Scalp Health: Ok, what is this?

Over the years, I have always struggled with itchy and dry scalp. No matter what I did or products I used, (shampoo, conditioner, and oil) my scalp has always been itchy, even after washing it or leaving the hair salon. So, I went to a dermatologist and found out that this problem is pretty common in women (specifically women of color), I was giving the common shampoo and ointment prescription. While this was a great suggestion, for me I still was having the symptoms only milder.

Fast forward to today and after plenty of my own research about different products and ingredients while listening to various beauty podcast about hair follicles etc.

I learned this new thing, (well new to me) and it’s scalp health.

Essentially regarding the hair strands falls on the skin that covers your head right?

So think of your scalp like your face, our skincare routine typically consist of cleanser, exfoliate, serums, and moisturizer.

While you don’t have to wash your hair everyday like your face (totally your choice) but here are some things to be mindful of.

First is shampoo depending on your scalp there are various routes to take. Such as, oily scalp you want a cleaning shampoo, dry scalp hydrating, and for buildup a clarifying shampoo (possibly once a month). I have two hair wash that I have been loving, one is from Bread Beauty Supply they have a gentle milky hair cleanser this cleanser was inspired by sensitive cleaner for your face this is a very lightweight cleaners that targets flaky/dry scalp and soothes any dryness. Another one that has been an ultimate favorite is the brand Briogeo it’s there Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo (try saying that fast 5 times). I discovered this about last year. I had gotten a sample kit from Sephora as the birthday rewards and I fell in love ever since! You instantly can feel the cooling and tingly sensation from the peppermint and spearmint oils that helps with the irritation. Main thing that I love is that it has Binchotan Charcoal and that helps with taking out the impurities on the scalp, dead skin cells, and product buildup this the perfect exfoliator.

While on the topic of exfoliators, this is actually a newer step for me. This is great obviously because it removes dead skin cells but it also stimulate the cells for better hair growth. Like our face exfoliating is good to do frequently to help re-balance the pH as well. I have a couple that I have been hearing through the beauty community. A big one is T.L.C Happi Scalp Scrub by Drunk Elephant, this is good because it has AHA’s and BHA’s that helps clear the skin on the scalp. Just a quick background on AHA’ s and BHA’s, alpha hydroxy acid is a water soluble acid that peels away the surface of your skin for new more evenly cells to grown and beta hydroxy acid goes deeper into pores to remove dead skin cell and excess oil. Next is Never Salty Scrub by TPH this a sugar base scrub that you apply to the scalp to exfoliate. This product also has apple cider vinegar which is great because it helps lower the PH in your hair to restore the balance.

We’re at the end of the road here and that is obviously conditioners. This is important step because it brings moisture and shine to the hair. While also smoothing the hair cuticles for detangling to reduce breakage. I am a lover for anything hydrating or repairing to the hair. For my hair personally, I love any repairing and nourishing conditioners just to give that extra quench of moisture, and if it double as a mask is a great bonus! I personally love to use a mask by it’s self as a conditioner because of the extra repair benefits. I’m only going to talk about a few because I can be here all day. First one is Olaplex No.5 Maintenance Conditioner I discovered Olaplex this year because I colored my hair and there No.3 Hair Perfector is AMAZING after that I was sold on all products! Let me just say there formula is literally like no other they re-link the bonds with Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate which is a molecule that improves strength and protection of the hair. Lastly is another tried and true is Brigeo Don’t Despair Repair Hair Mask I personally use it as both a conditioner and mask right after shampooing but that’s just me. The main thing that I love is that it has vitamin B that has major emphasis on nourishing while improving texture and reversing damage due to heat and chemicals with the help of Algae Extract.

I know it’s pretty long and it’s so much that we can STILL unpack but I figured I stop here at the basics. I hope you have learned somethings from this post and gain some new favorites.

Hope it helps!