Healthy Hair and Scalp
If you’re wanting to build and maintain habits that promote healthy hair as well as a healthy scalp, I’ve got you! covered. Whether your goal is length, hydration, addressing scalp concerns, or just wanting the best out of your hair, below are some general guidelines to refer to.
If you see frizz or flyaways, picture a little plant reaching up to the sky for water. There are a few main culprits when it comes to frizzy hair and these are damage, humidity/weather and genetics. How moisturized your hair is in the first place will also play into the frizziness.
What actually causes frizz is a lack of moisture. And when your strands are lacking in moisture, they try to absorb it from the air. This only exacerbates the frizziness – and this also explains why, when the air is humid, your hair can look even frizzier. This is not a value judgement, smooth hair is not the preferred option. It’s just a matter of looking out for the health of your stands.
There are competing opinions about how often one should wash their hair. I’m personally in the camp of using your own discretion. Yes- folks with dense, curly and/or coarse hair may not feel the need to wash as often as the oils are either being absorbed into the hair or just take longer to reach the surface than someone with fine and/or straight hair. Maybe not the popular opinion, but your scalp is an extension of the skin on your face, and just like you wash your face, you should also cleanse your scalp. If you do have finer hair, you may find that washing daily works for you. That’s cool with me as long as you’re using a gentle shampoo without any harsh or stripping ingredients. Periodically, it’s good to use something more deep cleansing to remove any product build up, dandruff, etc. I typically say use something gentle most of the week and then alternate to something more “clarifying” either weekly or every other week. Refer to my product recommendations for options for your hair type.
When using your cleanser or shampoo, remember to only apply and massage it into the roots and don’t distribute it through the ends. For conditioner, you’ll do the opposite. As a rule, you’ll apply conditioner from the chin down. Obviously do the best you can and it’s not always possible to not overlap. especially if your hair is short.
Brushing your hair and scalp is a great way to remove build up and loose strands, distribute scalp oil to the ends and promote growth. You’ll want to use a brush with fine natural bristles that are close together. You can get a “boar bristle” brush, which are amazing, but there are cheaper vegan alternatives as well. Here’s a video with some techniques for reference.
Rosemary oil as well as Tea Tree oil are both anti inflammatory, stimulating and anti fungal. When applied to the scalp, they can promote new growth as well as help with dry scalp and dandruff. You can apply all over from a dropper and massage it in. I like to do this on the day I know I’m going to wash, I’ll do this about an hour before getting in the shower and leave in on like a mask. Shampoo and condition as usual afterwards. I do this once a week. Note: Apply only Rosemary and Tea Tree oil that is diluted or formulated for hair and scalp.
There are some scalp concerns that can be treated at home, but there are some that need the attention of a dermatologist. Tiny particles that fall out when you brush or massage your hair is typically just dandruff. Mild itching is normal, but non stop intense itching could be a sign of something else. If you’ve been applying conditioner to your roots or continuing to add product without brushing or washing your hair, it could be the irritation of product build up and clogged pores. If you have painful, raised, bloody, scaly, yellow embedded, larger flakes it could be either a fungal infection, something auto immune, or allergy related. The best plan is to seek a professional opinion and get a treatment regimen specific to you.
Hair is the most fragile when wet. Out of the shower, avoid tightly wrapping your hair in a towel or pulling it back with an elastic. Gently use your fingers or a wide tooth comb to detangle your hair. Microfiber towels are best for preventing damage and breakage. Even claw clips can damage and put tension on the your hair if fastened too tightly. If you’re going to pull it back wet, do so loosely with a silk and loose scrunchy or a scarf or gently wrap in a towel. Only use a fine tooth comb or brush when your hair is completely dry. Try to plan your night shower to leave enough time for your hair to dry before bed.
Silk pillowcases are a great option for reducing friction and tangling while you sleep. They also keep your evening skin care from being rubbed off. All around a great investment!
For dry, damaged and thirsty hair. A hair mask to use weekly will help. You’ll apply on damp or dry hair, raking it from the ends up, avoiding the scalp. You can leave it on for 15 minutes or even longer. I follow the same procedure as the Rosemary oil. I do this about an hour before a shower when I’m going to shampoo my hair. I do this before the shower, as the hair is more porous when dry/damp and will absorb the mask better than if the hair is saturated with water. You can also do the hair mask in the shower, I would just squeeze as much water out as you can before applying and make sure to let it full absorb and sit before rinsing.