Out of sight, out of mind, right? Not exactly. That is certainly the case when it comes to our scalp. When focusing on overall wellness, we pay close attention to our diet, skincare, and hair care. However, hair care and hair health begin at the scalp. So even though you don’t see your scalp each day (if you have a head full of hair), you certainly should be showing it some love. Scalp care is equally important as skin care. Without taking proper care of your scalp, you can stunt your hair growth, experience hair damage, or even hair loss.
You probably have a solid skincare routine that you practice at least once, if not twice a day. But what steps are you taking to nourish and support your scalp? If your answer is, “I’m not sure,” keep reading. We have a few ideas to inspire a scalp care routine that can work for you.
Tips for a spectacular Scalp Care Routine
Your scalp is skin. It also houses hair follicles and sweat glands in abundance! Your scalp can be prone to dryness and irritation, especially if you load your hair with numerous products. We’re talking clogged sweat glands or even itchy, flaky, uncomfortable sensations. Like your skin throughout other body areas, your scalp is home to an underlayer of blood vessels. These blood vessels provide your hair follicles with vitamins and nutrients necessary for hair growth. So, to look and feel your best, you want to develop a skincare routine for your scalp.
Determine Your Scalp Type
Whether your scalp is oily, dry, or somewhere in between, you will want to identify your scalp type before launching into your scalp care routine. This is because different products do different things. If your scalp is super oily, you may want to use a clarifying shampoo bi-weekly to cleanse. If your scalp is dry, you should use products that restore and maintain moisture. Once you’ve identified your scalp type, you can move on to the first step of your routine.
Exfoliate
Dead skin cells, debris, and dander can build up on your scalp. To combat these elements, use a scalp brush once a week before you shower. Just spend 10 minutes brushing your scalp in a small circular motion. Then, get ready to wash your hair.
Clean
As you go about your day, your skin attracts free radicals, dirt, dust, and pollution. Excess sweat can clog your pores and cause inflammation and irritation. Ladies, you wash makeup off your face at night before bed, right? Well, pretend your hair products are “hair makeup” and try to wash your hair with a shampoo for scalp care. However, there is one caveat. You do not need to wash your hair daily. This can strip the natural oils your hair produces and dry your scalp and hair out. Instead, wash your hair several times a week or if you get a little extra sweaty. Choose the right shampoo for your hair type and opt for natural and nourishing ingredients.
Moisturize
Don’t worry; we do not mean applying lotion to your hair. The scalp and hair are best moisturized with a hearty conditioner. You can use this in the shower after shampooing but be sure to leave the conditioner in your hair for five to ten minutes before rinsing with cool water. You can also enjoy a scalp or hair mask once a week as a bit of self-care for you and your hair. A deep conditioning mask is a superior choice!
Massage
Just as a good full-body massage can stimulate your lymphatic system, ease sore muscles, and reduce stress, a scalp massage does much of the same. Regular scalp massages can improve circulation, allowing the blood to flow freely to those precious hair follicles and deliver nutrients. You can ask a friend or partner to gently massage your scalp, invest in a portable scalp massaging tool or indulge in a professional scalp massage at a spa or salon.
Protect
When you go outdoors for the day, you probably wear plenty of sunscreen on your face, arms, and even legs. However, the scalp is a magnet for harmful UV rays, especially if you do not apply SPF to your hair and scalp. If you’re going to be outdoors all day, be sure to apply an SPF spray to your scalp for added protection.
Adjust for the seasons
Each season brings with it a new set of skin and scalp challenges. The humid and hot summer weather increases sweat production while the UV rays from the sun can cause sunburn on our scalp. However, the air is drier and cooler in the fall and winter. During these seasons, your scalp can benefit from nourishing hair oil to maintain moisture and combat frizz from static electricity. Just keep the seasons in mind when building your scalp care routine.
Reduce Stress
This one may not come as a surprise, but regular pedicures are great for relieving stress. When you look and feel your best, you are better prepared to tackle your work and life. Spending quality time on yourself allows you to restore energy and calm your mind. Pedicures are meant to be relaxing and soothing, making them great for mental health.
Symptoms of a Scalp in Need of TLC
You may need a little extra attention if your scalp is itching, burns, is super flaky, irritated, red and swollen, or painful. Use extra care when launching your scalp care routine as you do not want to choose products with harsh chemicals that could further irritate your scalp. As you repair your scalp from damage, you may want to exfoliate more or shampoo less often. Trust your instincts.
Seek the Professionals
If you are unsure about your scalp health or where to start when launching a new scalp care routine, you may want to reach out to the experts at Salon Bennett and Day Spa. The dedicated team has years of hair care knowledge, experience, and a comprehensive catalog of hair care products to fit your every need. Browse the dynamic collection of hair care and self-care services. Book a consultation with an expert to discuss your hair care goals and needs. Having a healthy scalp requires daily practice. Your scalp and hair will thank you!
