Beautiful hair begins with a scalp in good condition. A little regular maintenance will help keep your scalp happy. From the right water temperature and the right hair care to DIY massage and deep breathing, here are top tips on how to keep on top of a healthy scalp.
Cool down: Avoid washing your hair in excessively hot water. You’ll just end up irritating your scalp and make a flaky scalp worse. Instead, use warm to-the-touch water and make sure you always rinse thoroughly. Make all the right moves. Increasing the blood flow to your scalp helps you to relax, which is great for your aggravated scalp skin.
Try this traditional Thai style head massage: Use your fingertips and thumbs to massage your scalp in small circular movements, working from the hairline at the front, back towards the crown and down to the nape of the neck. Repeat five times. Next, use your first finger and thumb to gently stretch your ears, starting at the lobes and working upwards and around – work for at least two minutes. This stimulates the meridians or energy lines in the ears, releasing deep-seated tension. Finish by using gentle fingertip pressure to massage your face. Use “piano” style movements to gently tap and press, working from the centre of the face out to the ears, jaw-line and temples.
Get a head start: According to both nutritionists and trichologists, eating a wholesome breakfast is a key to having a great scalp and luscious hair. The reason? Energy sources utilised by the hair follicles are lowest in the morning so they need a vital boost. Feed your scalp: Hair itself, mainly consisting of protein, benefits from lean protein – fish, lean chicken, lean red meat and eggs – while our scalp, being skin, will reap the rewards of a balanced diet with heaps of fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrain, healthy fats such as olive and linseed oil, and plenty of water to drink.
Clean up your act: Flaky scalps benefit from daily washing, especially if you use a formula like that is designed for frequent washing. Massage your scalp gently as you wash to avoid hair damage and scalp aggravation.
Take a deep breath: Not only does deep breathing help to release pent-up stress, it also helps deliver extra oxygen to the whole body. As tension tends to gather in the shoulders, upper back and scalp, deep-breathing can relax muscles, increase circulation and improve well-being. Try this breathing exercise: Sit on a straight-backed chair or with legs crossed on the floor with a straight back. Inhale slowly and deeply though your nose, taking the breath down into your body. As you inhale, be aware of the breath. Exhale slowly, focusing on the breath as you breathe out. Practice this daily for at least five minutes.
Shop strategically: If you have scalp problems, opt for a shampoo and conditioner that cares for your scalp as well as your hair type – Head & Shoulders Hydrazinc formula contains active ingredients that combat dandruff and calm itchiness. This coupled with the individual hair benefits offered by the Head & Shoulders range means taking care of your scalp and of your hair at the same time!
These tips are being offered courtesy of the new variant range of Head & Shoulders.