Want a strong and healthy mane? Take care of your scalp.
Want a strong and healthy mane? Take care of your scalp.
Tried everything, but your hair is still dry, frizzy and dull? The problem could lie with your scalp.
A healthy one has to be free of gunk such as dirt, excess oil and product build-up, which can lead to dandruff or hair loss caused by clogged follicles. Like facial skin, the scalp also has to be hydrated. Vital, too, is a healthy blood circulatory system that delivers to the hair all the necessary nutrients it needs for optimal growth.
Here’s how you can take better care of your scalp so you can flaunt the healthy, luscious mane you’ve been dreaming of.
CLEANSE THOROUGHLY
If you use styling products, ensure that they are completely rinsed out when you shampoo, so hair follicles don’t get clogged. Tip: To avoid product buildup, don’t apply heavy oils or creams directly on the scalp.
Also, massage the scalp with your fingertips for about a minute before shampooing – this will help dislodge dirt and impurities.
GO GENTLE
Pick haircare products with gentle formulas and conditioning ingredients such as argan and coconut oil. Avoid those with parabens, fragrances, and harsh, stripping ingredients such as alcohol. In addition, don’t rub your hair and scalp too roughly when you are towelling off after a shower – this could cause trauma to your hair roots.
AVOID EXTREME HEAT
The heat from hairdryers can not only cause damage to the scalp but also deplete it of moisture, which leads to dryness and flaky skin. If you must blow-dry your locks, slant the nozzle downwards, so the hot air is directed away from your scalp.
USE A SCALP ESSENCE
You use an essence on the face, so why not on the scalp?
Try Shiseido Professional The Hair Care Adenovital Advanced Scalp Essence ($108). Apart from delivering moisturising benefits, it reportedly improves microcirculation and combats hair loss, courtesy of panax ginseng extract and adenosine respectively. Apparently, owing to its apricot-derived main ingredient, AP Stimulator, it even shortens the telogen phase in the hair growth cycle – a resting phase where hair follicles are inactive and hair stops growing – so you can have a fuller mane.
If you’re worried about greasy roots, you’re in luck: this essence absorbs into the scalp quickly.
