You may be wondering how to clean that scalp slate, especially after years of treatments, relaxers, or chemicals. Don’t fret about the restart: When it comes to going natural, we’re here to help you embark on a hair journey that both scalp and curls will thank you for! The best way is to start with a hair detox.
Many people detox their hair because they’ve been using conventional hair care products made with chemical toxins or low-quality ingredients.
When it comes to ditching your harsh chemicals, which is especially common in black hair care, a detox can help rebalance your scalp. It rids your hair of suffocating buildup while nourishing the scalp.
It helps stimulate hair follicles, allowing for hair growth, and clears the scalp of dandruff, acne, and scabbing. When your hair follicles begin to flourish at their ultimate potential, you should see the difference in your hair texture within a week.
So, when is it time to detox my hair?
It’s quite simple. If you have an itchy, oily, or inflamed scalp, dry follicles, hair loss, or any scalp pain, it’s time to detox. Read on for the how, where, and aftercare tips.
How to detox your hair
1. Hair detox mask
As complex as it may seem, most hair detoxing instructions are cost-effective and use three simple ingredients that can be applied in five easy steps. As with all at-home methods, patch test before use, and immediately wash off if your skin feels uncomfortable.
Ingredients
Bentonite clay powder. This powder has a high concentration of minerals, including silica, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, and potassium. It also absorbs and purges clogged pores, including heavy metals, impurities, and chemicals.
Apple cider vinegar. It’s rich in vitamins B and C and minerals for the hair. It’s also an anti-inflammatory, which can help with dandruff.
Aloe vera gel. The proteolytic enzymes in this gel may help repair dead skin cells on the scalp. It’s also a great conditioner and prevents itching.
Directions
Combine 1/2 cup each of bentonite clay powder, apple cider vinegar, and aloe vera gel.
Spread generously throughout hair, applying on the scalp as well.
Place a shower cap on and sit for 20 to 30 minutes. Don’t let the mixture dry out.
Rinse your hair with 1 cup of white vinegar and allow it to sit for at least 1 to 3 minutes, then use a clarifying shampoo.
Follow with shine boost rinse or detox hair soak immediately after.
2. Try an oil-based scalp massage
For more sensitive scalps, especially people who have had their hair relaxed or treated, an oil-based scalp massage may help.
Choose the oils based on your hair needs, dilute as necessary, and then massage it deeply onto your scalp for 15 minutes. You can also wrap your hair in a shower cap to let it soak. Sit in the sun to let heat open up your hair’s pores.
Oil benefits:
mineral: shine and friction
sunflower: shine and friction
coconut: moisturizes damaged hair
olive: moisturizes thick, processed, damaged hair
jojoba: moisturizes damaged hair, itchy scalps
argan: improves scalp health and protects against hair damage and loss
essential oils: boosters for targeting growth, acne, itching, and more
3. Create your own detox recipe
If you’re wary about using clay or oils in your hair, there’s plenty of other natural ingredients you can use to help remove buildup. Whether it’s using a DIY mask or a massage, here are some ingredients to consider:
Micellar water. This cleanser draws out impurities without drying out the skin.
Baking soda. It may remove oil and buildup, but it’s not good for dry, processed, or heat damaged hair.
Egg whites. Some claim that mixing egg whites with coconut oil works to strengthen hair, though it may not remove oils.
Garlic. As a mask, garlic may help with hair growth, but you may want to dilute it with a carrier oil to avoid chemical burns
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