What are some mistakes women make when caring for their scalp?
Poor shampoo habits, rough shampoo techniques, using the wrong products to cleanse, and wearing tight hair styles such as extensions, braids and ponytails that cause tension on the scalp, are common mistakes women make when caring for their scalp.
Poor Shampoo Habits
Poor shampoo habits is defined by how often you shampoo your hair and scalp. It is important to cleanse your hair and scalp on a regular basis. It is also important to reframe from waiting weeks or even months before you shampoo. The scalp needs to be cleansed on a regular basis because it is constantly shedding dead skin layers, and producing new layers of skin. Build up of dry scalp, product, dirt, and dust from the environment will rest on the scalp, and create a nest for bacteria. Scalp disorders such as dandruff will also occur.
Improper care of your scalp will make it impossible for your hair to grow healthy. Shampooing the hair should be done 1-3 times a week depending on your life style, the environment where you live, and if you suffer with scalp disorders such as Psoriasis, Dandruff or Seborrhea Dermatitis, or if your scalp is dry, itchy and flaky.
Rough Shampoo Techniques
When you shampoo your hair it is very important not to use your finger nails, or sharp tools like combs or brushes to scratch the scalp. Never use rigorous motions while shampooing your hair. Use the cushions of your fingernails to massage the scalp in a circular motion. If the technique you use is to rough while you are shampooing, you can cause abrasions on your scalp. Abrasions may cause the scalp to open, and can cause the scalp to become infected.
Incorrect Products Used to Cleanse Your Hair and Scalp
Using the wrong products to cleanse can cause problems with your hair, and scalp as well. When you purchase a bottle of shampoo always make sure the shampoo has a ph of 4.5 to 6.5. If the ph is stronger than 6.5, it will be too harsh, thus your hair, and scalp will become dry. A shampoo that is too harsh can rob your hair and scalp of the natural oils that work to provide nourishment and shine.
Use a gentle clarifying shampoo such as Paul Mitchell Shampoo 2, to remove build up, and dirt as your first shampoo. For the second shampoo, use Joico's Moisture Recovery Shampoo that will soften, and condition the hair while cleansing it at the same time.
Moisturizing the Scalp
When trying to moisturize your hair or scalp, use essential oils like vitamin e, sweet almond, or jojoba because they will not clog the pores. Essential oils are light and evaporate into the scalp, and will alleviate dryness. Remember, less is more. The scalp produces its own oil, and over using products to moisturize the scalp can clog pores and stunt hair growth.
Wearing Tight Hair Styles
If you wear tight hair styles such as braids, extensions or ponytails you may be or will soon suffer with a type of alopecia called traction alopecia.
Traction alopecia occurs when strands of the hair break because of friction or tension due to vigorous brushing, blow drying, and/or chemical over processing, or when hair strands are pulled or rubbed together to tight.
Bald spots usually occur along the hair line, or above the ears, and the hair line will recede. If not treated in time, permanent hair loss may occur.
Avoid tight styles that excessively pull the hair and scalp. If you feel any pain, sore scalp, or headaches while wearing braids, extensions, ponytails or rollers, your hair is definatly styled to tight.
