When it comes to Afro hair, we sometimes find that much of the focus looks at just maintaining the hair itself. But let’s not forget: scalp care is a key foundation when it comes to healthy hair. Think of your scalp as the soil in which your hair thrives—nurture it, and your strands will thank you.
Here’s your guide to mastering scalp care for Afro and curly hair, along with some tips and our favourite product recommendations to keep things easy.
But first, let’s set the scene in understanding... Your scalp is like a mini ecosystem. It produces sebum (your own personal leave-in) that keeps your hair moisturised, and it houses hair follicles responsible for growing your curls. When neglected, your scalp can become dry, itchy, or overly oily, which might lead to flaking, product buildup, or even slower hair growth.
To avoid neglect the first step is to Cleanse Regularly (But Gently)
Afro and curly hair types thrive with moisture, but that doesn’t mean skipping a proper cleanse. A clean scalp is so essential- let’s put aside that old wives tale that regular cleansing is bad for our hair. Your scalp should be , free from dirt, sweat, and product buildup. Opt for sulphate-free shampoos that cleanse without stripping your natural oils.
One of our favourite shampoos is The Steam Bar Scalp Shampoo -it strikes the perfect balance of delivering a really deep strip through clean without drying out the hair.
Tip: If you’re rocking protective styles, try a cleansing spray or diluted shampoo directly on your scalp to freshen up between washes.
Also, scalp is skin. So in the same way you would exfoliate skin you should be exfoliating your scalp as product residue and dead skin cells can clog your follicles, leading to itchiness and dull hair. A scalp scrub or exfoliating treatment every 2-4 weeks can work wonders and we’re pretty keen on the Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo.
Tip: Use your fingertips (not nails!) to massage the exfoliant in circular motions for the best results.
There can be two schools of thought when it comes to moisturising your scalp and we’re on team do it... but sparingly, none of this daily stuff. Instead do so f your scalp feels dry or tight, and go for lightweight, non-greasy scalp moisturiser , serum or oil that can soothe inflammation and moisturise.
Culturally we tend to use a lot of products on our hair for styling and care. But we need to be mindful of product build-up. Heavy oils, butters, and gels can sometimes accumulate on your scalp, especially if you’re a fan of layering products. A clarifying treatment every 4-6 weeks can help reset your scalp so do it.
Also, remember it’s not just about what we put on our scalp and hair but also how we’re fuelling our body as a whole. What you eat and how you manage stress also affect your scalp health. Stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins like Biotin and Omega-3s, and take time to relax.
Finally, if you have major scalp concerns don’t just rely on products, seek out expert advice from those that can really help look at the root cause such as a trichologist. The Black Skin Directory is a great source for finding trichologists near you.
Just remember, a healthy scalp is the foundation to maintaining our beautiful hair. By incorporating a mix of cleansing, moisturising, and nurturing practices, you can keep your scalp happy and your curls thriving. Start small—try one or two tips above—and find what works for your unique hair needs
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