Care For Your Scalp With A ‘Haircial’ At Home

By Samantha H.

Also known as a facial for your hair, this treatment balances self-care with a healthy cleanse. Read on to discover how…  

Our complexions get a lot of love. From multiple-step beauty routines to face masks and daily moisturizers the skin on our face (and bodies) often get special treatment over our scalps. In fact, the skin on our head also requires a little extra attention, especially as the pores at our roots can get clogged, leading to dandruff, irritation and other haircare issues. Designed to cleanse and deliver a little extra nourishment to your strands, our step-by-step ‘haircial’ will leave you with healthy, balanced hair from root-to-tip.

First, Massage Your Roots 

A scalp massage is often one of the highlights of going to the hairdressers. Stimulating the roots not only increases serotonin for an immediate mood boost, it also helps to loosen any debris or dead skin cells on the surface of the scalp, cleaning your pores.   

1. *  Start by sectioning your hair just above the ear to give you easier access to the often-neglected lower section of your scalp.
2. *  Massage your roots in small circular motions with the pads of your fingers, applying a gentle pressure and working downwards through the hair.
3. *  Repeat this technique all over the head and then flip all your hair forward. Run your fingers along the base of your hairline using a tapping motion, moving back and forth along your neck.
4. *  Next, flip your hair backwards and repeat this same technique along the top of your forehead and hairline. The tapping sensation awakens the scalp and relieves tension.  
5. *  If massaging in the shower, first lather your hair with a cleansing shampoo such as the Avalon Organics Lemon Clarifying Shampoo. This will help the product saturate further into the hair strands for a deep, satisfying cleanse.

Next, Brush Through The Hair 

Our hair naturally sheds and depending on the health of your locks, this can be up to 100 strands per day. Brushing through the hair not only helps to alleviate pesky shedding and tame your tresses, it also evenly distributes natural oils in the hair for a healthy shine. 

1. *  Section your hair into two and starting at the crown, place the Myga Bamboo Hairbrushgently into the roots. Ensure the natural wooden pins are laying directly on the scalp for added root stimulation.
2. *  If your hair is prone to frizz or tangles, apply a few drops of a leave-in conditioner or oil to help soften it such as the Nutiva Organic Liquid Coconut Oil. 
3. *  Comb down the hair, unraveling any tangles as you go with your fingers. Taking care to never pull or snag the hair.
4. *  Repeat, brushing slowly from root to tip with your upper section of hair. If needed, hold your hair at the mid-lengths to add tension and then gently brush the ends to ensure a smooth, frizz-free finish. 

Then, Add A Quick Rinse

Stimulating the scalp increases blood flow and encourages oil production. To keep your tresses grease-free and healthy, a clarifying rinse will ensure they don’t end up looking limp.  

 Apple cider vinegar balances the hair’s natural pH level, making it shinier and more hydrated. Infused with this natural ingredient, the Avalon Organics Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo delivers natural botanicals to your tresses for a silky-smooth finish.

1. *  For an additional rinse before you shampoo and condition the hair, combine five parts water to one part vinegar and pour over wet hair, focusing on the scalp.
2. *  Leave for up to five minutes and then rinse thoroughly, finishing with the Avalon Organics Apple Cider Vinegar Conditioner to seal in the beautifying effects. 

Finally, Nourish With A Mask 

All hair types can use a little TLC – especially if you’re spending time outdoors or in the elements. Hard water, sun exposure and other environmental issues can weaken and dull our locks, clogging up the pores in our scalp which can lead to thinning or hair loss issues. 

1. *  To make a rich hair mask at home, blend a natural yoghurt with honey to create a nourishing base. Depending on your hair’s bespoke needs (i.e. hydrating, calming or refreshing) add a few drops of a corresponding essential oil such as the JASON 100% Organic Tea Tree Oil - perfect to soothe oily scalps.
2. *  Apply to hair that has been rinsed in warm water, (this opens the cuticle to help the mixture penetrate the hair), evenly coating each strand with your fingers.
3. *  Leave on for up to 20 minutes and the rinse thoroughly with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. The Avalon Organics Lavender Nourishing Conditioner can also be left on the hair for an additional 3 minutes as a post-mask mini treatment. Giving you locks that are extra smooth and shiny. 

Discover Our Top Hair Care Tips: 

1. *  Wash your hair every other day at the most to avoid over-drying your scalp and strands.
2. *  If you have frizzy or naturally curly hair, don’t use shampoo more than once a week and ‘co-wash’ – just using water and conditioner.
3. *  Sleep in a silk scarf or loose braid and avoid tying up your hair at night as this puts extra strain on your scalp.
4. *  Where possible, avoid heat styling and use Velcro rollers or a braid to create waves and volume.
5. *  Your hair needs oil to feel nourished and healthy. Use natural coconut, vitamin E or essential oils at least once a week for a rich dose of moisture.