Healthy Scalp It Is a Possibility!
Whether you battle psoriasis plaque on your scalp or just get itchy dry scalp, there actually are a few simple and natural suggestions you can start today that will turn your scalp into a health and happy scalp!
1) Look into the Ingredients in your Personal Care Products and Avoid Ones that Cause Irritation- especially look at shampoo, conditioner, soaps, body products and styling products. Here are just a few ingredients you should consider stop using as they add to skin and scalp irritation
Sulfates- Sodium lauryl sulfates (SLS) are added to many personal care products for their foaming qualities but they are a known irritant that can cause allergies, skin sensitivities and topical skin issues. These chemicals are also rather abrasive and strip the skin of its natural oils, making your scalp susceptible to bacterial build up and extreme dryness. Sulfates definitely exacerbate skin conditions like dandruff and psoriasis.
Parabens- These harsh chemicals are known to irritate the scalp and even cause hair loss!!! They also are known endocrine disruptors, which we should avoid!
Formaldehyde is a chemical compound commonly found in keratin treatments and other hair products. This known carcinogen is used as a product preservative but it can be dangerous when absorbed through the skin or inhaled during a chemical hair treatment. Formaldehyde is known to cause scalp irritation and, in some cases, severe topical allergic reaction. Definitely a no go when dealing with dry scalp!!
Synthetic Fragrance- “Fragrance” is a catch-all term for hundreds of thousands of artificial chemicals that can wreak havoc on your body, and cause allergies, immunotoxicity, endocrine disruption, Non-reproductive organ system toxicity, ecotoxicology and Irritation of skin, eyes, or lungs.
Sodium Chloride (AKA- Salt) Believe it or not, some shampoos and conditioners use salt as a thickener, But sodium chloride also dehydrates your skin, scalp, and strands. Not what we want, especially if you suffer from a dry scalp.
2) Argan Oil is a Miracle!!!! I seriously cannot stop singing its praises and I am sure I am driving my friends crazy, but seriously, this oil is incredible! It is an oil that is full of omega rich fatty acids and powerful antioxidants, that have nourishing and hydrating benefits for your skin, scalp and hair. It is an incredible oil that you can use from head to toe! I literally use it to style my hair, and massage it into my scalp and skin to nourish and heal on a daily basis.
Benefits of argan oil on Hair, Skin and Scalp:
Argan oil is also rich in vitamin E, which provides a fatty layer to your hair and scalp that may help prevent dryness and can help reduce fizziness and boost shine.
It has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and nourish the scalp & skin
Rich in Antioxidants to improve & prevent skin issues, including psoriasis, dermatitis or eczema
Has been found that may help protect against hair loss.
It has antifungal properties, which may help treat dandruff, as dandruff sometimes is caused by a yeast-like fungus on your scalp.
Argan oil is full of fatty acids, mainly oleic acid and linoleic acid. Which has been shown to lubricate the hair shaft and help your hair maintain moisture.
The fatty acids in argan oil have a protective benefits that can reduce & prevent damage from washing, coloring & styling.
Oil treatments can reduce split ends, and can result in thicker, healthier looking hair.
It used by Moroccan women for centuries to protect skin from sun damage, due to the rich antioxidants which protected skin against free radical damage from the sun. This may also help to prevent drying of hair, skin and scalp.
Leave-in conditioner & Styling Product You can skip your usual conditioner and use argan oil as a leave-in conditioner to reduce breakage from combing and styling while nourishing the scalp.
Wash your hair thoroughly with your shampoo.
Towel-dry your hair so that it’s not dripping.
Rub two or three drops of the oil in your hands and apply to your hair.
Dry and style with 1 or 2 drops of argan oil as a styling product to smooth your hair and tone down frizz. It can also protect your hair from heat styling as well.
3) Essential Oils to the Rescue-
I love essential oils for supporting a healthy scalp. A few of my favorite oils are:
Tea Tree- Is known for its cleaning power. Because its antifungal, antibacterial properties it prevent an overgrowth of yeast, which is the cause of dandruff. It also is excellent for a dry scalp because it helps moisturize and soothe while clearing black pores
Lavender- Is antimicrobial, cleansing, soothing, and healing which will calm and heal scalp issues and prevents itching and inflammation
Rosemary- Known as natures steroid- this oil is incredible for healing, soothing and calming inflammation and irritation. It stimulates blood circulation to the scalp and promotes hair growth. It is also beneficial to moisturize the hair scalp and prevent flaking and appearance of dandruff.
Peppermint- improves circulation and is cleansing and refreshing for a minty fresh and healthy scalp
ylang-ylang is healing, soothing, nourishing & reduces inflammation. It is ideal for those with dry scalps, as it can stimulate sebum production. (avoid this oil if you have oily skin/scalp)
Lemon- has antiseptic and cleansing properties. It is excellent for balancing oils and preventing infections. It removes dead skin, dirt, and dandruff
Beneficial Blends:
Healthy Scalp Oil Blend- Blend 8 drops Rosemary, 6 drops Ylang Ylang, 6 drops Lavender, 4 drops Tea Tree, 4 drops peppermint 2 drops lemon with 10 oz of argan oil. I shake this up and use it to massage into my scalp to maintain a healthy scalp.
Healthy Hair Spray- In a small spray bottle add 5 drops rosemary, 5 drops Lavender, 4 drops Ylang Ylang, 2 drops Lemon and 2 drops Peppermint and fill the bottle with water. Shake the bottle and spritz the hair and scalp.
Argan Oil Hair & Scalp Mask Making your own argan oil mask is beyond simple!! Be sure to use a pure, cold pressed, organic argan oil.
Using your hands, massage 8 to 10 drops of Healthy Scalp Oil Blend into your hair and scalp. Adjust the amount as needed based on the length of your hair.
Continue to massage your hair and scalp for 10 minutes, ensuring your hair is covered from roots to ends.
Wrap your hair in a towel or hair wrap and leave it on overnight.
Wash your hair in the morning and style as usual.
4) Hi- Frequency Scalp Treatments- Are amazing for soothing and healing treatments for the scalp. It stimulates circulation which improves the delivery of nutrients to hair and scalp, improves cellular production while promoting exfoliation of dead skin cells causing cellular renewal. This is a professional treatment that can quickly change the state of your scalp. I offer this treatment in my spa room, and it is stunning to watch a customers irritated scalp heal in your hands.
I hope these tips can help you change the health of your scalp.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.