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!
Keep Your Mask Close
Before this, I would wear a mask maybe once or twice a week. Sometimes every other week if I’m being honest and definitely no longer than 15 minutes.
Ok, let me be honest, my breakouts has always be here and there just like the next person. I could have a simple skincare routine and have some pretty great skin. But recently I have been experiencing such bad breakouts!!
When it first started, I couldn’t figure out what it was. I was so confused! I found my face steamer, brought a ton of Sephora sheet masks, and watched every YouTube review on different skincare products then it hit me.
THE MASK.
The face mask that we wear multiple hours a day and if your profession is like mine (healthcare, essential worker, etc.), you understand the hardship of wearing them all day long. When wearing a mask for a long period of time it can cause heat and friction on the skin and when combined with a moist environment from breathing, talking or sweating it traps in bacteria which is a recipe for breakouts to occur.
While this pandemic has introduced us to a new kind of face mask, we still need time to rebalance our face because of it.
Below are some of my favorite face mask that I love for face breakouts, acne, and to just rest your skin.
When I first discovered this mask it was from a Allure article featuring Amanda Murray. She described this mask as the “fuckboi eraser” and it sold me! However when I tried it for the first time I felt the instant felt the exfoliation of the cranberry seeds and my skin felt smooth and refreshed. I choose this mask because it energizing and renewing. As we wear our face shields it can make the skin dull and tired the turmeric is a great antioxidant which gives us that glow.
A little thing that I hate is having dry anything. Truly my biggest pet peeve is dry hands, lips, anything and having dry skin rubbing against your mask is very irritating to the skin and causes a lot of friction. That is why I love the Rose Mask, it is very hydrating that it instantly brings moisture. An added bonus is the rose petals that is inside making it very soothing for the skin.
So this one might be small in size but it is mighty in treatment. clay mask is one of my favorites because it really pulls out all of the junk that is trapped in your skin. This is a deep cleaning face mask that takes away all the impurities that’s in pores and diminishing blackheads. From wearing a mask all day, this is great end of the week staple to reset the skin and clean out the pores always make them smaller which is a big plus.
These three are vital for my skincare routine they all play a different role, while I could share plenty more I don’t want to over pollute. Which is a big no adding multiple different products can hurt more than help so find your top staples for your skin type and stick to it.
Pro tip: If it ain’t broke don’t fit it!
Hope it helps- SMG.