Healthy hair, no matter the length, porosity or texture, all begins with a healthy scalp.
Our scalp is the source of health and wellness for our hair. No matter how many top-of-the-line products we put in our hair, if we don’t treat our scalp with love and care, our hair will show for it. If you are struggling with hair loss, hair growth, dry hair, split ends, dandruff or lackluster hair, it’s time to spend some time with that scalp! In this article we’re going to have a really close look at what it means to have a healthy scalp and all the ways to maintain a soft, precious scalp for healthy and voluminous hair.
The Perfect Moisture Balance
Many of us are so focused on how much moisture we’re getting in our hair, that we forget to nourish that scalp - the root of it all!
Like our skin, our scalp produces its own natural oil called sebum oil. Sebum oil is the best moisturizer out there for our scalp and hair - that’s because our bodies are master creators and know exactly what we need to look and feel healthy!
The issue is when harsh shampoos strip our scalp and hair of that natural moisture, as it pulls up all that dirt, sweat and excess oil from our hair. A good shampoo will not strip your hair and then expect the conditioner to work double-time to restore and repair that drying damage.
The trick:
- Find the right shampoo, like Dr Locs Yasin Shampoo, which will remove dirt and buildup without stripping that scalp!
- If your scalp is feeling really dry, then you may want to consider reducing how often you shampoo. Shampooing too often will dry out your scalp and therefore your hair.
- You may also want to get into a scalp moisturizing routine with our Yaya Oil, which includes powerfully nourishing oils like Argan Oil, Avocado Oil, Vitamin E oil, and more for a truly and deeply moisturizing experience.
A Clean Scalp is a Happy Scalp
Some of us wash too often, while the rest of us wash too sparingly.
It takes time finding that sweet spot that your scalp loves so much. It comes from a deep listening and really paying close attention to what your scalp is telling you. And this can be difficult because first, we’re busy with all the other responsibilities we have to take care of, but also because it will keep changing. Our bodies and our scalp change as we age, from season to season, when we’re under stress, and from our diet - all these factors influence our sebum production. This means we need to pay attention to what our scalp is telling us, following its cues and know when it’s that time of the month for a wash. Some of us can go a few days, others one or two months, only you can answer that - or a professional who has a look at your scalp and hair.
What you should know:
What you should know is that oil, dirt, environmental toxins, dead skin cells can all clog the pores on your scalp and clog your hair follicles (and potentially prevent new hair growth). This can cause fungus and bacteria to grow on your scalp and no one wants any of that.
You may want to use a Clarifying Shampoo once a month to keep your scalp at its happy place - it's ideal pH level. Dr Locs Clarifying Shampoo was a carefully researched and designed product to get you the best clarifying shampoo out there, safe for your hair and locs, no matter your style, no matter your texture.
Other tips for a healthy scalp
- We also recommend covering up your scalp from sun exposure, especially from 10am-4pm when the sun’s UV rays are most damaging.
- Be careful with chemical products that may damage your scalp and ingredients like parabens that can irritate the scalp.
- Always drink lots of water, to nourish your scalp from the inside out and don’t be shy to give yourself a regular scalp massage with your favorite essential oils. Massaging the scalp encourages great circulation to the scalp and can also be incredibly soothing and relaxing!
- And as always, your diet will affect your hair and scalp. Eating a well balanced diet with lots of leafy greens, raw vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and fish can all help promote a healthy scalp and hair.
