While we do much for our facial skin that it deserves, most of us, unfortunately, overlook the health and hygiene of our scalp. Unlike the skin on your face, the scalp is (usually) covered with thick, long hair. This makes your scalp and hair strand prone to more problems than your face – and it’s the reason why your crown needs special care.
For healthy hair and scalp, it is really important to maintain the right amount of hydration.
Dry hair is not just dull and lifeless, but dryness can also lead to severe damage and eventually result in hair fall. On the other side, if your hair is moisturized and hydrated, it’ll look glossy, thick, your curls will be springier, scalp health will be good and as a whole, your hair will be stronger which means no hair fall. Now that we’ve talked about the benefits of moisturized hair and scalp, the question that arises is ‘how can we maintain the right level of moisturization?’.
1. Use gentle hair care products
It sounds very basic but some simple changes to your hair care regimen can make a big difference for the health of your scalp. I recommend using mild and balanced formulas with restoring & nourishing ingredients like amino acids, refined coconut oil, hydrolyzed proteins, olive, ceramide, Vitamins like B3, B5, and B6, hyaluronic acid, etc. If you have colored hair or feel sensitivity or have a scalp condition please avoid products that contain very strong sulfates, alcohols, or fragrances which will help improve your scalp health.
2. Are you doing it right
It is recommended to use the first shampoo to focus only on the scalp, not the actual hair, it’s recommended cleansing your scalp for about 2 to 3 minutes before washing, irrespective of your hair length. Some might actually need to rinse and repeat, especially those with long or textured hair. Similarly, one common mistake many of us make is lathering up the scalp with conditioner, conditioner can actually clog the scalp’s hair follicles and cause buildup. For a better approach, it is recommended to start about half an inch from the scalp and pull the product to the ends. Leave the conditioner on for about 2 to 3 minutes before rinsing.
3. What you eat can help
Although you can’t change factors like age and genetics, diet is one thing you have control over, eating a balanced diet with the right nutrients can help promote hair growth, especially if you’re experiencing hair loss due to poor nutrition. Ingredients like Omega 3,6 and 9, probiotics, anti-oxidants, folate, iron, vitamins A and C etc. can give you some surprising results.
4. Friction and thermal abuse can cause unwanted damage
Those blow dryers, flat iron or curling irons may give you a breath-taking moment, while they could be big part of why your hair might be dry. High temperatures strip strands of their natural moisture, especially in the case of irons and rollers which come in direct contact with dry hair. If you love them try to use a heat-protecting formula before usage of such tools, also dial down the heat level. Not to miss the most basic hair care tool a comb! Something so basic that we hardly pay any attention to it; taking it absolutely for granted. Always use a wide-toothed wooden comb a wooden comb is anti-static (unlike a plastic comb) and getting rid of static is important, ‘cos this is the main reason why your hair gets frizzy, making it brittle and prone to breakage.
5. Emollients your best friends
Now that we have talked about clean beauty, along with skipping sulfates, you must make sure that the shampoo you’re picking for your hair include natural elements like, botanical extracts and natural oils and butters. These give your hair the right amount of nutrition and moisturization without damaging it.
6. Masks for healthy hair
Add a hydrating hair mask for extra moisturization. Apply it once or twice a week whereas If your concern is dry or damaged hair, you will likely need this deep-conditioning treatment more often. Leave it on for about 3 to 7 minutes depending what product you use. Masks are thicker in consistency and contain more active ingredients as compared to other hair products and care really does wonders for your beloved hair.
7. Pre-wash hair treatments
Lastly, you can add a pre-wash treatment in your routine. It’s easy and relaxing! Simply apply a treatment oil formula–with ingredients like Avocado, Rosemary, safflower, sweet almond etc to immediately help the scalp & hair feel moisturized, improve hair’s manageability and provide a natural shine. A good pre-shampoo treatment can promote a healthy scalp environment, leaving hair looking and feeling healthier. Leave it on for about 10 minutes or more as you feel comfortable then rinse, shampoo and condition with a rich conditioner.
