While at the salon this week, I was hit with a random bout of curiosity about scalps and decided I'd do some research to make sure mine was healthy.
Women talk about hair, skin, nails, pregnancy and even allergies but do we ever really talk about our scalps? Probably not. We all have them but they rarely make conversation. The funny thing is I always hear people complaining about their hair-- its dry, it breaks, its oily. Well guess what? A healthy scalp is the start of healthy hair so its super important that we treat 'em right! When our scalp is healthy, stimulated and hydrated the process of synchronization is almost undetectable. When new scalp cells shed, new cells are formed. When this process is out of whack, the unruly chaos of dandruff takes over.
So here is what I can tell you about scalps:
- Our scalps are an extension of our face! CREEPY! But in the same way our pores get clogged, our hair follicles experience the same thing. That's why my mom always told me NEVER to put conditioner on the top of my head. Oops! Even a scalp that is treated with oils, etc can develop issues with dryness. Like any other part of our body, your scalp needs to perspire! It will create its own oil called sebum which will help keep it healthy so don't overcompensate.
- Avoid shampoos with ammonium and sodium lauryl sulfate. Your daily shampoo should be a moisturizing shampoo. In addition, if you work out a lot and sweat you should rinse your scalp with cool water to remove any excess salt. My favorite organic hair product line is John Masters Organic. Regular shampoos and conditioners are filled with chemicals that get washed down the drain and affect our ecosystem, making water undrinkable and increasing algae growth where it isn't needed.
- Stay away from the blow dryer as much as possible! (You knew this one was coming) If you have pin straight hair like me, let it dry on its own. You will save your hair cuticles from drying up and cut down on electricity at the same time. Double Whammie! But if you MUST dry your hair, start at the bottom and work your way up--never applying direct heat to your scalp.
- Things like crash and fad diets affect your scalp and lead to dandruff. I'm sure you've heard it before-- your skin is a literal and physical manifestation of your internal health. So if you're smoking, clogging capillaries and obstructing healthy air flow and circulation, your scalp will pay the price.
- If you suffer from dandruff-- the quickest GREEN remedy is apple cider vinegar. Apply diluted apple cider vinegar-50% water, 50% apple cider vinegar directly to your scalp. It will unclog your pores and reduce dandruff.
So there you have it! I am always interested in trying new products so if you can suggest a few other great organic hair product lines, please let me know. And remember a healthy woman is a spirited woman!
- Elaine La Personerie - www.winkpr.com
Click here for more of Elaine's posts.
Very interesting blog Elaine. Personally I have tried many different kinds of shampoo. Overall, I must say I am very pleased with AVEDA. I get my hair done with Aveda products (color) and I use it at home, shampoo and conditioner and I love it. Besides that there are my little treats of aromatherapy in the shower, Aveda products are fenomenal, natural and also green! Last, I would tell people to use the Aquis towels. I use them to dry my hair ( I have short hair) and I rarely blow dry my hair. Even if you need to use the blow dryer, it is not necessary to use it for a long time, because the towel can absorb most of the humidity.
:-)
Your blog was very good !!!
Posted by: Laura Benedetto | October 28, 2009 at 07:45 PM