Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, yet taking care of our scalp tends to be an afterthought, or not even thought about at all. Maintaining a healthy scalp will not only give you enviable locks, it can also even help to prevent certain types of hair loss.Â
Did you know that the scalp contains approximately 100,000 follicles? All of which need to be kept clean and free from blockages to allow healthy strands of hair to grow. When the follicles become blocked by dead skin cells and product buildup, this can lead to scalp issues.Â
How do you know if you have an unhealthy scalp?
Symptoms of an unhealthy scalp include:
– itching
– burning
– bumps on the scalp
– extreme oiliness
– extreme dandruff
– hair loss
How to keep your scalp healthy and clean
So now you know the importance of having a healthy scalp, you’re probably wondering how to achieve this. We have put together 5 key tips to help you keep your scalp healthy and clean.
Don’t wash your hair too much
The frequency of hair washing that is right for you depends on your hair type, so it is important to identify what type of hair you have i.e dry, oily, thin, thick etc.Â
Avoid overwashing your hair as this will strip your scalp of Sebum, a natural oil which is essential for protecting your scalp and keeping it hydrated.Â
You should consider cutting down your number of wash days per week or try co-washing.Â
Co-washing (conditioner-washing) is an effective way to keep the hair and scalp refreshed, especially if you use styling products, to prevent a build up on the scalp which can block your hair follicles.Â
To co-wash, you simply use a conditioner on its own to wash your hair, as conditioners are less harsh on the hair in comparison to shampoos.
Avoid Washing Your Hair With Hot Water
Using hot water when washing your hair can be harsh on your hair follicles, it’s best to use lukewarm water or if you can brave it, cold water.Â
Massage Shampoo Into Your Scalp in a Circular Motion
Be gentle with your scalp when using shampoo. You should always concentrate on applying shampoo to your scalp to ensure that you are cleaning the surface of the skin.Â
Try to massage your scalp in a circular motion whilst applying your shampoo and conditioner, to avoid causing abrasions to the surface of the skin and instead boost blood flow to the follicles.
Use the Right Hair Care Products
Make sure that you clean your hair and scalp with the right products. First and foremost, you want to avoid using products with any harsh chemicals, as these can strip the hair and scalp of natural oils which can lead to dryness and irritation.Â
The fewer chemicals in your products, the healthier your hair will be. Try to use products that do not contain sulfates as they can irritate the skin, this is particularly important for people with sensitive skin.
Look for products that contain essential oils such as:
– Cedarwood Oil (stimulates the scalp and promotes hair growth)
– Almond Oil (soothes and moisturises the scalp)
– Moroccan Argan Oil (moisturizes, nourishes, and provides antioxidants to hair
– Rosemary Oil (stimulates the roots, promotes hair growth, and increases circulation in the scalp)
Brush Your Hair
Don’t underestimate the effectiveness of simply brushing your hair, making sure that dead skin cells do not build up on your scalp can make a huge difference to the quality of your hair.Â
Regularly Deep Clean Your Scalp
Introducing a deep cleanse regime for your scalp will contribute to improving hair growth by unclogging your hair follicles, restoring your scalp’s natural oils and balancing your pH levels.Â
You can naturally deep clean your scalp by using ingredients such as
– Apple cider vinegar
– Tea tree oil
– Baking soda
– Lemon juice
For more information on how to deep cleanse your scalp naturally click here.
You are now better equipped to ensure you have a healthy and clean scalp. The key is to remember that your hair can only be as healthy as your scalp, so be sure to take care of it. If you do experience any scalp irritation or you have any concerns, you should get in touch with a dermatologist.Â
Check out some of Aveda’s hair care products to give your scalp a refresh
Invati Menâ„¢ Scalp Revitalizer – Leave-in scalp treatment formulated with amla to instantly thicken your hair at the root and a blend of potent plant actives to help invigorate your scalp when massaged in.
Aveda Men Pure-formanceâ„¢ Shampoo – High-performance shampoo works together with pure-formanceâ„¢ conditioner to refresh and revive scalp while cleansing, conditioning and moisturising hair.
Aveda Men Pure-formanceâ„¢ Conditioner – High-performance conditioner works together with pure-formanceâ„¢ shampoo to refresh scalp, condition hair and add a healthy shine.
Men’s Grooming Treatments at Cutter’s Yard
We believe that every gentleman who walks through our doors deserves to look and feel their best. We wouldn’t be considered as one of London’s best barbers if we didn’t know about men’s skincare.Â
As well as our barbering services, we are also pleased to offer a range of grooming treatments including our Deluxe Clinique & Lab Series Facial which is tailored to your skin type and targets your needs.Â
Book your appointment now at Southwark or London Bridge.
If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us.