Maintaining healthy hair is something that everyone wants. A full, shiny head of hair is a symbol of health, beauty, and youth. Thousands of dollars are spent every year on products to repair the damage, strengthen strands, add shine, and even encourage more hair to grow. But what if the secret to making your mane healthier was something very simple? It just might be. Scalp care is something that most people give little or no thought to, but if your scalp is unhealthy your hair will be too. Giving your scalp a little extra care can help improve the health of your hair which results in extra beauty to your hairstyles.
Your Scalp Needs Hydration
For your skin to be healthy it needs adequate hydration and this includes the skin of your scalp. Think of it this way- if a plant doesn’t get enough water it won’t grow. The same is true of your hair. If your body is even mildly dehydrated it will divert moisture away from any nonessential processes, like growing hair. So a dried-out scalp and parched hair follicles will lead to flakes and itchiness, slowed hair growth, and dry and brittle strands. You can keep your scalp well hydrated by applying a moisturizing scalp treatment every week, and boost moisture from the inside by drinking the recommended eight glasses of water daily.
Give Your Scalp A Massage
Several studies have been performed on the benefits of scalp massage. All of them have found that a 3-5 minute daily scalp massage helps to improve the health of your hair and increase hair growth by stimulating circulation within the scalp bringing more oxygen and vital nutrients to your hair follicles. It’s easy to incorporate a daily scalp massage into your routine. Do it every morning just before styling your hair, or at night right before detangling at bedtime. You can also add a scalp massage to every shampoo for even more benefit. Simply use the pads of your fingers with gentle pressure in a small circular motion all over your scalp for a relaxing and scalp-invigorating experience. Once a week use scalp oil in your massage about 30 minutes before shampooing your hair.
Protect Your Scalp From The Sun
Even if your scalp is covered by thick hair UV rays from the sun make their way through causing damage just like they do anywhere else on your body. And being right on top, your scalp takes the full brunt of UV exposure. You can help protect the delicate skin of your scalp from sunburn and damage by wearing a hat when you go outdoors. There are also sunscreen products designed for use on your hair and scalp that will provide protection for times when wearing a hat isn’t practical.
Give Yourself A Haircial
A hair what you ask? A haircial is a special treatment meant to deep cleanse and deeply nourish your scalp and hair, just like a facial does for your face. Think of it as a mini spa day for your scalp. You’ll start with a prewash treatment to detoxify your scalp. There are scalp detox products available to purchase or you can DIY it by combining 2 tablespoons each of bentonite clay, activated charcoal powder, raw apple cider vinegar, and water. Mix into a paste and apply the mask all over your scalp. Twist up your tresses and cover them with a shower cap for 20-30 minutes. Rinse the mask out and follow by lathering up with a clarifying shampoo twice. Finish the haircial with a scalp nourishing and moisturizing hair mask.
Stop Overstripping Your Natural Oils
Your scalp produces oils whose job it is to protect your scalp and moisturize and nourish your hair. Shampoo strips these oils away. When you shampoo too often those natural oils never get to make their way to the ends of your hair. Over time your hair and scalp can become dry and unhealthy. For some people, over stripping can trigger their scalp to produce even more oils resulting in greasy hair. Cutting back to one to two shampoos per week can help keep more of your natural oils in place to keep your scalp and hair healthier. Dry shampoo can be used sparingly between shampoos to freshen up if needed, but don’t overuse those either as they can be drying as well.
Taking better care of your scalp will result in naturally healthier hair. The expert stylists at Von Anthony Salon have the skills, tools, and treatments at their fingertips to be able to help give you the beautiful, healthy hair you’ve been striving for. Give us a call at 972-731-7600 to schedule your appointment today and leave us with your hair looking better than ever. If you prefer to manage appointments from your phone download our free app from iTunes or Google Play We’ll see you soon at 7004 Lebanon Road, Suite 102 in Frisco, Texas.