6 Tips To Maintain A Healthy Scalp
-
By
mycurlid
Taking care of an afro-hair can be somewhat tricky. You aren’t sure where to start. However, if you don’t take adequate preventative measures to maintain your scalp, it can lead to hair loss, dandruff, psoriasis, excessive oil, or even lasting acne.
Women who wear afro hair are likely to battle with unhealthy scalps because they constantly moisturize their hair because of its texture.
The scalp can either be oily or dry. It is oily if your scalp feels heavier and looks oily at its root and dry if the hair that grows on it is rough, dry, and difficult to comb.
You should note that a healthy scalp is a base to grow healthier-looking hair. So, it’s only natural to care for your scalp to maintain your afro hair.
This article will provide the necessary information on how you can maintain your scalp, which will set you on the right track to appreciating your kinky hair and natural curls.
1: Water should be a friend and not an enemy
Women with an afro type hair are most likely to use curling gels, moisturizers, creams and sometimes hairspray to style and hold their hair in a place and this can cause build-up on the scalp and hair.
Often time people with afro hair dread the prospect of washing their hair because it naturally shrinks. However, water is an indisputable requirement for a healthy scalp. The good thing is you don’t have to wash your kinky hair as often as other hair types. However, you still have to wash your hair regularly.
You don’t have to go overboard with all the washing. Washing your hair will thwart the natural oils in your hair from forming and stop an itchy scalp, which is crucial for maintaining healthy and balanced hair.
The trick is to adopt a wash day routine. Create a routine that works for you. This way you’ll be able to determine what practice to continue and what isn’t working for you. Without a routine, you can hardly know what should be resolved when you try different products or notice an abnormality.
Tips for washing your kinky hair:
- Wash your hair weekly or at least twice a month (that is every two weeks) to help prevent dry and frizzy scalp: if you are battling with an oily scalp it is recommended that you use a deep cleansing shampoo and a more hydrating shampoo for dry scalp.
- Use clarifying shampoo once a month to wash your hair; it helps in cleaning up oils and products on the hair leaving it squeaky clean.
- Apply moisture-enhancing conditioner and shampoo to revive your natural curls. Massage the shampoo into your scalp with your fingertips and work your way to your hair strands.
- Pre-poo your hair with products such as coconut oil to prevent hygral fatigue. Make sure the coconut oil is applied to the ends of your hair. Afterward, cover your hair with a shower cap and wait for at least 30 minutes.
- Avoid using hot water to wash your hair. It typically makes your hair dry and reduces the moisture in your hair.
2: Moisturize, moisturize, and moisturize
After you’ve washed your hair, the next most important part of your natural hair care routine is moisturizing. In the same way, you won’t fail to moisturize your skin after having a bath or a shower, that’s the same way you should treat your scalp and your hair.
Even when you wear protective styles like twists or braids, apply well conditioning products to your scalp to keep your hair hydrated.
Oils are beneficial to scalp health: they nourish and conditions. You can use essential oils like tree oil or jojoba oil. If you have an oily scalp the Jamaican Black Castor Oil will do wonders on your scalp.
The whole idea of maintaining an afro routine is to keep your hair growing and healthy while you avoid bad practices that can impede your efforts. When you show your hair some love ( by treating it well), it’s bound to love you back (by looking healthier and growing more).
Tips for moisturizing your afro hair
Use a water-centered hydrating product, especially a spray to keep your hair strong.
Apply oils to your scalp and hair since water can easily evaporate. The most effective oil mix contains coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, and castor oil.
3: Spend on good shampoos and conditioners
One of the most basic tips for a healthy-looking scalp and hair is the use of good shampoos and conditioners..
Most shampoos are made up of chemicals like ammonium laureth sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, or sodium lauryl sulfate. These chemicals can irritate your scalp and cause your afro hair to break and become frizzy. Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioners for your natural hair to bring and lock in moisture to your hair.
4: Exfoliate your scalp
It is important to exfoliate your scalp. You can use an exfoliating shampoo once a month or purchase a scalp scrub and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Exfoliating your scalp helps to get rid of product buildups and oils.
5: Protect your scalp from sun damage
The UV rays from the sun can cause damage to your scalp hair: Wear a scarf or hat to protect your scalp when you are outdoors for a long time.
6: Eat healthy meals for your hair needs
Instead of spending unnecessarily on hair supplements and vitamins, why not eat healthy meals for your hair? Just as a balanced diet helps your body to grow and develop, it can also contribute to healthier and stronger hair.
A balanced diet that is rich in dairy products, whole grains, low-fat proteins, fruits, and vegetables, is beneficial for your hair. If you want a healthier scalp, increase your intake of Omega-3 fatty acids like avocados, sardines, salmon, herring, and walnuts.
Know your hair
At the end of the day knowing your hair type will go a long way in improving your scalp and hair. The most effective moisturizing technique depends on your hair type and texture, your activity level, and how often you use hair products. If you have a dry hair type, you may need shampoo less than someone with an oily hair type.
