How to Care for the Scalp – And Have Great Natural Hair
The general assumption is that the hair and scalp are the same and that both benefit from any half-decent care routine, like washing hair regularly, moisturizing, and protecting it from the elements;
Basically, if you take care of your hair, your scalp should be fine too.
This is true to an extent, because hair naturally grows out of the scalp, and it makes sense to assume that both are one and the same.
For most of us, this is where the matter ends, and we will rarely look beyond this, believing that we have carried out our due diligence in hair care, while switching our attention to all the other numerous aspects of our busy lives.
That is, until we encounter “dandruff” for the first time, and are forced to consider the scalp as a part of the head, that may need extra care, especially for those of us prone to skin irritations
Just Remember that Scalp is Skin
Even though your scalp is hidden by your hair, it is just like the skin you find all around your body.
It is delicate, because it is tightly wrapped around the skull, but you can and should care for it like you do the skin on your face.
Additionally, the scalp is hidden by the hair, which protects it from elements, so it can be even more delicate, so if you think your face needs care and pampering, you probably need to double your efforts for the sensitive scalp area.
Most hair issues usually start at the roots, imbedded within the pores, so when scalp is traumatized, hair equally follows suit.
Types of Inflammations and Infections that Affect the Scalp
For most women, dandruff, which can be easily treated, will be the most severe problem they will ever encounter with their hair.
Other issues may occur from untreated dandruff or autoimmune diseases that require medical consultation.
Some of them are;
1. Dandruff – common inflammatory condition with itchy patches or severe skin irritation
2. Psoriasis – severe plaque or scales underneath the hair, and along the hairline.
3. Alopecia – hair loss in patches or around the whole scalp from malfunctioning cells
4. Allergies – a consequence of hair dyes or other chemicals that irritate hair
5. Contact Dermatitis – externally introduced hair irritation that is sore and itchy to touch.
6. Fungal Infections – uncontrolled bacteria that feeds off dead tissue skin of the scalp
Regardless of which inflammation or infections you experience, they will likely exhibit symptoms
Symptoms of Inflammatory Scalp
1. Itching
2. tenderness
3. Swelling
4. Flaky, scaly waxy, or dry, skin
5. Redness or discoloration of skin around the hairline
6. Weak hair that breaks off easily
Note: When experiencing severe reactions or unsure of what your symptoms are, contact your physician immediately.
So how do you care of the scalp?
As stated earlier, scalp is skin tissue, but unique and more delicate so when you think about skin, think about the steps you take for the great looking skin the face and even the body.
We’ve broken it into 5 steps into which you can fit most, if not all your hair care routines.
1. Cleansing – regular consistent cleaning to keep the hair and scalp in good functional health
2. Exfoliating – to remove debris and sebum from the scalp and rejuvenate hair
3. Moisturizing – to keep the hair soft, shiny and in good health
4. Treatments –deep treatments to reset the inner part of pores from where hair grows
5. Protection – from the elements like sun, wind, hard or rough surfaces
How to Care for your Scalp – The steps involved in attaining great hair and scalp health
1. Cleanse
A good scalp cleansing shampoo will
a. get rid of debris build-up from the elements
b. Deep Clean and open the pores for better hair growth
c. Degrease the natural waxy sebum that can suffocate hair
d. Kill fungus build up – a naturally occurring accumulation of bacteria
e. Aerate and reset the cell turnover for fresh new surface- skin
2. Exfoliate
This is most effective, after you’ve shampooed, and while hair is still wet, so you can get into the hair crevices. You can use your fingers, a soft brush, or special exfoliating gloves to massage the hair and loosen dead tissue cells from the skin surface, as well within the pores.
Tip - Part your hair into manageable quadrants to ensure you can access the scalp beneath the hair.
Some household items like Baking Soda, Witch Hazel, Apple Cider Vinegar are good exfoliators but can be harsh to the scalp; coconut and castor oils are gentler types to try.
3. Moisturize
a. Your oils will come in handy here. Oils are powerful anti-oxidants that protect the hair from free radicals, while creating moisture lock-in and softness.
*Tip – oils are natural and potent, and require discipline and consistency like regular washing and detangling to ensure you avoid adverse results. Read more about carrier and essential oils.
b. Eggs and Yoghurt are alternative household moisturizers for the scalp.
4. Treatments
a. Scalp masks are helpful here, and work by saturating the head, and ensuring the ingredients penetrate the inner confines of the pores, dissolving and extracting debris, when rinsed with lukewarm water.
b. This is one process requires patience, because you need to let the mask infuse the hair and scalp with much needed ingredients, and rejuvenate the pores, roots, shafts for thicker, stronger growth.
Try our Protein Therapy for compatibility
5. Protection
a. This is post wash and exfoliating period, and involves protecting the hair from the elements and other external objects that damage its core texture. Like the skin on your face, you want to
i. Avoid the sun or extreme temperatures
ii. Sleep with Silk pillow cases or a silk head scarf
iii. Either use your fingers, soft brushes or special combs to avoid breakage
iv. Avoid using anything sharp, dirty or intrusive in or around the hair.
v. Twist hair regularly to maintain curls – every 2-3 weeks
vi. Massages are generally overlooked, but are helpful in blood circulation around the head.
vii. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!
viii. Keep hydrated to ensure hair is nourished and moisturized from within.
ix. Same applies for food – you are what you eat and the same applies for your hair.
Note and Conclusion
You will notice that most of these recommendations are applied whilst the hair is wet or damp. This has two advantages;
1. Water helps dilute alkaline emollients like oils and acidic bases like lemon so your scalp is not exposed to the full potency of any extremes.
Everyone is different, and based on your hair type, you may need less or more – wetter or damper hair- to enjoy the benefits.
We suggest you start with wet hair, learn how your hair responds from practice, and then adjust accordingly.
2. It is rarely a pleasant experience to work with dry hair. Combing, brushing, applying products or using tools on dry hair is every natural hair girl’s nightmare and can break or traumatize scalp and hair.
This why hair care routines are best during shower times to make the process easier
Bonus: If you're feeling overwhelmed with the information, and this is too much information to comprehend, just remember that
1. Your hair is your crown
2. Beauty does not come easily
3. Success takes hard work