By Ebony Bomani
Why exactly is scalp care important? Well, to put it simply, joyful hair starts with a joyful scalp. But if you only know when your scalp is dry or itchy, you're not alone...plus, that's not all there is to know when it comes to scalp health.
Throwing back to the days spent in classrooms learning a new subject, we're here to help you learn the basics of scalp exfoliation & care which you can think of as an introductory course.
Here's what you need to know to achieve healthy hair starting at the root.
Understanding the Scalp & its Function
Skin is the body's largest organ. It guards our bodies from extreme temperatures, damaging sunlight & pollution. It also enables us to experience physical sensations, such as, touch, heat & cold. Part of the skin, that's located only on top of the head, which is the scalp, is where the hair is born. To provide the best environment for each hair follicle to birth quality strands, the scalp should be kept clean, balanced & supported by healthy stimulation. This in turn promotes healthy hair growth.
The scalp is comprised of blood vessels that carry nutrients through the hair follicle to the hair shaft. The scalp skin is similar to the skin on the rest of your body, except it has larger sebaceous glands, also known as oil glands, that produce more sebum (the body's natural oil). The purpose of sebum is to reduce moisture loss, lubricate, protect & nourish the scalp & hair.
How to Assess What Your Scalp Needs
As with everything, each scalp comes with its own set of needs & thriving agents. Not all scalps are created equal. Therefore, scalp care regimens are not one size fits all. Chances are, unless you've experienced oily hair (result of an oily scalp) a dry, flaky, itchy, or inflamed scalp, you may have overlooked the importance of scalp cleansing.
You may be wondering, 'How would I know what my scalp needs?' Well, let's start here: A healthy pH for the scalp falls between 4.5 - 5.5, which is mildly acidic. In addition to pH balance, the proper amount of natural oils, produced by the oil glands, play a vital role in a balanced, healthy scalp. If your scalp produces too much oil, it can create an environment that introduces flakes, bacteria & sometimes irritation.
What does scalp health look & feel like? A healthy scalp looks even in color, is flake-free & smooth. It may even have a natural luster or sheen. A healthy scalp feels hydrated & calm, rather than itchy, tight & irritated.
Healthy Scalp Care Practices
Scalp skin can behave like facial skin & may exhibit some of the same characteristics. The most common scalp types are: Balanced, Oily, Dry/Itchy & Combination.
To provide & maintain a healthy environment for your scalp to thrive, you should:
- Consume a balanced, nutritive diet
- Use the best shampoo for your scalp's condition, at least once a week, to keep your scalp clean & balanced.
- Between wash days, keep your scalp moisturized with a scalp steamer & conditioned with PATTERN's Scalp Serum, designed to invigorate & cool the scalp.
Ingredients, such as Peppermint & Rosemary essential oils help to cool & increase circulation on the scalp, while aloe soothes the scalp, improves hydration & reduces the effects of dryness.
Embracing the Power of a Scalp Exfoliator
Ready to elevate your routine with a touch of scalp exfoliation magic? We're talking about a scalp detox that's here to give your natural texture the love it truly deserves. Imagine waving goodbye to product buildup, bidding adieu to dull skin cells & saying "see ya" to excess oil that loves to overstay its welcome on your scalp.
However, it's important to note that over-exfoliating can strip the scalp of its natural oils & disrupt its pH balance. Remember to stick to the golden rule: all good things in moderation.
When it comes to learning how to detox your scalp, it first starts with the proper ingredients. If you’re looking to incorporate a scalp exfoliator into your hair care routine, look no further than our Deep Scalp Detox. This serum goes beyond exfoliation – it's a celebration for your scalp. Created with Tea Tree Oil, Pink Clay & Lemon Peel Oil, it sweeps away impurities, bids farewell to build up & lets your hair follicles breathe. & the best part? Your hair's cherished natural oils stay right where they belong, ensuring that your tresses stay vibrant.
Keep in mind that even a healthy, balanced scalp still needs preventive care in order to remain healthy. Learning what your scalp needs takes a little time, attention & patience, but with the help of the right coily & curly hair care products & scalp care products formulated for your natural texture, you’ll set your scalp & strands up for success.
Ebony Bomani is a licensed cosmetologist, textured hair enthusiast, content creator & brand educator. Connect with her about healthy hair care & green beauty-related topics via Instagram or LinkedIn.
3 comments
Need something for dry thinning hair, dry scalp and something that makes swirling curls, not tight curls. Please help me! Love you Tracie Ross!!!
My scalp is itchy and flaky. Will your work for my hair
My hair is thinning, maybe age, thyroid. Etc. Will this work on my hair?