I’m sure we can all agree that hair care has gotten a bit…complicated. With all of the information we receive online, and with the overwhelming amount of products and hair techniques out there, our heads can feel like they’re spinning. All we really want and need is a hair care process that’s easy. Myavana is here to simplify the tons of information you’re receiving by providing you with the basic steps to keep your hair healthy and beautiful.
Scalp Care
Scalp care is extremely critical to a healthy hair journey. Detoxing the scalp with a clarifying shampoo is the first line of defense to cleanse the scalp of all residue and product build-up. If you don’t have a clarifying shampoo, try this hair hack; use a hydrating shampoo and add baking soda to it. Mix them together in a bowl and then apply it to your scalp. Think of this mixture as an exfoliant for the scalp, it helps your follicles remain open while removing build-up and residue from the scalp.
Detoxing the scalp is also important when wearing protective styles. You can cleanse your scalp with dry shampoo, antiseptic, or an apple cider vinegar rinse. These cleansers will help reduce the frequent itching we encounter when wearing protective styles.
Practice cleansing your scalp on a weekly basis with a clarifying shampoo and utilize products that contain eucalyptus and tea tree to soothe and stimulate the scalp.
Shampoo
Whenever you shampoo your hair, hydration and moisture is vital, so be sure to pre-treat your hair with a softening conditioner before shampooing. Use a clarifying shampoo for your first shampoo and a hydrating shampoo for your second.
Some people are afraid that shampoo will “strip the hair” because of sulfates. So instead, people use sulfate-free shampoo or they co-wash their hair, not realizing that this could lead to product build-up over time, which is why clarifying shampoo is so important. Don’t be afraid of “stripping your hair” of moisture because during the conditioning phase you’ll replenish the moisture you lost.
Conditioner
For starters, always use a hydrating conditioner. Remember that a little goes a long way, so a nickel to quarter size amount will do fine. A conditioner that softens the hair and has a slip to it is best. When hair is hydrated, it is easy to detangle. If you have really thick, curly hair, you should detangle your hair in sections, while conditioning.
You will need both strengthening and hydrating conditioners to rebuild the hair strand after shampooing. Be sure to use a sealer (a light-weight oil or serum) mixed into the conditioner to add body and shine. Apply the conditioner to the base of your hair (near the scalp) then work your way down mid-shaft towards the ends, this application will give you an even distribution of product. Condition your hair once a week or once every two weeks.
We hope this overview of scalp care has helped you with any questions or concerns you may have in your current hair journey. Stay tuned for our next Back to the Basics of Healthy Hair as we discuss hair hydration and strength. To get started on your healthy hair journey, purchase the MYAVANA hair analysis kit and get ready for hair nirvana! Follow us @myavanahaircare on Instagram.