I’ve never been too fond of hair washes. In fact my neighbours used to quip that they could tell when it was hair wash time in my house cause I’d bellow out such torturous screams. It’s fair to say I was the loud one out of my sister and I. Diva child? Me? Never. I addressed my current lock line-up earlier this week which included all the usual suspects but for this weekend’s post I thought I’d take a different stance on hair washes: scalp care. Another topic that makes me rage and scratch at my roots in a flea-like fashion simultaneously.
Now it’s not the sexiest of topics out there so let’s cut to the chase. A healthy scalp equals fuller follicles, soothed roots and no nit mannerisms. Happy Anna. Angry Anna comes out when those results are reversed and my sad scalp emerges from time to time; probably due to a mixture of product build-up and my psoriasis rearing its ugly head (though Nizoral works a treat on that). At the moment things are looking a little like a ‘Before’ picture from a Head & Shoulders advert up there so I thought I’d share what products I’m deploying to turn flakey to fab.
Pre-wash. This is the fun bit. Starting your haircare regime before you jump in the shower may seem a little bizarre but it’s all about the pre-shampoo when it comes to sad scalps. Two more oil based options I plump for when things are getting a little dry; Tay’s All Purpose Shea Butter* and Shu Uemura’s Essential Drops Purifying Blend (which may not have the most straight-up ingredients list, but I’m a sucker for a bi-phase liquid). I massage both into my roots, leave on for 30 minutes or so then rinse and get on with my usual wash. But my favourite is Philip Kingsley Exfoliating Scalp Mask. It may be a bit of a faff to apply – getting product directly onto your scalp with all that hair in the way takes a lot of sectioning – but the results are worth it. Hair just feels fresher and less clogged up (is that possible?) after a treatment.
In-wash. I’m pretty loyal to my Bumble and Bumble Surf Duo, but in times of scalp need I like to bring in the trichologist himself again, Philip Kingsley. It’s a brand that doesn’t seem to disappoint whatever I try and this combo feel so darn soothing I sometimes mumble a little ‘ahhh’ to myself when I’m lathering up. It’s their Flaky/Itchy Scalps Shampoo and No Scent No Colour Conditioner – both do exactly what they say on the tin and clean my mop without a scratch of aggravation. Next on my list of things to try – the Flaky/Itchy Scalps Conditioner, cause it would be nice to have the pair.
Post-wash. While things are still damp I’ve been massaging in a few drops of John Masters Organics Deep Scalp Follicle Treatment; it’s the perfect two-in-one for injecting a good ol’ dose of life into root health while giving them a lift too. The potent blend of 19 essential oils and herbs finishes things off nicely, with an ingredients list that ticks all the right boxes and rounding it off with a swooshy veil of shine too. And don’t worry, all those oils don’t leave even a trace of grease behind. Even when my scalp sees better days this coming with me.
My personal favourite combination that I’ve found to be most effective? Philip Kingsley Exfoliating Scalp Mask, then Flaky/Itchy Scalps Shampoo followed by their No Scent No Colour Conditioner. Philip Kingsley – you angry scalp saviour.
*PR Sample
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