Dear Audrey,
I have an oily scalp, but the ends of my hair seem dry. What can I do to balance it out?
I hear about this often! We can sometimes get in a vicious cycle of over-washing and compensating with conditioner and products that can make our hair feel dirty prematurely. Here are some suggestions to achieve the perfect cleansing routine.
Shampoo at the roots
Your scalp is where you accumulate oil, dirt, and dander. Apply shampoo with your fingertips to your entire scalp. Make sure you cleanse your hairline, behind your ears, and focus on the crown and nape of your neck. Work into a lather. Add a small amount of water if needed, and keep massaging to work up the suds, then rinse thoroughly. You do not need to apply shampoo through your ends. This will only dry out your hair and is not necessary. I recommend washing just a few times a week and using dry shampoo to keep your hair looking and smelling fresh in between washes. Low or no lather shampoos and cleansing conditioners are also great alternatives for dry hair or in between traditional cleansers.
Condition at the tips
Start your conditioner at the tips and work it up through the mid shaft. Try not to apply conditioner directly to the scalp (unless it is specially made to do so). Leave it in for the recommended time and rinse thoroughly. Don’t skip the conditioner! It is needed to close the cuticle and restore a natural ph. If it is making your hair feel heavy or flat, try a light spray leave in like Macadamia Professional’s Weightless Moisture Leave-In Conditioning Mist.
Here is a quick guide to some of our favorite products by hair type:
Chemically treated/Thick? Enjoy Luxury Shampoo and Conditioner
Chemically treated/Fine? Shuga Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Curly/ Thick? Macadamia Professional Ultra Rich Moisture Shampoo
Curly/Fine? DevaCurl Low Poo Delight
Natural/Thick? Crome Moisture Cleanz Shampoo
Natural/Fine Je Veux Moist Shampoo
Natural/All Types: Original Sprout Island Bliss Shampoo
Scalp issues? Malibu C Scalp Wellness Shampoo
Still not sure you’ve met your shampoo BFF? Stop by one of our locations and ask an associate to help you find yours today!
xo,
Have a beauty-related question? We'd love to hear it, and so would our readers. Email your questions to Westside Beauty Supply.
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