Surely you know the importance of taking care of your skin and hair. But, as far as your scalp is concerned, do you usually pay attention to it?
The skin of the scalp greatly influences the look of your hair; therefore, keeping this skin healthy and clean is key to having beautiful hair.
Exfoliation is a way to keep our scalp in good condition. Today, we explain the essentials of this technique.
How to properly carry out the exfoliation process?
Scalp exfoliation is usually performed after shampooing, on wet hair. After combing your hair, apply the scrub with your fingertips and gently massage your scalp in circular motions. You can also use a specific brush or glove for this purpose. When finished, remove the exfoliating product with water.
What are the real benefits of exfoliating the scalp?
Reduces excessive oil production
Exfoliation can help reduce oil production in the scalp. It also helps remove dirt and oil build-up that is often responsible for making your hair look greasy. By removing these impurities, your scalp stays clean and your hair looks better and healthier.
Helps remove dead cells
Although our body naturally replace dead skin cells with new ones, you can give your skin a helping hand with exfoliation. This also applies to the scalp.
Even though hair is made of cells that are technically no longer living (that's why we don't feel any pain when we cut it), the scalp is part of the skin and is made up of living cells. For this reason, it needs maintenance just like the rest of our body's skin.
Scalp exfoliation helps remove dead cells, oiliness and even other impurities.
Improves the look of our hair
Mechanical exfoliation helps improve blood circulation in the scalp, keeping the hair follicles in good condition.
In addition, exfoliating the scalp can help improve the appearance of the hair, as when the scalp is clean and healthy, it is easier to comb and style.
4 Signs You Might Need to Start Exfoliating Your Scalp
We present you 4 signs which may indicate that you need to implement a hair exfoliation routine in your life.
Product accumulation
If you regularly use several products in your hair routine, it is likely that some residues will accumulate on the scalp. This can lead to your hair looking dull or greasy. Product build-up may cause some itching or irritation. Exfoliation will help remove any excess product and contribute to lighter, cleaner, and more beautiful hair.
Persistent dandruff
Dandruff is a common situation and is manifested by the appearance of white flakes on the scalp. Exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and help control it.
Quickly greasy hair
If your hair gets greasy quickly, even after washing, this could be a sign that your scalp needs a deeper cleaning. By removing excess impurities and oiliness, exfoliation will help keep your hair looking clean for longer.
Acne on the scalp
When the problem is oiliness and the accumulation of impurities on the skin, we often come across acne phenomena, in their various forms. When it comes to the scalp, it's no different: the presence of acne can be a sign that the scalp needs better cleaning, achieved through scalp exfoliation.
Include exfoliation in your hair routine, 1 to 2 times a week. Adding this step to your hair care can result in cleaner, more beautiful hair for a longer period of time.
The secret to a beautiful hair, from roots to ends, can start with caring for your scalp.
Although the body naturally replaces dead cells with new ones, sometimes help is needed. In the same way that it can be beneficial to occasionally exfoliate the skin on your face, your scalp may also need this care.
What are the benefits of scalp exfoliation?
If you are unsure whether or not to add this step to your hair care routine, here are some of the benefits of scalp exfoliation:
– Helps remove dead cells and deeply cleans the scalp;
– Improves protein and blood circulation in the hair follicles;
– Helps remove build-up caused by products and other residues;
– Can help with dry or oily hair, or with flaky scalp;
– Can reduce stress thanks to scalp massage;
– Helps maintain the hair growth environment in good condition;
– Helps control dandruff formation.
How often should I exfoliate my scalp?
Frequency depends on each person, but you can start by exfoliating your scalp once or twice a week.
Scalp exfoliation helps remove oil and dry dandruff; however, a more frequent exfoliation can irritate the scalp, which can lead to increased sebum production.
If your scalp is sensitive or irritable, reduce the number of times you exfoliate and, if necessary, seek help from a professional for further advice.
How to exfoliate your scalp in 3 steps?
