Image: @jannelleoshaughnessy
For many curlies, itchy, flaky scalps are a predictable and unwelcome fall occurrence. Dandruff and dry scalp are fairly common, as is irritation caused by product build-up. If the flakes are accompanied by other issues such as redness, inflammation, or hair loss, please consult a Dermatologist or Trichologist. To get rid of fall flakes and restore your scalp to its formerly healthy state, follow these tips.
Clarify
Before you reach for any moisturizing butters or oils, clarify your hair with a gentle treatment such as DevaCurl Buildup Buster Micellar Water Cleansing Serum which has micellar water that attaches to dirt and impurities in the hair and scalp and removes them without causing additional dryness. Use the pads of your fingers to massage your scalp, and then rinse the product thoroughly. Clarifying your scalp will remove product buildup, dead skin cells, and excess sebum which can all contribute to scalp irritation.
Massage your scalp with carrot seed oil
Carrot seed oil is an old school favorite and with good reason. It is a natural remedy for a dry scalp and will help to keep flakes at bay. It has vitamins A, E, and beta-carotene which promote scalp health. Its biggest benefit is that it encourages the scalp to produce sebum which then moisturizes.
Keep your styling products off your scalp
One of the challenges of fall is needing to use more products to provide hold when the humidity is low, or when there is variability in the weather patterns. Often, this means root to tip application, which, when combined with product build-up or a sensitivity to certain ingredients, can lead to flakes. For the fall, stick with the praying hands’ method, or scrunch in your leave-in and stylers. You will find that your hair has more volume with these methods, too.
Use a scalp brush
A scalp brush with massaging beads can help gently lift flakes and scales. Brushes like this one are designed for use on wet hair. Not only do they leave you with a cleaner scalp, but they also help to promote blood flow to the area which promotes hair growth and longer, healthier strands.
Get regular steaming treatments at a salon
Professional steaming treatments utilize a steamer that looks like a hood dryer. The steamer will help to open up the pores on the scalp to release impurities. The steaming session hydrates your scalp and hair. This is usually followed up with a cool shot which helps to seal the cuticles.
Don’t go to sleep with wet hair
Many curlies like to set their hair at night, particularly when the mornings are chilly (and leaving the house with wet hair or diffusing is not an option”>. Problems can arise, though because your pillowcase can stay damp allowing Malassezia, the yeast responsible for dandruff, to proliferate. If you want to set your hair at night, set dry hair with the aid of setting lotion or cream. Do this in the early evening so that your hair has a chance to dry before you head off to sleep.
What is your favorite way to banish fall flakes? Let us know in the comments. Click here for tips on removing scalp flakes.
