WINTER HAIR REMEDIES - DAY 1: ITCHY/DRY SCALP
DAY ONE: Itchy & Dry Scalp
CAUSES:
Winter’s cold temperatures tend to dehydrate your hair, which causes dry and itchy scalp (the fancy term is Scalp pruritus), as well as conditions like dandruff and Seborrheic dermatitis. (Another fancy word.) Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition that can be brought upon by seasonal changes. Now, I am not a doctor so I cannot technically identify these for you for sure, but if you’re a client of mine, it is definetly something I am keeping an eye out for you.
HOW TO REMEDY DRY & ITCHY WINTER SCALP
Fortunately, there are many ways to treat dry & itchy scalp. One of the best ways to do this is to use products that are scalp-safe and non follicle-closing (like harsh pearling sulfates, etc. / things that can clog pores). Try products that target scalp health and moisture.
Ingredient Aid
Itchy scalp, on the other hand, can be treated with products containing panthenol. Panthenol keeps your hair hydrated longer by binding moisture to your locks. Products with hyaluronic acid should have a similar effect. It is important to note that sometimes penetration of the shaft by ingredients can create a rough cuticle surface and lead to frizz, due to swelling of the hair shaft. Use these products as treatments and not regular use. If you are vegan, it is important to know that there are two forms of Panthenol: Both are an alcohol form of vitamin B sourced either or both plants and animal, so products that don't *specify whether they're vegan are best avoided or looked into more carefully if you live a vegan lifestyle.
Ingredient Aid
If your dry or itchy scalp is starting to flake, consider a product with salicylic acid. Salicylic acid exfoliates the scalp to break down any build up and remove dead skin cells. Your black shirts will thank you. Ultimately, any products with anti-inflammatory and moisturizing ingredients should help relieve your dry or itchy scalp. Some other ways to combat a dry, itchy scalp include:
Use a scalp scrub
Click the photo to purchase, or better yet, find a local salon near you that carries Davines products.
Scalp scrubs are quickly gaining popularity as a powerful way to reset your scalp and get rid of those dry flakes. I am OBSESSED with the SOLU salt scrub by Davines. If you aren’t able to invest in new products, you can lightly take a firm brush and part your hair in horizontal sections and lightly scrub you scalp with the brushes bristles. Make sure to cleanse afterwards and not scrub to hard t because it can lead to too much abrasion, causing more irritation. This is great for reducing product build up as well.
Use a [good quality, color safe] dandruff shampoo
Click here to purchase this product through Jayden Presleigh salon directly. Support local salons.
I am for suuuuure not talking about head and shoulders or other brands from the drug store. Why? Because most of those can end up having so many harsh ingredients that can completely dry out the rest of your hair, and equally important - strip your color. I vote NO on that. So, let me introduce you to my favorite anti dandruff shampoo. Oribe Serene scalp. Oribe describes this product as: “Do away with dandruff. This gentle treatment cleanser, formulated with salicylic acid, relieves and prevents dandruff while soothing dry, itchy, irritated scalp. The result: healthy, hydrated hair with no trace of flakes.” Now, this is an extra exclusive product, but lucky for you - the salon I used to work at retails it online. I will link it here, or simply press the photo to link you to the website to purchase… And trust me you won’t be disappointed you have this on hand for winter. They also have an incredible soothing scalp leave-on treatment if you want something else from Oribe.
Use a scalp mask. (Which is not the same as a regular hair mask/deep conditioner)
Click the photo to purchase, or better yet, find a local salon near you that carries Davines products.
One that I am absolutely obsessed with is the Purity circle mask. Davines describes it as: “The Purity Circle Hair Mask is a revitalizing, detoxifying and anti-oxidant mask for scalp and hair stressed by environmental factors. It eliminates impurities caused by pollution, dust, heavy metals for a purifying routine.” …And I couldn’t agree more. Click the photo to purchase, or better yet, find a local salon near you that carries Davines products.
Use tea tree oil
After washing your hair, apply a few drops of tea tree oil to your scalp where you part your hair. Due to its anti-fungal properties, tea tree oil will help reduce those dry, flaky patches. I would highly recommend doing a patch test on your scalp before trying this, as some are more sensitive to essential oils than others. PRO TIP: Add a few drops of tea tree to your shampoo, or dilute it in a clean water bottle for easy scalp application.
Use Apple Cider Vinegar
Click the photo to purchase, or better yet, find a local salon near you that carries IGK products.
An ACV wash can be made very simply. Mix a couple of tablespoons of ACV with water. After shampooing and conditioning, pour the mixture over your hair evenly, working into your scalp. Let it sit for a couple of minutes. BUT, this should be done sparingly and also used with caution if you have color treated hair. It can strip color from the hair very easily and be very acidic, opening the hair shaft, so I would not recommend this to someone with fresh hair color or extremeley damaged or brittle hair. You can start by diluting it, or applying it in the shower over wet hair. I also loooooove this spray from IGK, called Trust Issues. I like this because it has other conditioning agents, but also is based with ACV. Plus, the spray smells so good and then your hair doesn’t smell like ACV all day.
IGK describes this product as this: “This instant scalp rebalancing treatment uses Patented Hydrogel Time Release Technology to moisturize instantly and over time — leaving dry, irritated scalps soothed, refreshed and hydrated. This scalp treatment spray is infused with natural astringents like Apple Cider Vinegar to rebalance and antioxidant-rich Yuzu Lemon Extract to nourish.” Click on the photo to purchase this, or better yet, find a salon near you that carries IGK.
Use a scalp tonic
Click the photo to purchase through Davines, or better yet, support your local Davines salon.
My fav scalp tonic is one I use monthly. I love it. I part my hair in sections and use the dropper to drop the serum directly onto my scalp and massage it in. I’m obsessed. I do this on days when I can wear my hair up, so it doesn’t appear oily from the serum. The serum doesn’t feel oily, but when it dries on parts of your hair it can just make it seem that way. Davines describes this product as: “It helps maintain the wellbeing of scalp and hair, promoting their longevity and natural beauty.
The hair is softer, shinier and full-bodied.”
Scalp products that you can find at Target.
Kristen Ess is my favorite “drugstore” brand. Except, she isn’t drugstore per-say, but more like exclusively at target. I am an advocate of supporting your local salons, but I also like to provide options for good products at lower cost to make sure we cover all budget ranges. Click here to view the scalp line by Kristen ess.
Stay Hydrated on the inside… it will show on the outside.
I’m the worst person to be soliciting this advice, because if you know me, you know I am CONSTANTLY trying to drink more water. It’s been a work in progress for me for years, and at (almost) 31 years old, I am finally almost at a point where I drink a gallon a day… on my good days, that is. Anyways, let me tell you… this shit is no joke. Yes, I am talking about water. I can’t believe there are still days that I am reluctant to drink it, because wow do I feel so much better when I do. AND, look so much better, you can totally tell in my skin, nails and hair. My fiancé will even ask, did you drink a lot of water today? I don’t know, maybe it’s just me, but yeah we can totally tell. SO CAN YOUR HAIR. I always like to think of hair like skin… because, I mean, what’s under your hair? Scalp… which is skin. Think of your follicles just like you would the pores on your face… we need to make sure they are unclogged & happy, or else, Build up totally occurs.
*Please consult your doctor and your hairstylist to conduct the best regimen and ingredients that work for your body. Just like skin, hair is so unique, and different suggestions and products may not work for all. It is like skincare, give your haircare about 6 weeks to see if you can tell a difference. But, when it comes to dry or itchy scalp, if it is severe or lasts for more than a month, please consult your doctor.