Step 1:
After washing, with wet hair, comb and divide your hair into sections, so as to include the entire scalp surface.
Step 2:
Then apply the scrub evenly and as close to the scalp as possible. Gently massage in circular motions, with your fingertips or a silicone brush designed for this purpose.
Step 3:
Let it act for the time recommended on the packaging. Finally, rinse thoroughly with water.
Discover the exfoliating massage gel specially developed for the first care before hair hygiene: Advancis® Capilar Purify Exfoliating Gel.
Now that winter – a long, cold, and wet season – is at the door, you should take some precautions to best protect your hair. Low temperatures and cold wind make the follicles break more often, leaving the hair more prone to be brittle, dry and dull.
5 winter hair care tips
Adjust your hair care routine according to temperature changes. Follow these 5 tips to better face winter.
1. Go easy on the hair dryer
Letting your wet hair dry by itself during winter and colder weather is a scenario you will certainly want to avoid. However, if possible, set your hair dryer to a temperature and don't forget to use a heat protectant.
2. Wear a hat
You must protect your hair from cold air, snow, rain, and wind. Wear a hat, preferably a silk- or satin-lined one, to help prevent your hair from breaking. If you prefer, you can also cover your hair with a scarf.
3. Wash your hair less often
Washing your hair daily can lead to a loss of natural oils, much needed especially in winter, and which help keep your hair protected. A dry shampoo is a possible alternative that helps extend the time between washes.
4. Use an oil or serum
If your hair is very dry and damaged, you can choose to apply an oil-based product to restore the natural hydration of the hair fibres. Choose a light, leave-in formula with argan oil and apply it daily to the ends of your hair to protect it.
5. Apply a hydrating mask weekly
Applying a weekly hair mask can help restore dry and damaged hair fibres. Hair masks are more concentrated than conditioners, providing a more intensive care. They are made up of ingredients that help soften, hydrate and provide shine to the hair.
Because they’ve become common to us, some routines we have when taking care of our hair may be harming the hair fibre without us realizing it.
That's why we've rounded up some common hair care mistakes. Identify which ones you usually make at home and opt for alternative measures that promote healthier hair.
10 hair care mistakes
1. Using too much shampoo when washing – Excess shampoo can leave residue on the scalp. The proper amount of shampoo varies depending on the length, thickness and volume of the hair. However, generally, it should not exceed ¼ the size of your palm.
2. Applying serum or conditioner to the hair root – This is a common mistake that can contribute to increased oiliness. Apply these products from the mid-lengths to the ends of your hair.
3. Washing your hair with very hot water – It is worth remembering that too hot water damages the scalp and hair fibre. Always go for lukewarm water.
4. Rubbing wet hair with a towel – The rubbing motion on damp hair strands can cause hair damage. Gently dry your hair with a towel, without rubbing.
5. Tying up damp hair – Tying up your hair can promote faster hair loss. Go rather for loose hair, so as not to create pressure on the scalp.
6. Sleeping with your hair wet – The moisture of the hair together with the warmth of the pillow favours the proliferation of fungi, the appearance of dandruff and the weakening of the hair fibre. Always dry your hair before going to bed.
7. Drying your hair with a high temperature - We know that drying our hair can be a time-consuming task and that's why we tend to increase the temperature to reduce the time spent doing it. It turns out that high temperature damages the hair. Reduce the temperature or, if you're not in a hurry, just let it dry naturally.
8. Not using thermal protectors - It is known that heat is harmful to the hair fibre, causing damage to its structure. Therefore, apply products with thermal protection before using the hair dryer.
9. Combing or brushing your hair too hard - With the rush of everyday life, we tend to comb or brush our hair with too much energy. However, this could be breaking down your hair fibres and sensitizing your scalp. Gently comb/brush out the knots from the ends upwards.
10. Eating poorly - A nutritionally poor diet can contribute to weak or thinning hair. Go for a balanced diet, rich in fibre and protein.
Now that you know some of the most common mistakes we make with our hair, it's time to leave them behind!
