Endless itching, waxy residue and scalp discomfort…something every curly girl has encountered! When your hair and scalp has reached this state, a simple washday isn’t always enough. Follow these steps to completely reset your scalp and strands.
What is making your scalp itch?
The residue causing your endless itch is made up of dead skin cells, product buildup and natural scalp oils. Harsh weather, dirt and pollution can also leave an impact on your hair.
What causes scalp buildup?
There could be multiple reasons as to why you’re experiencing scalp buildup. Here are a few factors that could be contributing to this issue:
- You’re not cleansing your scalp properly
- You’re not using a clarifying cleanser
- You’re not deeply cleansing your scalp as often as you should
- You’re not pre-shampooing your scalp (read more about the importance of pre-shampoos)
- You’re applying conditioner too close to your scalp/roots
- You’re not targeting your scalp enough
- You’re using the wrong products for your hair (such as chemical, synthetic dense products)
Can you permanently get rid of scalp build-up?
Scalp buildup is a natural part of all of our journeys. We will never be able to completely get rid of scalp build-up, but that’s definitely not a bad thing. Our scalps can often benefit from build-up since it protects and lubricates the scalp. In saying this, leaving it too long can block the pores and bring on deeper scalp issues.
As long as you ensure to clean your scalp well, you’ll likely be able to alleviate scalp discomfort and itchiness.
Now that you know all about buildup, let’s take a look at some ways to tackle it:
1) Pre-Shampoo
Flora & Curl Coconut Mint Scalp Refresh Pre-Shampoo Oil helps to melt away excessive build-up and loosen stubborn flakes. It also helps with dissolving hardened sebum (oil) on the scalp. Hardened sebum (oil) can be extremely difficult to get rid of. Flora & Curl’s unique formula does a great job at helping achieve this goal.
Use this before cleansing. Divide your hair into sections and apply a few drops of the oil into your palms or onto your scalp. Massage it into your scalp using your fingertips. Place a bonnet on and leave on for 5-10 minutes.
2) Detox through clarifying
The benefits of clay for skincare has become well known and clay masks have become a loved element of many girls’ skincare routines. Clay also has amazing benefits for hair care as well. Just like how it detoxifies the skin, it also does the same for strands.
Flora & Curl Coconut Mint Curl Refresh Clay Wash is an extremely powerful clarifying clay mask. Once activated with water, it’s smooth texture easily coats strands. Leave it in for 10-15 minutes at let it soak up dirt, sweat, bacteria, product buildup and skin flakes.
Tip: it’s best to apply this clarifying mask on damp, already detangled hair.
3) Lessons from skincare: double-cleanse
Double-cleansing is a core step in skincare. Since moisture is a key element of caring for curls, some curlies might be put off by the idea of double cleansing. Similarly to how double cleansing is good for your skin, double cleansing is also good for hair care. As long as you are using natural, high-quality products, your hair won’t suffer from a double cleanse.
Flora & Curl Coconut Mint Scalp Refresh Shampoo was designed to refresh curls with a burst of essential oils. Its earthy scent is refreshing and its formula is gentle, making it perfect to use for a double-cleanse.
4) Condition carefully – but don’t make this common mistake!
Now your strands are squeaky clean and ready to conditioned. Be careful though – don’t place any conditioner near your roots. Focus the conditioner 5-10 cms down from the root. Conditioner does a great job at hydrating stands, but it’s not designed for our roots. Placing conditioner on your roots can create buildup and greasiness.
5) Scalp care during the week
Keeping certain products away from your scalp is essential. Conditioners, gels and styling creams should never go near your scalp. If placed on the scalp, these sorts of products can weigh down curls and cause excessive oiliness and buildup.
Keeping your scalp product-free can be tough, especially when your roots start to feel itchy and/or greasy. Thankfully, Flora & Curl has the product designed to solve this problem! Flora & Curl Coconut Mint Scalp Refresh Mist is a weightless liquid texture. This powerful blend of essential oils refreshes roots and relieves itchiness, dryness and flakiness. Thanks to it’s weightless formula, you can use it as often as you’d like without fears of buildup or greasiness.
6) Keeping buildup minimal
When styling your curls, a simple way to avoid buildup is by avoiding roots when styling. Whether it is conditioner or a styling cream, keep roots free from product as much as possible (unless the product was formulated to place on roots).
Bonus tip: struggling to get your roots to curl? Avoiding placing product there can help make sure your spirals are consistent from root to tip!
With love,
Sarah ♡♡♡
