I have been on a hair care journey for a couple of years now. And if there’s one thing that I have learned, then it’s the fact that scalp care is one of the most important aspects of hair care. A lot of us have scalp issues that we aren’t even aware of. For example, I struggle with YEARS of hair loss. It wasn’t anything too dramatic, thankfully I never went bald, but I would always notice how my hair shedding was bigger than it used to be. Of course, I thought it was just stress. But the truth is — I just took horrible care of my scalp. If you’re dealing with a similar situation, here are some holistic scalp treatments that have helped me.
Understanding the Scalp Ecosystem
You should think of your scalp as the soil in which your hair follicles grow. Because honestly, that’s exactly what it is. And just as healthy soil provides essential nutrients for plants to thrive, a balanced scalp environment is also essential for promoting strong and healthy hair. Factors such as oil production, pH balance, and circulation all play a role in the health of your scalp and hair. If the soil out which your hair grows unhealthy, poor in nutrients, and clogged with all kinds of toxins, how could you ever expect your hair to grow out long, shiny, and voluminous?
Holistic Scalp Treatments
So, now that you understand why a healthy scalp is so important, it’s finally time to share my favorite holistic scalp treatments. Most of these are very budget-friendly, and some of them are even completely free. But I have to warn you — you’ll only see results if you stick to them for at least a couple of months.
Scalp Massage
There’s nothing I love more than a good scalp massage. They can improve circulation, stimulate hair follicles, and even promote relaxation. Honestly, I’ve seen a huge improvement with my migraines too since I started doing them regularly. You can either use your fingertips or a scalp massager. Personally, I prefer a massager, but that’s just because it makes things a bit easier. Make sure to only gentle massage your scalp, and focus on the areas of tension or discomfort. If you want, you could also incorporate nourishing oils such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, or argan oil.
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Apple cider vinegar is known for its ability to restore the pH balance of the scalp, making it an excellent natural remedy for dandruff and excess oiliness. That’s why an apple cider vinegar rinse is one of the best things that you can do for your scalp. Simply mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, and use it as a final rinse after shampooing. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Essential Oils
I won’t ever stop raving about the power of essential oils when it comes to scalp care. Of course, not any essential oil will do the trick. However, some of them have properties that can help address specific scalp issues. For example, tea tree oil is antibacterial and antifungal, making it effective for treating dandruff and scalp irritation. Peppermint oil has a cooling effect that can soothe itching and inflammation, while rosemary oil can stimulate hair growth and improve scalp health. However, essential oils are way too potent to be applied directly to the scalp. So make sure to dilute them with a carrier oil.