So far this year, Curlies from all over the world were looking up - at their scalps, that is! Whether it's oiling and massaging for growth or ensuring clarified roots for a clean base, everyone seems to have their hands in their hair. With so many new trends and changes in our everyday lives, however, it’s time to see if scalp care is the new skin care - or was it just a phase?
Scalp care is not a new invention or some unfounded idea; it has been a part of many different cultures as far back as Ancient Egypt. With the help of the Internet, however, this phenomenon has spread worldwide! People from all different parts of the world are engaging in scalp care for a variety of different reasons. From clarifying shampoos and treatments that remove oil and product build up, to inverted scalp massages with healing oils that stimulate blood flow and promote healthy hair growth, there are plenty of reasons to include your scalp into your regular skincare routine!
In general, when us Curlies are solving a problem, we tend to start at the root, right? After all, healthy hair starts where it grows: at the root. Much like your face, your scalp has its own ecosystem, complete with a microbiome, oil glands and barrier functions that can make or break the health of your hair. Ignoring it could lead to dryness, itchiness, excess oil, or buildup - and could even stunt your hair’s growth potential. Major sad face ):. Think of it this way: if your face was constantly covered, you’d still cleanse, moisturize and nourish it. Your scalp deserves the same TLC, even if it’s hidden under all that gorgeous hair.
Here at Jessicurl, we got you covered on all your scalp care needs - from our gentle but mighty Clarifying Shampoo that leaves strands feeling clean but never stripped of their essential oils, to our Stimulating Scalp Massage Oil that can be used for inverted massages, and while it may not immediately re-grow hair, it can promote a healthy scalp, which encourages hair follicle growth and will aid in the reduction of hair loss.
Dandruff, breakage, hair loss and a number of other common hair problems can often be treated and sometimes even reversed with scalp care. The American Academy of Dermatology Association offers a few different articles on the importance of scalp care and how to treat some of these issues, such as scalp psoriasis. While scalp psoriasis itself is a condition that needs to be diagnosed by a dermatologist and met with medicinal treatments, those who suffer from similar symptoms, such as itching or redness, can try simple scalp care methods like inverted oil massages to reintroduce moisture and hydration to the scalps skin. Of course, consult with a medical professional and be careful to not introduce new ingredients to your scalp if you are suffering from pain or sensitivity.
Today’s options are endless: clarifying shampoos to remove buildup, exfoliating scrubs to lift away dead skin cells, nutrient-rich oils to soothe and hydrate, and massages to support circulation and follicle health. The parallels to skincare are so clear — cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate and protect. Everybody’s scalp, curls and overall hair needs are different, so don’t be afraid to try something new and don’t worry if the first routine you try doesn’t stick — we’re all on our own curl journey, and we’re lucky enough to have a Curly Community to support us through it! Just remember that, like with regular skincare, overdoing it can cause more harm than good, so balance is key.