All you need for a healthy scalp and stronger hair are a few tips and tricks to get you on the right track.
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Have you heard that great hair starts at the root? Healthier, stronger, all around happier hair starts at your scalp - making scalp care an essential part of your haircare regimen.
That sounds all well and good, but knowing you need to care for your scalp and knowing how to care for your scalp are different things. Fortunately, there are plenty of super simple things you can do to up your scalp care game, which will make the whole hair and sebum producing area between your hairlines feel so loved it will want to dedicate a TikTok dance to you.
SCALP CARE DOs & DON’Ts
1. START THINGS OFF WITH A SCALP TREATMENT
We have specific treatments designed to target important areas throughout our entire skincare regimen and your scalp wants in on that action.
DO use a pre-shampoo treatment, like Pre-Wash Scalp Oil, to lightly clarify, soothe, moisturize and stimulate.
DON'T forget this step! Once or twice per week will make a big difference and it only takes a few seconds to apply.
2. WASH YOUR HAIR. JUST NOT TOO MUCH
Overwashing is one of the largest contributors to dry scalp, which can cause itching, tightness and flakiness.
DO shampoo your hair about every 2-3 days (more if you have a job or hobbies that will make your hair particularly dirty).
DON'T shampoo every single day.
3. CHOOSE GENTLE SHAMPOO
A gently formulated shampoo will help avoid irritation due to the absence of harsh surfactants that strip natural oils or even cause irritation in those with sensitivities.
DO add Embody Volumizing Shampoo to your routine for its lightweight hydration and gentle clarifying benefits.
DON'T opt for shampoos with harsh sulfates and parabens. (Pssst, JVN shampoos and conditioners are all free of these ingredients.)
4. SAY NO TO SILICONES
Some silicones, like those commonly found in popular haircare products, like to stick around on your hair and scalp. This can help dirt and debris accumulate, which will lead to build-up that can cause scalp dryness and irritation and more fragile, brittle hair.
DO opt for silicone-free products. Just like sulfates and parabens, JVN is also formulated to be entirely silicone-free. We use Hemisqualane instead, so each treatment and styler as well as shampoo and conditioner give your hair the shine, silkiness and softness you want while keeping it healthy use after use.
DON'T get overwhelmed. It’s true that some silicones are just built different than others, but avoiding silicones in your personal care products all together will make your haircare shopping quicker and easier.
5. BE MINDFUL OF THE TEMP
You know how super hot showers feel shamazing in the moment, but then your skin is literally screaming for body lotion when you’re done? Your scalp is like, “Same bestie. Same.” Exposing your skin to hot water can strip it of its natural oils, leaving it dry and more prone to itching and irritation.
DO use warm or even tepid water when washing hair.
DON'T avoid drying your scalp and hair out by turning the tap all the way to HOT.
6. GO EASY DURING YOUR WASH SESH
Vigorously shampooing can cause tangles and unnecessary stress for your hair, but it’s also no picnic for your scalp.
DO use the pads of your fingers and employ a massaging motion when applying treatments or shampoo.
DON'T use fingernails. This can cause irritation & even infection if you accidentally scratch too hard.
7. TIME YOUR PROTECTIVE STYLES
We love a good protective style for curly, coily and kinky hair. They look great and they can help your hair to avoid damage and breakage from daily styling. If worn for too long, however, they can be very hard on your scalp.
DO wear longer term protective styles (like braids, weaves and twists) for 2-3 weeks, ideally with a week off before your next style sesh to pamper your scalp.
DON'T go longer than 3 weeks max.
8. SKIP THE GROCERY STORE HAIR COLOR
It can be really fun to switch your look up with a new color or a texture service like a perm or relaxer. These chemicals don’t only impact your hair though - your scalp is front and center too.
DO go to a pro and have a patch test done in advance of any chemical service to avoid allergic reactions or sensitivities that can leave your scalp red, inflamed and irritated.
DON'T perform chemical treatments at home! Allergic reactions aside (which can be severe) you run a higher risk of burns to your scalp that can be serious enough to cause scarring and require medical treatment.
9. BE PROACTIVE ABOUT FLAKES & DANDRUFF
Itching and flaking are a sign of dry scalp and also of dandruff. One of those issues can be dealt with on your own while the other is a medical condition and requires treatment from a physician.
DO seek medical advice if you feel your scalp issues go beyond simple dryness.
DON'T attempt to treat dandruff without medical advice. Depending on the root cause and type of dandruff you have, scalp irritation and even hair loss can result.
The Scalp - Your Hair’s Unsung Hero
Scalp care is finally getting the attention it deserves and for good reason. It lives there on top of your head like the royalty it is, providing a healthy environment for the strongest most abundant hair your genetics will allow. On behalf of us here at JVN, we want to thank the scalps of the world out there for all they do. In the world of great hair, they really are the MVP.
