Scalp health is essential for healthy hair.
Scalp is the first place of any disturbances going on in the body.
We often don’t think of the scalp until we have an issue - Itchy, dry scalp, dandruff or bald spots. But the scalp needs to be looked after and cared for. The scalp is a living breathing organ, so can sometimes need more love than the hair itself. The scalp may need regular exfoliation whereas the hair may need hydration. Your scalp is like soil, if you want healthy plants than you need nutrient rich soil, same goes for your scalp, it is where our healthy hair starts from.
To help clean the scalp and stimulate the hair shaft ingredients such as Tea Tree oil, peppermint and zinc will help. Keeping away from chemicals sulfates and parabens aswel will make a massive difference.
The density of the hair will need to be considered, finer hair tends to get oilier quicker so will need more frequent washing where as someone with high density hair/ tight curls may find washing too much will cause to much dryness. Don’t wash your hair because you think you have too! Learn to feel when it needs washing. this may vary too on your lifestyle at the time or the seasons.
Another way to take care of your scalp is by steaming, it will open up the pores, create blood circulation and collagen production for hair growth.
The scalp transports immune cells to create healthy hair.
Excess sweating on the scalp can cause oil build up so make sure if you sweat alot on your scalp to dry it as soon as you can. Scalp issues tend to be health issues not hair issues.
If you are finding you are doing everything right than its time to see a tricologist (someone who specializes in the scalp and hair) or a dermotologist. A tricologist will look at your scalp with a mircroscope to see what is going on.
Inflammation of the scalp can contribute to excess hair shedding.
What to avoid
Hot water on the scalp
Harsh Shampoo’s - This will strip the hair too much of it’s natural oils.
Excess conditioner on the scalp, conditioner is meant for the hair shaft.
Wearing Tight hair ties or braids - this can cause breakage.
Ignoring Scalp issues - if you find issues aren’t going away please contact a specialist
Dirty brushes - give them a good clean with your shampoo when they look like they need it.
Eating too much processed foods.
Stress - I know this one can be a hard one
Illness
Poor Hygiene
Psoriasis - Autoimmune, causing a rapid buildup of skin cells
Inflammation under the skin
Range from small patches to large areas of the skin on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back.
Please see a specialist as you will need a holistic approach, treating you internally and topically.
Itchy Scalp - means irritation which could be from
Product build up.
Dirty Scalp.
The shampoo you are using is not strong enough to cleanse away all products, oil ect.
Allergy to at least one of the ingredients.
Gut issues
Dandruff - Yellow Flakes
Depending what is causing the Dandruff as Dandruff is normally fungal, It could be as simple as your scalp not being able to dry if you have high density hair and wet your hair every day. If you can put a diffuser just at your roots working around your whole head on a low heat will help get rid of this moisture.
You can massage some Jojoba oil into your scalp - gently rub it into your scalp and then leave it overnight. The next morning, give your scalp a good brush with a gentle brush than you can shampoo and condition as usual.
Dry Scalp - White Flakes
Oily Scalp
Depending on the shampoo you’ve been using or how often you’ve been shampooing as sometimes we are over stimulating the oil glands and creating oil production. Depending on your lifestyle you should only be shampooing once or twice a week, If you can go longer even better. Water and friction is enough to cleanse your scalp so try doing that every 2nd wash to break the cycle.
Aging of the Scalp
The Scalp ages approximately 6 times faster than your facial skin, as the scalp ages the epidermis ( outer layer ) becomes thinner, it looses it’s elasticity, sags and has few blood vessels. This can cause dry or an itchy scalp.
Here's a simple at Home Scalp Treatment
Dry Scalp brushing
Using a brush with board bristles is a great step to help with all scalp issues, it helps to stimulate the blood cells, gets rid of build up off the scalp and bring out the natural oils. Do this before you apply and scalp treatments so than it can get deep penetration. Always keep your brushes clean, at least once a week give your brush a good clean with your shampoo.
Olive oil, bicarbonate soda, and apple cider vinegar as a scalp treatment:
Olive oil can moisturize and nourish the scalp plus it’s antibacterial , while bicarbonate soda can help exfoliate and remove dead skin cells, and apple cider vinegar can balance the pH level of the scalp and clarify the hair. However, it's important to use these ingredients in moderation and dilute them properly to avoid any adverse effects on the scalp.
1. *Mixing the Ingredients:* Start by mixing equal parts of olive oil, bicarbonate soda, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl. For example, you could use 2 tablespoons of each ingredient.
2. *Application:* Section your hair and apply the mixture directly to your scalp using your fingertips. Massage it gently into your scalp for a few minutes to ensure even distribution.
