When it comes to hair care, your ends seem to get all the attention, from trims to hair masks to leave-in treatments and more. But what about the scalp? Your scalp is the living part of your hair that contains blood vessels that deliver the essential nutrients that keep your hair healthy, shiny and strong. Check out five foolproof ways to spoil your scalp.
Tip #1: Develop an appropriate wash routine
Unfortunately, one of the biggest mistakes women make when it comes to their hair is washing it too often or not enough. Yes, dry shampoo has become a star product in nearly every woman’s beauty routine, but using too much can create build-up along the scalp, clogging the follicles. (Clogged hair follicles make it impossible for good nutrients and oils to travel down the hair shaft as well as hinder new hair growth.) On the contrary, washing hair too often can strip the scalp of its natural oils, leaving it feeling dry, itchy, flaky and irritated. So what’s a girl to do? If you’re a frequent washer, start by adding a day in between washes, then continue to add in an extra day as your hair adjusts. The ideal goal is to go 3-4 day for most hair types.
Tip #2: Massage your hair often
Scalp massages not only help you relax and unwind, but they also provide endless benefits to your strands, including removing dead skin cells and boosting circulation to the follicles, which, in turn, stimulates growth. For best results, stash a scalp massager in the shower as well as give yourself a 5-minute dry massage with your fingertips at least once a week.
A few of our faves:
Hair Scalp Massager Shampoo Brush
Tip #3: Indulge in weekly scalp treatments
Before massaging your scalp, apply a treatment to boost circulation. For those experiencing flaking, look for scalp masks that contain salicylic acid or lemongrass essential oil, to exfoliate the scalp, and aloe vera extract, to soothe. Or, for those looking to stimulate hair growth, create a DIY treatment by mixing a few drops of rosemary or lavender essential oil with a carrier oil, such as castor, coconut or jojoba oil.
Tip #4: Keep it cool
Running your head under scorching-hot water day after day in the shower can leave your scalp feeling dry and irritated. Instead, run warm water over your head when shampooing, then turn up the heat as desired while you let the conditioner soak into your strands. Also, do your part to protect your scalp from the sun. Wear a hat whenever you’re sitting in the sun for long periods, and apply a scalp SPF.
Tip #5: Invest in quality products
Remember that build-up we talked about? Cheap, low-quality products can increase build-up and ultimately compromise your hair’s integrity. Instead, avoid products containing harsh sulfates, dyes, and salts and opt for formulas rich in nutrients and oils. If you’re experiencing flaking, incorporate an exfoliating shampoo such as Keune Care Derma Exfoliate, into your hair care routine at least 1-2 times a week. Or, for an oily scalp, opt for a deep cleansing formula like Keune Care Derma Regulate, that will eliminate excess oils and regulate sebum production.
Our Top Pick: