
Scalp Care
Discover the secrets to maintaining a healthy scalp environment that promotes optimal hair growth and prevents common issues.
Natural Scalp Oils
Sebum, the scalp’s natural oil, is made of fats like glycerides, wax esters, squalene, and cholesterol. Many hair products try to copy this mix to keep hair healthy. But heavy, oily products can clog pores and hurt hair growth. If your scalp is dry, use a light oil such as jojoba or coconut in moderation to avoid buildup. Always patch test prior to application as some people are more sensitive to coconut oil. To apply, warm it up in your hands before use.
Massage Techniques
Scalp massages help boost hair growth by improving blood flow to the follicles, which makes hair thicker and longer over time. They also spread natural oils, reduce stress, and calm scalp inflammation. You can massage with your fingers, oils, tools, or even while shampooing, just keep it gentle and consistent. Avoid massaging oil into "dirty" hair, meaning when there is already a lot of product sitting on your scalp. This can lead to product buildup and that can prevent the oils from penetrating. Done regularly, scalp massages support healthy, strong, and shiny curls while giving you a relaxing self-care moment.
Problem Solving
Common scalp issues like dryness, itchiness, or buildup can be frustrating and worsen if left untreated. For dry, flaky scalp, increase moisturizing treatments and check your shampoo ingredients. Make sure to use sulfate-free shampoo or switch to co-washing, while using shampoo sparingly. If it's constantly itchy, that might indicate dehydration of your scalp, an allergy to a product, if you used braiding hair it might need to be washed before adding to your hair, or it could be fungal issues - switch to gentle, fragrance-free products. Buildup appears as white flakes, so you may need to clarify with apple cider vinegar (diluted with water) rinses or clarifying shampoos. When in doubt, consult a trichologist for problems that seem to persist.
Sources
- The Science of Black Hair: A Comprehensive Guide to Textured Hair by Audrey Davis-Sivasothy (Book)
- The 10 Best Oils for 4C Hair (2024)
- 4 Natural Remedies for Dry, Itchy, Flaky Scalp
- How To Transform Your Hair Growth With Scalp Massages