily hair, look for a shampoo that removes excess oil. If your hair is dry, go for products that provide hydration. Consult your hairstylist for advice — choosing hair care products should be based on what your hair and scalp actually need, not just trends or the first product you see. Get a professional hair analysis at your salon — that’s what we’re here for.”