Feb 2021, Skin

Scalp Care 101

February 1, 2021 | by Audrianna Mora

The latest trend in skincare

Soft, strong, healthy hair is something most women (and men!) covet, but many overlook the fact that scalp care is paramount to achieving and maintaining beautiful, luscious locks. Just like the skin, your scalp needs to be cleansed, exfoliated, and hydrated, and overlooking a proper regimen can hinder your hair from looking its best. Here’s how to get (and keep) the scalp in peak form to achieve your best hair days, every day.

CLEANSE CORRECTLY

Your hair washing schedule should depend on many things – namely, your scalp’s health and your daily activity. If your scalp is feeling dry, itchy, oily, or just “off”, it might be time to reexamine your washing routine. Look for a shampoo containing exfoliating ingredients such as Salicylic Acid or Willow Bark to remove build-up, and nourishing ingredients like Aloe Vera and Panthenol to restore vitality to the scalp.

“When it comes to your scalp, skin, and hair, it’s essential to look for quality products that feature nourishing, refreshing, and exfoliating ingredients.”

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WASH OFTEN

Stretching time between shampoos can be useful for dry strands because it allows natural oils on your scalp to hydrate your hair. However, going too long between washes can be damaging for your scalp, especially if you’re loading up on dry shampoo or hairspray. To keep the scalp balanced, make the most of your “wash days” by giving your scalp and strands a thorough cleaning. Massage shampoo into the scalp for at least 30 seconds, and let it sit on your scalp for another minute before washing out.

EXFOLIATE WEEKLY

Build up from oil, sebum, and hair products is one of the most common issues in scalp care, but luckily, it’s one of the easiest to fix too! If you suffer from dandruff, eczema, scalp psoriasis, or just a plain old itchy scalp, chances are you’re experiencing an accumulation of dead skin cells. Try incorporating a scalp scrub into your routine once a week or once a month, depending on how often you wash your hair.

UTILIZE MASSAGE

Massage isn’t just for your body. It’s for your scalp too! Massage helps increase circulation, bringing oxygenated blood to your scalp and, therefore, more nutrients to the hair follicle. Massage also aids in removing build-up and exfoliating the scalp. Try giving yourself a scalp massage in the shower, or invest in a handy scalp exfoliating tool!

INVEST IN QUALITY

When it comes to your scalp, skin, and hair, it’s essential to look for quality products that feature nourishing, refreshing, and exfoliating ingredients. Ingredients like sodium laurel sulfates, parabens, and other harsh detergents may make your locks feel squeaky clean but can ultimately be too harsh on your hair – and your scalp. Instead, look for ingredients that will gently exfoliate the scalp (like Salicylic Acid, Willow Bark, or AHA’s), provide moisture (like Panthenol, Saw Palmetto and Amino Acids), and add body and shine (like Ginseng and Loquat Leaf).

How to Help Clients Maintain Scalp Health

• Work with them to identify their hair type and any scalp issues they may be experiencing.

• Create a “washing schedule” to ensure they wash their hair and scalp enough without drying out strands.

• Review the ” how-to’s” of proper scalp scrubbing, including pressure and duration.

• Identify which products in their regimen may be creating scalp irritation and recommend new ones.

• When in doubt, refer the client to a dermatologist.

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