Stop just focusing on your hair and show your scalp some love. Here are tips on how to keep your scalp balanced and healthy.
When was the last time you paid attention to your scalp? Was it when you were looking for a dandruff-fighting shampoo that didn’t smell chemical-y? When it comes to our heads, we usually focus on keeping our hair looking flawless and never consider our scalps. We need to start paying more attention to our scalps instead of just focusing on our locks. As celebrity hairstylists and RevitaLash Cosmetics spokespersons John Simpson and Chris Dove state, “A healthy scalp treatment means healthy hair.” Think of your scalp like you would the skin of your body and face. Do you ignore your complexion when there is an issue, or are you ensuring it is checked with moisturizers, cleansers, and masks? We asked John and Chris for tips on how to keep your scalp healthy.
According to Chris and John, the biggest mistake you can make is neglecting your scalp. If you pay attention to it, your healthy scalp will result in healthier hair.
First, it is important to identify if your scalp is irritated or needs some extra TLC. John and Chris explain, “If your scalp is oily, dry, tight, itchy or lacks sensitivity, this should alert concern.
Just like the skin of our face and body, the scalp is the foundation of healthy hair.” Most of us realize something is off with flakes, but you may brush (pun intended) having a dry or oily scalp off and attribute it to just your hair type.
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Scalp Care Routine
Once you identify your scalp issues, you can find a specific product to treat them. If you want to keep your scalp in check, Chris and John suggest seeking gentle shampoos that focus on cleansing. They state, “[Look for] a shampoo that focuses on cleansing, not robbing, your hair.
To create a clean and hydrated canvas allows you to gain volume and thickness. Be careful of detergent-based shampoos. They can over-cleanse, making the hair produce more oil than necessary.
[This results in] lifeless hair and a vicious cycle of cleansing stripping natural, healthy oils followed by dryness and over-production of oil which in turn cause the whole process to repeat.” Shampoo’s job is to rid the hair and scalp of natural and environmental impurities, but you don’t want to strip it completely.
If you are looking for a good, natural, balanced shampoo and conditioner, Chris and John recommend ReGenesis Thickening Shampoo, $89, and Thickening Conditioner, $92.
They explain, “This dynamic duo leaves the finest hair to the naturally thick hair type cleansed and nourished. It is a gentle cleansing shampoo free of harsh detergents that will not strip the hair. In addition, the ingredients help exfoliate and care for the scalp. Body, thickness, bounce, and shine result from every use.” Plus, you won’t have to buy shampoo or conditioner for a year, thanks to the 1-liter bottles.
Taking Care Of Your Scalp
It isn’t just the shampoo that is important; how often you wash your hair is a factor, too. John and Chris state, “Overwashing results in an overactive oil production. This concern will reduce the hair’s volume or body, making it lifeless and flat.” If you are tempted to join the “no-poo” movement, hold up because there are issues with under-washing your hair, too.
John and Chris explain that under-washing your hair results in an accumulation of oils and excess skin. These could block or even smother the hairs’ natural openings.
This often results in the follicles shrinking, making the hair thinner in diameter. That’s reason enough to have you reaching for the shampoo more.
If you consider treating scalp issues with home remedies, Chris and John advise skipping them and sticking with professional products, “Home remedies are just that, home remedies.
For example, home coloring is a science project of uncertainty, and home scalp and hair remedies are quite the same. A professional regime is a route to go on a healthy scalp treatment journey.”
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The next time you are out stocking up on hair products, remember to think of your scalp. It may not seem like it is the most important body part because it is buried under your rainbow hair, but remember that your scalp is the thing that will keep your mane looking its best.
