By Alexandra Wilson·
Do you feel like no matter how moisturized you keep your curls your scalp is still dry, flaky or irritated? If so, I assure you there’s no need to feel ashamed or embarrassed, but in order to maintain healthy hair, it truly does start with your scalp. There could be many causes such as an overuse of products which leads to buildup, not drinking enough water, possibly being allergic to a product or simply a dry scalp due to the weather conditions. It’s important to take time to be aware of the cause and get to the root of the problem.
Let’s be honest we’ve all dealt with dandruff and frustrating flakes, which is not a good look when you’re wearing black, but the question is how are you caring for your scalp? I’ve recently been paying more attention to my scalp now that I’m wearing a lot of protective styles as I grow out my hair from my big chop. I never realized the importance of a healthy scalp, until now and I have found that scalp-care is the new haircare. Scroll down to learn about what scalp-care essentials you should add to your routine to cure the itch.
Oils & Treatments
HPO Happy Scalp
“When you go to a good salon, and you get the whole treatment – shampoo, massage, aromatherapeutic oil…it is indulgent and rare – and expensive! This is like having that experience in a little bottle in your bathroom. A few drops rubbed in at the end of a long day (or the beginning of a great weekend”> is awesome – and then when you shampoo it fills the shower with delicious smells of relaxation and happiness.”
Read next: Bad Habits that are Damaging Your Scalp
Briogeo Scalp Revival
“This treatment stands out from the rest because it is not oily or greasy. I have seborrheic dermatitis, which can be exacerbated by oils from other products. This scalp treatment is great for applying immediately after washing your hair or midweek to reduce irritation and flaking between wash days. Whenever I have to put off washing my hair, this product helps to alleviate my inflamed scalp. Great product!”
“This scalp treatment is for you if you have dry, itchy, winter scalp. It feels amazing! It’s a little thick so you’ll need an extra rinse. But it works. Smells just like you would expect, MINTY.”
Phyto Botanical Scalp Treatment
“Awesome product, I have really dry hair and this product helps to stimulate my scalp with the peppermint scent that is in the ingredients. You only need a few drops on the scalp and rub it with your fingertips. I have been using this product for over 7yrs. Healthy and shiny looking hair. You leave it in for about 7-10mins.”
Malibu Scalp Therapy
“I had a very severe case of contact dermatitis on my scalp with huge amounts of flaking at hairline and terrible itching. The Malibu Scalp Therapy worked wonders! I love this product!”
“We had some unusually dry and cold days here in Texas recently and this product saved my scalp! I put it on at night and put my satin scarf on. When I woke up my scalp felt amazing!”
Read next: 3 Easy Ways to Exfoliate Your Scalp this Fall
Shampoos & Conditioners
Girl + Hair Cleanse
“I’ve been using this shampoo for the past 3 years and swear by it. It never leaves my hair dry or stripped, yet it cleanses thoroughly, which is very important to me as I often wear protective styles and need to ensure that my scalp is squeaky clean.”
SheaMoisture African Black Soap Balancing Conditioner
“This product is excellent for those with dry scalp. It conditions your hair very well and seals in moisture. The product is 100% natural and works very well with curly hair. I love this product because it seals and moisture and keeps my scalp clean. I’m definitely going to continue using this product!
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
“It smells sooo good—like candy canes (in the best way possible”> and tea tree. It’s a must for people on the activated charcoal trend. The texture is thick and gritty and leaves my scalp feeling fresh.”
Read next: 5 Tips to Calm Scalp Irritation
Vitabrid C12Scalp Shampoo
Apart from the annoying flakes that trickle down onto your clothing, a dry and itchy scalp causes discomfort. This shampoo from Vitabrid not only reduces the amount of flaking, but also packs your hair with hydration and soothes your scalp.
Read next: Why Massaging Your Scalp with Oil Really Matters
Cantu Apple Cider Vinegar Root Relief
“I work out at least 3 times a week and this is my favorite product to use to keep my scalp clean and refreshed in between washes, plus it’s great for when I wear protective styles.”
DevaCurl Buildup Buster
“This product is the truth. I could not believe the results. My curls were tighter, they have bounce again, and the shine! I could not believe it. I shampoo regularly, but nothing was touching the buildup I was getting from hard water. It was slowly turning my hair limp, with loose, oily- looking, yet also dry, curls. Buildup Buster completely fixed that with one use.”
Have you tried any of these? If so, which are your favorites? Let us know how you care for your scalp in the comments below.
