I love her fro! [source]
Ladies the health of your scalp is just as important as taking care of the length of your hair. Healthy hair starts at the scalp. When your scalp is covered in excess sebum, product buildup and dead skin, one of two things can occur; hair loss or thinning coupled with dry, flaky conditions. - Scalp maintenance is important no matter how you choose to wear your hair this winter. If you plan on wearing protective styles like wigs, extensions and braids it is even more important as the hair that is touching your scalp can trap bacteria, excess product, sebum and dead skin cells.
Shampoo Regularly: I am a proponent of shampooing regularly even during the winter months, and here is why; the cooler months is when I tend to pack on the ultra thick moisturizers and styling products. Because of this, my hair is much more prone to build-up and clogged hair follicles. Buildup and clogged follicles is a breeding ground for bacteria and inflammation.
Keep your scalp protected with a scalp serum: Just as you should keep your hair protected from the dry hair, your scalp is no different. Reach for a light serum especially one formulated with essential oils to keep your scalp nourished, moisturized and protected from the elements.- Apply a serum directly to your scalp 3-4 times weekly to keep your nourish your follicles, protect and hydrate your scalp, as well as prevent any issues with skin inflammation.
Here are a few of my favorite products geared towards protecting and nourishing the scalp:
Here are a few of my favorite products geared towards protecting and nourishing the scalp:
Ion Scalp Exfoliating Treatment: This inexpensive product [$2.99] can be found at your local Sally's Beauty Supply. It is formulated to help remove dead skin cells, excess sebum and relieve issues associated with skin inflammation.
Phyto Scalp Elixir: This is a blend of essential oils mixed in a carrier oil base [corn oil]. While I do like this product, those that are handy in the kitchen can whip up their own mix using the same essential oils but in a better carrier oil like Jojoba. - With all of that being said [lol] this product can relieve scalp issues associated with skin inflammation and encourage healthy hair growth.
Jane Carter, Scalp Nourishing Serum: My favorite product for protecting and nourishing the scalp. This all natural product is formulated with essential oils that delivers nutrients deep into the cortex whilst promoting healthy hair growth. Not only does it nourish and promote growth, it also corrects chronic scalp issues naturally.
Tip: Use this product around the nape and hairline to promote growth to those areas.
John Masters Organics Deep Scalp Follicle Treatment: Another highly recommended product, this treatment can correct excess sebum production, protect your scalp from free radicals, promote growth, and correct chronic scalp issues.
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Wish I could purchase all the products you recommend in your posts. Your blog is such an eyeopener to me.
ReplyDeleteI always look at the Jane Carter serum and never buy it. I think that I will purchase some tomorrow since it's on sale at the store by my house and use it for the cold weather months :) I know I don't pay nearly enough attention to my scalp and that needs to change for sure
ReplyDeletehttp://www.socialitedreams.com/
These are great tips. I really need to be better about this type of stuff. I avoid low-poo washes and prefer to co-wash (which doesn't give you a full clean). I want to get my hands on some Jane Carter serum.
ReplyDeletehttp://theaudacityofcolor.com/
at only $3 that ion stuff is looking mighty tempting lol
ReplyDeleteThink i'll be stuffing my hair under beanies this winter :/
I am so glad your talking about this because i have this problem. My scalp is inflamed in the middle of my head and the hair is so thin. i am so frustrated with it i dont know what to do. my doctor says that i have Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) it my cause hair loss . but the rest of my hair is growing well but now the the middle. i was not taking care of my hair before reading your blog but after reading i am now feet deep in taking care of my hair but i still have the inflamed scalp and the thining hair in the middle.I take biotin and take care of my hair. but i still can't wear my hair because i have a bald spot. sorry for rambling on but i need HELP!!!
ReplyDeleteOOH, I was going to Target today anyway...glad I saw this. I've been meaning to try Jane Carter's products but didn't want to double up on stuff I already had. YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!
ReplyDeleteI have discovered scalp massages and love it. Right now I love ylang ylang essential oil diluted of course, as well as organic argan I got my hands on recently. A vast improvement as far as shedding I was dealing with this past month.
ReplyDeleteION is a decent line I love their reconstructor. pack very good!
So when do you exfoliate the scalp? Before or after you shampoo...
ReplyDeleteGreat post as usual! I am planning on protecting my hair with a wig so I am soooo excited you posted about this! My scalp has always been an issue with me.
ReplyDeleteGreat info, i have really bad dry flaky scalp, cant wait to try these.
ReplyDeleteQuick quention: when do u exfoliate the scalp?
@stof enzo; Thank you very much! I appreciate the compliment!
ReplyDelete@socialitedreams; Wait! Where is it on sale at? I need some of that in my life right now! Help a sista out! LOL
@The Audacity of Color; Definitely give it a shot, everyone I know that I turned on to it absolutely loves it!
@Erica; It works well too! Don't let the low price fool you!
@RoxysHouseOfVintage.com; Hey there, I definitely understand your frustration. Are you using any products specifically for your scalp? For scalp issues [especially those exasperated by medical issues]you will need to make sure you shampoo regularly and use some type of serum formulated with essential oils to treat the inflammation. I would also go a step further and eliminate sulfate products from your home as that can dry your scalp and aggravate issues with flaking and prolong the healing process.
@InnyVinny; Try it out Alicia! I think you will absolutely love it! I'm loving the fact that they now have Jane Carter at Target!
@Hell Notes for Beauty™ Nothing beats natural ingredients! Especially those essential oils! Congrats on the improvement with the shedding! It feels good to finally stumble across ingredients/products that help with serious hair issues!
@MyOwnCeleBRITTy; It is really your preference, you can do it before or after. I have done both and don't really see a difference in my hair.
@xoxokeyanna; Thank you! Definitely give some of these tips a try!
@Anonymous; You can exfoliate before or after you wash, the choice is yours :-) I would recommend doing it about once a week if you have really bad flare-ups; at least until you get it under control.