The Case for Caring About Your Scalp
Let's be honest; when it comes to hair care, most of us focus on the strands that we can see. We shampoo, condition, and style our hair to perfection but give little thought to the scalp that lies beneath. After all, as long as our hair looks good, who cares about the scalp, right? Wrong!
The fact is, if you want healthy, strong, and good-looking hair, you need to start at the root of the problem—literally. Here's why taking care of your scalp is just as important as taking care of your strands.
The Scalp is Skin, Too!
Your scalp is an extension of your skin, so it only makes sense that it needs to be cleansed, exfoliated and moisturized just like the rest of your skin. Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of using harsh shampoos and detergents on their scalps, which can strip away natural oils and leave the skin feeling dry and irritated.
Just like you wouldn't use a bar of soap on your face, you shouldn't use one on your scalp either. Instead, opt for a gentle cleansing shampoo that won't strip away essential moisture.
It's All About Balance
Keeping your scalp healthy requires finding a delicate balance between cleansing and moisturizing. If you over-cleanse, you can strip away natural oils that keep skin healthy.
On the other hand, if you don't cleanse enough, built-up products and sebum can clog the pores and lead to problems like dandruff, dermatitis and possibly hair fallout.
How often you need to wash your hair will depend on factors like your hair type (oily vs. dry), how often you style it (every day vs. once a week), and even the climate you live in (humid vs. dry). However, as a general rule of thumb, most people only need to wash their hair 2-3 times per week.
Just like there are different skin types, the scalp can also be dry, oily, flakey and normal. Determining your type is the first step to ensuring the best care for your scalp.
Not sure where to start? Don't worry, we've got you covered.
Here are a few simple tips to help you get started:
- Wash your hair regularly - but not too much! Washing your hair every day can actually strip away its natural oils, leaving your scalp dry and irritated. Aim for 2-3 times per week instead.
- When you do wash your hair, make sure you're using an appropriate shampoo and conditioner that will target your concerns and won't strip away its natural oils. Avoid shampoos with harsh chemicals like sulfates and parabens.
- Exfoliate/Clarify your scalp once a week - just like you would exfoliate your face! This will help to remove any dead skin cells that could be clogging up your pores and preventing healthy hair growth. However, if you are an oily hair type, over-clarifying/exfoliating will do the opposite and produce more sebum.
- Use a scalp treatment once a week depending on your scalp health and how often you wash - this will help to deeply nourish and hydrate your scalp, keeping it healthy and happy. Avoid heavy creams/masks on the scalp as you naturally produce oils, heavy creams/masks can cause buildup and clog pores.
- Be careful when styling your hair - avoid using high heat when using tools, as this can damage both your hair and scalp. When you do use heat tools, it’s integral you're using heat protection prior to heat styling. This will also help protect your hair from sun damage. Try not to pull or tug too hard when brushing or styling your hair, as this can also lead to damage, irritation and inflammation. Always brush/comb from the ends and work your way up as this prevents breakage.
Scalp Massages are Good for Your Health
Not only are scalp massages good for your hair, but they’re also food for your overall health. Scalp massages help to increase blood circulation, promote relaxation and stimulate hair reproduction. They also help to reduce stress and tension headaches. If you’re looking for a way to relax and improve your overall health, consider adding a scalp massage to your beauty routine.
Pre wash massage helps promote a healthy scalp. Best practice is to use a large paddle brush and comb your hair/scalp from the nape upwards towards the crown. Do this for a few minutes to help stimulate the scalp. This also helps to slough off any dead cells and/or build up which will leave your scalp feeling cleaner after wash.
A Healthy Scalp Means Healthy Hair
Taking care of your scalp isn't just about keeping skin healthy—it's also about keeping hair healthy. When your scalp is healthy and free from common problems like dandruff or dermatitis, it provides the perfect environment for strong and healthy hair growth. On the other hand, an unhealthy scalp can lead to weak, brittle strands that are more susceptible to breakage. So if you want lustrous locks that are strong enough to withstand daily styling, start by taking care of your scalp!
Caring for your scalp may not be something you've given much thought to in the past, but hopefully, this article has convinced you of its importance. Just like the skin on your face or anywhere else on your body, your scalp needs to be cleansed and moisturized regularly to remain healthy.
Taking care of your scalp is essential for maintaining strong and healthy hair growth. So next time you're in the shower shampooing your strands, don't forget about giving your scalp some love too!
We’re excited about the Rene Furterer scalp care line with a full scope of products to help energize, soothe and prepare a healthy scalp, and show off those luscious locks!
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