I think scalp is one of those unsexy topics around hair care that no one really wants to talk about. That said for the clients who really struggle with it, it’s the most important part of their routine. That’s because if your scalp isn’t living it’s best life, your hair wont be either.
Scalp health is much more important than most people realize. It’s literally the organ that supports the hair fibre through the hair follicles. The quality of these hair follicles is dependent upon the quality of the tissue, cells, and blood that fuel the follicle, which makes the hair fibre.
So what does a healthy scalp even look like?
Well, we shouldn’t see redness, irritation, and itchiness, and we shouldn’t see a lot of scales or buildup. A dry scalp can cause irritation to the follicles, itchiness and potential flakes. While an oily scalp can cause buildup and blockage for your follicle’s.
If you have been struggling with scalp issues, I recommend consider seeing your doctor and being referred to a dermatologist. Some people experience different types of skin disorders that can also affect the scalp. Scalp medical conditions such dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis can cause hair breakage, less shine and rough hair. These conditions and poor scalp health can result and be associated with premature hair loss.
What should scalp care should we be incorporating into our routine?
The same rules that apply to skincare are typically relevant to scalp care as well: regularly cleanse to remove debris, dirt, and oil, while also ensuring proper hydration. You’ll also find that your scalp conditions may determine your shampoo schedule.
STEP 1: SCALP TREATMENT
Applying a pre-shampoo scalp treatment like this one and giving yourself a deep-tissue massage is the first — and most important — step for surface scalp health.
The Kevin Murphy Treatment concentrated foaming masque is extremely soothing and nourishing, designed to relieve a sensitive scalp and nurture it back to health. Skin loving hylauric acid delivers hydration and locks in moisture. Celery seed and carrot root helps to clear impurities and condition the scalp to help it remain balanced and calm. Use this once per week in your at home scalp facial.
STEP 2: Massage and brush your scalp!
Brushing massages your scalp and stimulates it’s blood circulation encouraging hair growth and strengthening hair roots while also breaking up and removing buildup (helping you with any dandruff issues!). Check out this video here.
STEP 3: SCALP SCRUB
Just like a body scrub, scrub your scalp purifying with a pre-wash scalp exfoliator. Apply to your wet hair and, use your fingertips or scalp brush in circular motions to massage your scalp and roots of your hair.
This is a super important step, but be mindful; we don’t want to over-scrub the scalp either.
STEP 4: SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER
Follow with your usual shampoo and conditioner routine to suit your other hair needs, but there are Scalp specific options too like this one and this one designed to strengthen hair. Use this purifying shampoo infused with a blend of skin loving ingredients like Micellar water, celery seed extract and rose water. This will gently cleanse, soothe and balance moisture levels to bring the scalp back to its best.
STEP 5: SCALP SERUM
Finally, just like your skin, end with a nourishing serum to take your scalp from angry to ahhh-mazing. This offers soothing and balancing relief to am irritated scalp. This product is super lightweight and fast absorbing leave in treatment can be applied once hair is dry or before styling. I also encourage clients to use this as a spot treatment. If throughout the day you are struggling with a spot on the scalp that its itchy or sore, simply apply the serum and massage in. May be used on damp or dry hair.
These are some of the best steps to implement to create the best scalp health possible. One of the biggest takeaways I can give you, if you are struggling with scalp problems: Do not go long periods of time without washing your scalp; it will make it worse. Please reach out to me via Instagram, DM with questions or concerns.