3. *Leave-In Time:* After applying the mixture, leave it on your scalp for about 15-30 minutes to allow the ingredients to penetrate and nourish your scalp.
4. *Rinse Out:* Rinse your scalp thoroughly with warm water to remove the mixture. You may need to shampoo your hair afterward to ensure all the residue is removed.
5. *Conditioning:* Follow up with a conditioner if your hair feels dry after rinsing out the mixture.
6. *Frequency:* You can use this scalp treatment once a week or as needed, depending on your scalp's condition and how your hair responds to the treatment.
Always perform a patch test before using any new treatment to ensure you're not allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients. Additionally, if you have any scalp issues or concerns, it's best to consult with a dermatologist/Trichologist before trying new treatments.
3 Dry, Itchy Scalp Solutions by
Dry, itchy scalp? We often blame our hair, when we really should be looking at our scalp health. Here’s three itchy scalp solutions that fit perfectly into your clean beauty self care routine.
ITCHY SCALP SOLUTION #1: CREATE A BALANCED ENVIRONMENT
Like our hair, our scalp reacts to the environment. And it also reacts to ingredients in our hair care. As scalp health is vital to healthy hair and beautiful hair days, we’ve created our first-ever scalp-focused treatment, True Enlightenment Scalp Scrub! It’s packed with exfoliating ingredients to gently cleanse and soothe inflammation for a balanced, healthy scalp (and solve the itch!).
True Enlightenment Scalp Scrub is a pre-cleanse exfoliation treatment formulated with Hawaiian Red salt (rich in volcanic clay and minerals), which gently removes impurities. Apple fruit restores hydration to the scalp and peppermint oil stimulates blood flow. Celery seed, green tea and tea tree extracts help to soothe inflammation and irritation. And True Enlightenment Scalp Scrub is perfect for everyone, regardless of hair type or texture!
Your Itchy Scalp Solution: Take a deep breath and become centered (think “perfectly balanced scalp!”). Scoop a quarter size amount of True Enlightenment Scalp Scrub into fingertips. Massage onto wet scalp. Rinse thoroughly. Follow with Innersense Organic Beauty hairbath and conditioner.
Are you hearing a lot about scalp health right now? Happily, we are too! True Enlightenment Scalp Scrub was even featured in The Zoe Report!
ITCHY SCALP SOLUTION #2: TREAT SCALP CARE LIKE SKINCARE
Seasonal changes, hormones and diet can all lead to itchy scalp, as our scalp and hair react to our physical needs and fluctuations. That’s why we encourage you to “listen” to what your hair is trying to tell you! The same applies for your scalp.
And as the scalp is home to the largest pores on our body, it’s vital the cleansers, conditioners, treatments and stylers we use on our scalps are clean and free of toxins. Harmonic Healing Oil is a nourishing, nutritious treatment for scalp and skin and works beautifully on skin irritations which can often be caused by synthetic fragrance and allergenic irritants.
This sacred treatment oil raises the vibration of scalp care! Formulated with a blend of emollient oils and flower essences, including sacred tamanu, evening primrose and macadamia oils, this luscious oil penetrates deep into the scalp and skin for ultimate healing and nourishment.
Your Itchy Scalp Solution: Massage a few drops of Harmonic Healing Oil into the scalp, then follow with a gentle cleansing and conditioning with Pure Harmony Hairbath and Pure Inspiration Daily Conditioner.
ITCHY SCALP SOLUTION #3: TREAT SCALP HEALTH AND HAIR HEALTH AS SELF CARE
Now that we’re elevating the importance of scalp health, let’s remember hair health goes hand in hand. Hair color, chemical treatments, heat styling and seasonal exposure can all add stress to our strands, so it’s important to make hair nourishment a part of our self care routine.
That’s why we created Hydrating Hair Mask, our rich and luxurious treatment to repair and revitalize dry, coarse and damaged hair. A luxurious treat, it’s crafted with flax seed, shea butter, coconut and tamanu oils and quinoa to repair hair while delivering rich hydration and shine. Hydrating Hair Mask is best for dry, thick, thirsty hair when it feels in need of extra hydration. It can be used less regularly on finer hair in smaller amounts for the ultimate self care treat.
Your Self Care Solution: After cleansing with your Innersense Organic Beauty hairbath of choice, remove excess moisture from your hair. Apply Hydrating Hair Mask mid-length to ends and feel the healing presence for 5-10 minutes, or longer if needed. (This is the perfect time to wrap hair in a bamboo towel and soak in the tub or curl up with a favorite book. Remember, this is self care!) Rinse thoroughly and follow with the Innersense Organic Beauty conditioner of your choice.
