There are a wealth of products on the market claiming to 'repair split ends' or 'cure damaged hair', but what one may not realize is that healthy hair starts at the scalp. Think of the scalp like the soil ā the health and bounty of the crop is directly related to the climate of the soil, and poor soil can't grow a healthy crop no matter how many 'miracle' products you throw onto it! The health of your scalp has more to do with just whether you have dandruff or not. An unbalanced scalp is more common than you might think, considering product buildup, stress, and pollutants we come across daily. Here are a few tips to help you on your journey to less shiddy scalp health.
Show the same love to your scalp as you do to the skin on your face! No, you don't need an elaborate skincare routine for it, but don't forget it's there. The skin up there can be sensitive, especially if you have fine hair, so use products that are gentle and non-irritating.
Give yourself a head massage! Take your time gently scrubbing your scalp when shampooing in order to get rid of any buildup, debris, and dirt. For a little extra luxury, invest in a silicone scalp massager for your shower or a gentle scalp scrub.
Oxidative stress is a phenomenon in the body when there are too many free radicals floating around for the body to properly detoxify itself which can lead to cell and tissue damage. This can have a major impact on our scalp health, so avoid contributing factors like smoking, UV radiation, and pollution.
Train your hair to go longer between washes.It may seem logical to wash your hair when your scalp is greasy, but the more often you strip away these natural oils, the more your body produces to compensate.
Prevention is better than damage control! Don't wait until your hair starts feeling brittle or those pesky flakes start appearing. Even if you already have a healthy scalp, a little extra TLC never hurt.
Use gentle products on the scalp. Avoid products with sulphates, heavy fragrances, or alcohols as these may irritate your scalp and lead to buildup.
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We as a society have progressed past ignoring our scalps, y'all! If we want luscious locks, we have to take care of the organ (yes it's an organ ā gross, I know, sorry) the hairs grow from and treat it a little less shiddy.
Remember to be less shiddy to others, our planet, and yourself.