Itchy scalp, dry scalp, flaky scalp, dandruffs, oily scalp and hair or bad smells, there are many factors one could be suffering from when it comes to scalp. Some of these troubles need to be medically treated but some others can be remedied by a proper daily care.
In Japan, partly because of humid weather, we particularly care about our scalp and try to maintain it clean and healthy as part of etiquette.
Recently I had the opportunity to be monitored for a free scalp check within an event featured by the hair care brand H&S in Shibuya. Check out what scalp diagnosis I was given and learn how to improve your scalp and hair condition!
Scalp check, how does it work?
We use a microscopic camera that magnifies our scalp by up to 200 times and allows us to see the scalp condition on the monitor.
A healthy scalp is free of stress which is translated by a white color and a fairly soft scalp. On the contrary if you are under stress, you may show some redness and your scalp may be hardened.
Now more related to scalp issues, a healthy scalp have unclogged hair follicles that allow new hair to grow easily.
Dead skin, toxins, sebum, dirt, styling products are subject to clog the hair follicles. Below picture shows:
- healthy scalp on the top left
- hair follicles clogged with sebum on the bottom left
- hair follicles with toxins on the top right
- hair follicles with a lot of toxins on the bottom right
Scalp diagnosis
This is how my scalp looked and the grade I got: 80 / 100 healthy scalp!! Pretty good!!
I showed only a little sebum (it was during a very hot summer day!!) and toxins.
Scalp diagnosis
This is how my scalp looked and the grade I got: 80 / 100 healthy scalp!! Pretty good!!
I showed only a little sebum (it was during a very hot summer day!!) and toxins.
How to have a healthy scalp?
So my scalp was pretty healthy and there is a reason for it: I know from being a former hairdresser and having seen so many clients’ scalps and hair, how daily care can change the scalp condition so I do take care of my scalp! How can you do the same? Very easy:
Use a shampoo which is adapted to your hair
If your hair gets oily easily, you may consider changing the shampoo to a scalp care shampoo or less moisturizing one. An over production of sebum leads to a greasy scalp.
Wash by massaging your scalp
Use the pads of your fingers and massage your head while shampooing. Head massage helps detoxifying your head and by improving blood circulation, it helps to unclog the hair follicles.
Rinse thoroughly
Especially if you have thin hair that tends to tangle, it may be difficult for the water to go all across the head and hair. Rinse abundantly by moving your hair and letting water flow everywhere. Shampoo and treatment that are not rinsed properly and that stay on the scalp may dehydrate your scalp. This can be a reason for dandruffs or actually a greasy scalp as it will produce sebum to try to compensate dehydration.
Do not apply treatment on the roots
Hair treatment is specifically for hair ends. It helps nourishing your damaged hair and moisturize it. Unless it’s a treatment for scalp, do not apply it on the roots but only from mid lengths to the ends. We can then avoid clogging hair follicles with it.
Get a professional scalp treatment such as a head spa from time to time
I love head spa and this is why I always recommend it in hair salon menu. First of all, it’s highly relaxing as there are a lot head massage and we use a lot water which has a healing effect. And even though you respect all the above mentioned points, there is always some dirt and toxins that cannot be removed from a regular care. So it’s worth taking a professional scalp treatment once in a while to really detox and deep cleanse your scalp in a hair salon.
If you want to go to a trusted salon for a genuine head spa experience, have a look at my recommended salons!!
A healthy scalp is mandatory for beautiful hair!
If you are subject to hair fall, lack of shine, thinning hair, dry and dull hair or lack of volume, you may consider your scalp care routine! Your hair condition reflects your scalp condition. In order to have a healthy and beautiful hair, you do need to start from the roots, the scalp! Why don’t you try the above easy tips and see how different your hair will look after a a week!?
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