Follow our tips for a visibly healthier, more beautiful hair.
About 90% of our hair is made of a protein: keratin. A structural component of hair, nails and even skin, keratin is composed of several amino acids, including cystine. It can be found in large quantities in the middle layer of the hair, the cortex. It is this protein that keeps our hair strong and flexible.
Widely used in hair cosmetic products, did you know that keratin can help your hair remain smooth, protected and more resistant to breaking?
Our hair undergoes daily aggressions, from pollution, chemicals, heat, colouring, sun and wind, among others; therefore, it is necessary above all to protect the hair shaft and keep the hair nourished and cared for.
The benefits of keratin:
To protect the hair, keratin closes the cuticle when applied over the hair shaft, thus preventing damage and helping to maintain a nourished and hydrated hair.
In addition, keratin can bring even more benefits by smoothing your hair, giving it a soft, fluid touch and an intensely luminous look.
If you want a beautiful, hydrated, nourished, less frizzy hair, with an enviable appearance, keratin or keratin hydrolysates can help protect it and prevent breakage, leaving your hair smooth and shiny for longer.
Care starts with what you eat:
However, don't forget also to drink a lot of water, follow a balanced diet (including proteins and amino acids) and a healthy lifestyle, since all these important factors – both for you and your hair – are essential in the production of natural keratin, so that you keep your hair healthy at all times.
Hair is an expression of personality, fashion, identity and emotional state, which is why its appearance and colour are also a symbol of your self-esteem.
As time goes by, it is normal for hair to change its natural colour. These changes are often associated with factors as simple as wind, humidity and sunlight, which can oxidize and change hair pigments. Notwithstanding these factors, the urge to change, to reinvent oneself, is so universal that it could almost be considered an instinct.
If you dye your hair, choose not only the colours and tones you want, but also the products best suited to you and your needs. However, a beautiful dyed hair is not just about colour, it is also about a set of care you must have to keep it healthy, shiny, smooth and with the right colour for longer.
Here are some tips that can help:
1) When choosing the desired colour, see how the colour of the product looks on various hair tones (also not forgetting if you are seeing the colour under white or yellow light, as this influences the result) and which sub-tones you would like to neutralize. This way you will have a closer idea of what your final result will be.
2) Do not wash your hair too often. 1-3 times a week with warm water is the ideal, even if your hair is oil-prone. The more frequently you wash your hair, the faster your colour will lose its intensity and shine. Alternatively, you can use a dry shampoo to keep your hair looking clean and beautiful without having to wash it.
3) Choose a softer shampoo, suitable not only for your type of hair and scalp, but also for coloured hair. Besides helping prevent your hair from losing its shine and moisture, this will also help it keep a vibrant colour. Always complement with a specific conditioner for coloured hair; this way you will also be able to prolong colour while keeping the hair shaft more hydrated and nourished.
4) Whenever using heat tools (such as a hairdryer or straighteners), use a thermal hair protector, as this will increase hair and pigment protection, keeping an intense colour for longer.
5) Regularly use oils or serums to hydrate and nourish the ends of the hair and close the cuticle, in order to protect the pigments. Likewise, whenever your hair is exposed to intense sun, be sure to use a sunscreen suitable for hair, to further protect its colour.
6) If you go to the pool or the beach, try to rinse your hair in cold water in one of those quick showers, before entering the water, to close the cuticle and further protect your hair colour, even when in contact with salt water or pool chlorinated water.
It is always annoying to see your hair colour lose its strength and intensity, but with the tips we gave you here, you already know how to protect your hair and keep it beautiful, shiny, soft and with an enviable colour 365 days a year!
Did you know that you can also nourish your hair through food?
YOUR HAIR IS A MIRROR
Just as your body can show signs of protein, vitamins and minerals deficiency, your hair can show that it lacks some nutrients.
The type of food, the way you eat and the foods that are usually part of your daily diet have a direct effect on the condition of your hair and are essential to ensure good hair health. It has been shown that a dietary deficit or having inadequate levels of hair-essential vitamins translates into weak, frail, brittle hair that falls out easily, hence the nutritional factor being considered a major cause of hair loss.
