Curly Gray Hair Care Series: Detoxification of Scalp & Hair

I started to stop covering my gray hair back in January 2020. Since then, I have had some bi-yearly highlights on my graying hair to merge the graying roots with the rest of the hair. As my grays are growing out, I have noticed some changes in texture and hair-scalp health. Going gray with my curly hair has been a journey, and if you are looking for resources to go gray, this new series will help you out.

To start this Curly Gray Hair Care series, I will be talking about scalp and hair detoxification.

Imagine you are going to redecorate and revamp your kitchen. What would you do first? First, of course, take out all the stuffs piling there and give a thorough cleanse, am I right?

Just like this, when you start a proper curly gray hair care routine, start by cleansing the scalp and hair and detoxing it from the dead skin cells, product buildup, environmental chemical buildup, sweat, and grime. I am going to divide the whole process into easy-to-follow steps and some basics about detoxification. Let’s get started.

Detoxification of Scalp & Hair

You must be wondering, What is Detoxification, and why is this important?
When we do not properly wash off the dead cells, products, and everyday sweat and grime from our hair, the hair follicles can become clogged, leading to an itchy, sensitive scalp, dandruff, loss of hair texture, frizziness, hair loss, thinning, and weak hair strands.

Thankfully if you are mindful about your hair care routine, you can efficiently stop this. You can either go for the DIY route or use store-bought products explicitly created for detoxification.

Why do you need Scalp & Hair Detoxification?

• When you wash your hair less than the required amount (for your hair type and lifestyle)
• If you use hard-to-remove hairstyle products pretty often. eg.: build-up after using products with polymers, silicones, waxes, and alcohols.
• Seasonal change, specially Winter or Summer
• Change in health or lifestyle
• Graying hair.

How do you know if you need Scalp & Hair Detoxification?

When you see excessive dryness, itching, dandruff, or general scalp discomfort OR, if you have curly hair, you will lose texture and you will notice more than usual frizzy curls, and lackluster.

Here is a visual example of WHEN you need a hair-scalp detox. Look how dry, frizzy and unhealthy my hair looks. In addition, my scalp feels tight, sensitive, and itchy. This is the prime example that my scalp and hair need detoxification.

How Often Should you Detoxify? You will need to do it once every 4 to 6 weeks.

Scalp detox benefits:

• Promotes healthy hair growth. (duh! It’s taking care of the roots and the scalp thus creating a healthy environment for optimal hair growth).
• Removes product buildup and gives a clean surface that can absorb deep conditioning treatments.
• Calms scalp sensitivity and decreases odor-causing bacteria.
• Antioxidants prevent oxidative stress and enhance scalp function

What would you need for Scalp and Hair detox?

You will need:

• hair brush or a wide tooh comb.
• a silicone-bristle scalp massage brush or
• scalp scrub or scalp/hair detox product

You start the process by detangling your hair. Then you massage your scalp with the scrub. I am currently using Zion Health deep cleansing Scalp and Hair scrub and their Apple Cider Vinegar Foaming Scalp Detox.

Zion Health Deep Cleansing Scalp & Hair Scrub Green Apple with Sea Salt:

This scrub feels like a deep conditioner/thick shampoo with mini scrub particles. I use this scrub only on my dry scalp by making small sections. I massage the product pretty well before moving to the next area. The refreshing smell of green apple takes away any funky smell from the scalp and leaves it smoother. When I use this scrub, I follow up with a mild shampoo and a conditioner.

The product is 100% Vegan, Sulfate-Free, Paraben-Free, and Gluten-Free and made with: Argan Oil, Sea Salt, Coconut oil, Biotin,  Vitamin E, Panthenol, Aloe, Sweet Almond Oil, Ionic Minerals from Calcium Montmorillonite Clay, Mangosteen Powder.

Features:

• It can gently exfoliate and heal, absorbing toxins and excess oils along the way.
• It removes dead skin cells, decreases dandruff, unclogs hair follicles, and increases circulation.
• It can soothe inflammation, itchiness, and rough patches.

This scrub retails for $18 and You can get it online here. Use my code: SIFA10 for 10% off any of their 3 different scents of scalp scrub and the foaming scalp detox.

Apple Cider Vinegar Foaming Scalp Detox:

This foamy soft product works pretty quickly, and I use it on damp hair while in the shower. I use it on my scalp and hair and follow up with a conditioner. The product lathers up pretty well, so you do not need shampoo to wash it off. So you can use this foamy wash if you are in a time crunch.

The product is made with: Glycerin, Apple Cider Vinegar, Apple Stem Cells, Saw Palmetto Oil, Witch Hazel, Salicylic Acid , Panthenol,  Cucumber Extract, Calendula Extract, Alpha Lipoic Acid, L-Carnitine, Ionic Clay Minerals.

Features:

• It has Apple Cider Vinger and Salicylic Acid that exfoliates the scalp.
• It remove impurities and product buildup.
• Apple cider vinegar and clay minerals enhance the scalp’s pH level, reducing vulnerability to dandruff, hair loss, and the penetration of toxins.

• Clarifying plant extracts and organic compounds deliver antioxidants to reduce inflammation and improve collagen function. 
• Fatty acids lock in moisture for added protection and relief.

This scalp detox foam retails for $18 and You can get the product online here. Use my code: SIFA10 for 10% off any of their 3 different scents of scalp scrub and the foaming scalp detox.

Don’t forget!

If you are interested in checking out Zion Health products, use my code: SIFA10 for 10% off any of their 3 different scents of scalp scrub and the foaming scalp detox.

DIY route for hair detoxification:

If you like to go for the DIY way, you can use a homemade mixture of apple cider vinegar and Bentonite Clay. However, I found this method quite messy and time-consuming because you will need to clean up your hair diligently and the shower or tub after using this.

Apple cider vinegar can remove scalp buildup and kill dandruff-causing bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In addition, its acidity will close hair cuticles and boost the shine. 

Mix the apple cider vinegar with Bentonite Clay and make a raw egg-like runny mixture. Make sections and add the mix with a hair coloring brush from root to tip. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes. Then rinse off with warm water and do your shampoo and conditioner as usual.

Here is the comparison between the DIY masks and the store-bought detox products:

DIY Mask	Store-Bought Products
Readily available	You need to buy it first
Messy to clean up	Not messy
Time-consuming	Quick to use

Some points to remember:

• Make sure hair is adequately detangled before you attempt a scalp detox. This will ensure your fingers and/or application tool will be able to get through.
• You can use the product either id dry or damp hair.
• Work in small sections, so you can avoid tangling your hair in the process. You should also have an easier time targeting your scalp this way.
• Leave it on for 2-5 minutes (detox products from store, or 25-30 minutes for DIY masks)

Suggested read: Derma E Scalp Relief Treatment & Hair Repair Oil Review on Highlighted Hair

In a nutshell:

Here’s how you can do your monthly scalp & hair detox in under an hour.

Here are some more scalp detox products you can check out:

Questions, comments? Do share your thoughts with us below!

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