Before I cut my hair, I kept my natural hair covered with a protective style, such as a wig, box braids or a sew in. To clarify my scalp, my stylist recommended that I add a scalp massage to my monthly appointments. This helps remove any oils and styling products that may have built up on my scalp, as well as removing flaky, dry patches on my crown.
The facial can be divided into three parts. My stylist would start by applying a coarse, yet gentle scrub to my scalp and hair. This was made using a clarifying shampoo, a bit of teatre oil to reduce itching, and a pinch baking soda to exfoliate the scalp. The best part was to massage the scalp for three to four minutes. This would exfoliate, break down any skin debris, and promote blood flow. My crown is notoriously dry. My stylist would use a small brush (such as an edge control brush or even toothbrush) to scrub it, but most of the exfoliation was done by hand. Once the scrub is washed out, we’d follow up with a conditioner that would help add moisture back into my hair, and then dry and style my hair as normal. My stylist would recommend that I use light oils and serums to maintain the results of my facials and prevent any irritation to my scalp.
My scalp felt different afterward. It felt so light and clean, and with all the buildup off my scalp, I realized just how much my scalp wasn’t breathing. Over time, my hair began to grow faster, stronger, was easier to manage, and just felt better overall.
Over the past two years, I stopped doing regular scalp treatments. However, recently, as my hair was getting shorter and the weather was changing, I noticed that my scalp was feeling dry and sensitive. My hair was also breaking at certain lengths. I tried a lot of products but my scalp was the problem. Like many, I haven’t had an in-salon appointment for a while, so with a bit of trial and error, I managed to find a way to DIY a scalp facial in my bathroom. It’s fairly simple, but by incorporating it into my wash day once or twice a month, I’ve been able to get back to healthy, manageable hair.
1. Scalp Scrub
Scalp facials at the salon have always included a gentle exfoliation. So I created my own home routine around a good scrub. I looked for a scrub that would help remove any dry or dead skin but wouldn’t be abrasive or cause micro-tears on my scalp, much like a physical exfoliant for the face. Most scalp scrubs also do double duty as a clarifying shampoo, so while I wouldn’t use them daily, you can use the scrub in place of a shampoo. I start by putting a small amount of the product on my hair and gently massage it into my scalp with circular motions.
Briogeo
Scalp Scrub Shampoo
The Briogeo scrub is the best one I’ve tried, as it gently exfoliates my scalp and cleans my hair without drying either out or causing any irritation.
2. Conditioner
While a scalp scrub doesn’t necessarily dry out my hair, it definitely doesn’t leave my hair feeling soft and super hydrated. After I wash my hair, I reach for a hydrating shampoo that can quickly add moisture to my hair. Generally, I’m looking for a thicker formula that not only helps with hydration but also doesn’t weigh down my curls and can help with some of my other concerns, such as split ends, breakage, and overall damage.
Olaplex
Bond Maintenance Conditioner
This isn’t a conditioner designed specifically for the scalp, but it does help add moisture back into my hair, smooth out the strands, and just make my hair look strong and healthy.
3. Scalp Serum
I wasn’t entirely sold on scalp serums at first, but after trying a few, I soon realized why they can be an important step in a hair care routine. These serums, which work much like a facial serum, are intended to treat the skin beneath the hair and deliver a concentrated amount to address a specific concern. My main concern is keeping dry patches away. To help keep my scalp moisturised and calm, I apply a scalp cream one to two days after cleansing it.
PATTERN by Tracee Eli Ross
Scalp Serum
My hair is the most manageable when it is conditioned every day. However, water and temperature changes can sometimes cause my hair to dry out and become irritated. I use this scalp serum to soothe and calm my scalp. It doesn’t weigh down my roots or make my scalp feel greasy. I’ve noticed fewer flakes in my hair since adding it into my routine, and I especially love the applicator nozzle because it helps me get through my thick hair and deposit the serum exactly where I want it.
4. Scalp Massage
The best part about an in-salon appointment for me is the scalp massage while your hair is being washed. My scalp is usually massaged using my hands. I begin at the crown of my hair and work my way up to my ears. Then I move to my forehead and back to my neck. This removes any buildup or impurities that may have built up on my hair and scalp.
Briogeo
Scalp Stimulating Therapy Massager
This handheld massager was the closest I could get at recreating a salon massage. It feels good and can be used to exfoliate the scalp. The silicone bristles are soft enough to use as a shampoo or on a dry scalp when I am using oils or serums.
5. Hair Oil
Hair oil is a mainstay in my daily hair care routine, whether it’s to help tame any frizziness or add a bit of shine to my strands. My hair is quite short so it is difficult for my to ensure that I only apply oils to the ends of my hair. Also, I am aware that the oil that I use to my hair may end up on the scalp. Because maintaining a healthy scalp is a main focus for me, I make sure that any oils that I am applying won’t reverse the benefits of the scalp facial by adding buildup or making my hair greasy. Depending on my time, I may either apply the oil quickly to my hair or take a few extra minutes to massage it. I follow the same pattern as when I use a massager.
PATTERN by Tracee Eli Ross
Jojoba Oil Blend
The jojoba oil blend absorbs quickly in my hair and skin. It can be massaged directly onto my scalp to soothe any itchiness and flakiness. The formula also isn’t too watery or sticky, so it is perfect for me to use on a daily basis to keep my hair moisturized and free from breakage without weighing down or compromising my curls. It also helps preserve my results between scalp treatments.
Source: The Every Girl