GROWTH PHASES
An imbalanced diet influences hair growth, the structure of the strands and even their colour. On the other hand, the same imbalance is associated with the reduction of the anagen phase (active hair growth) and the progressive increase of the telogen one (hair loss).
IMPORTANCE OF VITAMINS
To promote hair shine and health, you should have a diet that includes:
- Foods rich in vitamin C – such as vegetables and citrus fruits;
- Foods rich in B-complex vitamins;
- Iron-rich foods;
- Zinc-rich foods – such as almonds and seeds;
- Foods rich in “good” fats – such as avocado;
- And increase your water intake.
Rejuvenate your hair from the inside out with our tips and set your own hair care routine. Find out that it is possible to have beautiful and healthy hair, even at home.
Lockdown, teleworking, stress and, nevertheless, a silky, beautiful and well-kept hair. Does this sound like an impossible mission?
When it comes to hair health, it is important to follow a solid strand care routine that helps prevent and repair certain damages, giving your hair a naturally healthier look in the long run.
1. WASH YOUR SCALP CAREFULLY
Lather the shampoo with a little water before massaging the hair and scalp in a circular motion. Make sure you don't scratch your scalp with your nails.
2. AVOID HOT WATER
High water temperature when washing the scalp removes the hair’s protective layer. Wash with warm water and finish with a jet of cold water for shine.
3. EXFOLIATE THE SCALP
Exfoliate your scalp at home to remove dead cells and promote hair renewal.
4. USE COTTON TOWELS
Always prefer natural fabric towels to synthetic ones when wrapping your hair after washing.
5. GO FOR NUTRITION
If you have split ends, hair that is dry and brittle, or exposed to thermal or colouring aggressions, strand nutrition is the kick-off for recovery, leaving your strands more silky, light and shiny. Go for high moisturizing ingredients, such as argan and marigold oil. Use a serum that cares for and protects your hair, ensuring a soft touch and a healthy shine – the ideal complement to your daily routine and other hair treatments.
6. USE PROPER BRUSHES AND COMBS
Use a comb that suits your hair type. Choose models with mixed bristles or natural bristles that do little damage to the strands.
7. MINIMIZE THE USE OF DRYERS AND STRAIGHTENERS
Apply a heat protector on your hair before use, and only use these heat accessories once a week.
8. FOLLOW A HEALTHY DIET
Eat eggs, meat and fish. They are sources of protein, which is important for your hair.
In short, even if you take great care to keep your hair healthy and hydrated, it can still look unkempt for weeks or months. In these cases, the ideal solution will be to perform a hair diagnosis with a professional, to assess your hair’s real needs.
Does water temperature interfere with your hair care?
Find out the ideal temperature to keep your hair healthy and shiny.
DAMAGING TEMPERATURE
If you usually wash your hair with very hot water, you should know that you may be damaging not only your hair strands but also your scalp.
Washing your hair with too hot water weakens your scalp and makes it more vulnerable to irritating agents, such as styling products, for example.
CORRECT CLEANING
Although very hot temperatures are not recommended for washing your hair, cold water may not be the best option. Colder temperature may not be the best way to clean the strands. Why?
Hot water helps break down the oils present in hair, which, however, solidify on cooler surfaces. Thus, washing your hair with colder water may not be enough to remove that oil with the shampoo, so the dirt remains on the scalp.
THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE
To wash your hair effectively but without damaging it, it is important to find a balance. The water should be at a temperature high enough to thoroughly clean and remove impurities, but not so high that causes irritation or damages the scalp.
So, our suggestion to keep a clean and healthy hair is to wash it at body temperature, that is, around 36 °C. The steam molecules released by the warm water penetrate the strand more easily, thus helping to hydrate the hair.
To keep your hair healthy, adjust not only the water temperature, but also the products you use: go for deeply nourishing ones that are suitable for your hair type.
