Raise your hand if you’ve ever sniffed your scalp after 3 days without washing! 🙋♀️
(Spoiler: My hand's been up since like forever) 🙋♀️🤦♀️
Let's get real:
We weren't born knowing this stuff!
I used to think self care meant using whatever strawberry-scented drugstore shampoo my mom bought.
Then came The Awakening:
That moment when you realize smelling amazing isn’t about perfume,
but about the ACTUAL care!
So, buckle up because this is:
The Scalp Revolution You Didn't Know You Needed.
"Why does my head smell like old fries?"
Yeah I got ya answer:
Girl, your scalp's talking to you!
A healthy one should smell like… nothing… AT ALL.
If you’re getting whiffs of “Eau de Unwashed Hair,” then…
Here's why:
⚠️ Product build-up
That dry shampoo isn't innocent!)
⚠️ City pollution sticking to your strands
⚠️ Natural oils throwing a pool party
⚠️ Sweat from that Pilates class you almost skipped
So, let’s dive into some scalp care tips that really work wonders: 👇
Tip #1: Clarify Regularly
So, you know how your hair can get really weighed down and gross?
Like, if you’re loading up on styling products, dry shampoo, or maybe not washing as often as you should?
And don’t even get me started on all the sweat, product buildup, dirt, and pollution that gets stuck in there.
Especially if you're living in a big city!
But here's the thing: there's such an easy fix for this.
All you really need is a good clarifying shampoo to get rid of all that gunk.
I’m absolutely obsessed with the BIOLAGE Scalp Sync Clarifying Shampoo, because it’s the only thing that makes my scalp feel truly squeaky clean, like there’s nothing left on it.
Seriously, it's my holy grail for getting my scalp super fresh and clean.
And hey, if you're more into natural stuff, I've got a little secret for you:
Just mix some apple cider vinegar with water and use it as a rinse.
Trust me, it works just as well as the fancy stuff!
Tip #2: Detox Every Two Weeks
Let me tell you about this game-changing hair care tip.
You’ve gotta try using an anti-pollution detox mask every two weeks!
And here's the real tea:
Using a scalp massager while you’re at it will take your hair game to the next level!
I love LOVE this detox mask from Bounce Curl!
This brand is amazing because they only use all-natural ingredients.
Which I'm totally obsessed with!
It’s packed with apple cider vinegar and other natural ingredients to draw out impurities and keep your scalp healthy.
Trust me, your hair will seriously thank you!
Tip #3: Combat Winter Flakes
You know how everyone's hair is totally different, right?
We all produce different amounts of oil, so figuring out your perfect wash routine is super personal.
Take me, for example,
My hair’s on the dry side, so I usually go about 4 days between washes, washing just before it starts getting oily.
But oh my god, winter is a whole other story! ❄️
I don’t know if you deal with this too, but my scalp gets so incredibly dry that whenever I scratch my head. 🌨️
It's like I'm creating a mini snowstorm across the continent!
That's exatly why I've started using an anti-dandruff serum before my wash days during winter.
I'm obsessed with this SheaMoisture one!
Not only does it smell absolutely amazing, but it’s packed with really good ingredients that 👏 actually 👏 work 👏.
It's perfect for hydrating and soothing without harsh chemicals.
So if you live in a colder climate, and notice that your scalp gets dry and itchy in winter like me, give this anti-dandruff serum a shot.
Like, seriously, your scalp (and sweaters!) will thank you when spring comes around! 🌸
Tip #4: Brush & Boost
Girl, hear me out.
You gotta get that blood flowing in your scalp!
First things first,
Grab yourself a bamboo brush (WAY better than plastic – worth every penny, I swear!).
The gentle bristles feel amazing and really get circulation going – which is EVERYTHING for healthy hair.
Then on wash days,
I double down on using a scalp massager.
These two together? Total hair care heaven!
But wait, there's more!
Your scalp needs some moisture love too!
Here’s the move:
First
💆♀️ Massage nourishing scalp oil into your scalp – like, really work it in with your fingertips.
Then
🪮 Use your bamboo brush to gently brush it through your scalp. This helps spread the oil around evenly.
This little ritual doesn’t just lock in moisture – it secretly boosts hair growth too.
It's giving 2-in-1 and I'm here for it! 😉
Oh, and here's a super important tip I learned the hard way:
Make sure you're using the right kind of oil!
✔️ If the bottle says “scalp oil,” that’s literally just for your scalp.
✔️ Want to actually treat your hair? Grab a proper hair oil instead.
Sounds extra, but they work totally different!
My holy grails
For scalp
- 💆🏻♀️ Highly recommend LEBANTA Raw Batana Oil.
- 💆🏻♀️ It’s all-natural and fixed my thinning hair in like two weeks.
- 💆🏻♀️ Just use a tiny drop each time!
For hair
- 👩🏻 I’m obsessed with the ORIBE Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil.
- 👩🏻 It makes my hair stupid soft, and my split ends look way better.
- 👩🏻 Doesn’t weigh my hair down, and the smell? Chef’s kiss. 🤌
- 👩🏻 A bottle lasts me 4 months ’cause you need, like, a pea-sized amount.
Tip #5: Clean your tools
Don't forget to clean your hairbrushes!
Dirty brushes hold old product and dust, and you definitely don’t wanna let all that gunk build up and accidentally slap it right back into your fresh-washed hair.
Gross, right? 🦠
Tip #6: Okay, this is the part you’ve actually been waiting for:
It’s perfume time! ✨🌸
Well, I’m kinda a perfume connoisseur as some may say. 😌
If you’re still spaying regular perfume in your hair and wondering why it’s so dry?
Girl, I’ve got your answer.
There are alcohol-free perfumes made specifically for hair that won’t dry out your hair.
My absolute faves?
Gisou and Sol de Janeiro '68! 🥰
The Gisou smells like a tiny bee’s entire journey 🐝 – picture her collecting nectar from peonies, then buzzing home to make the sweetest honey. 🍯
Specifically the oil ones.
✔️ They just last so much longer on your skin,
✔️ And smell so much stronger than regular perfumes!
The Sol de Janeiro (specifically the ’68) is like I’m frolicking through a vanilla garden in Brazil… with a caipirinha in hand, obviously. 🍹
**FYI—** Don’t judge me, but...
I’m over here sniffing these perfume bottles like a maniac, while describing this whole perfume section. 😆
Oh, and my new obsession?
SO. GOOD.
It’s like if your Nona (you know, that chic Italian grandma) had a garden bursting with grapefruits and roses. 🌹
But—key detail—the Nona OWNS the garden.
She’s in
The Self Care Talk We Need to Have 💔→💖
A personal story of mine:
There was a 6-month period where showers felt like climbing Everest.
Depression doesn't care about scented oils or perfect routines.
If that's you right now:
1️⃣ Please breathe
2️⃣ Start small (baby wipes count!)
3️⃣ Progress > perfection!
What helped me:
"One Thing" Rule
- ✅ Just wash face? Success!
- ✅ Just brush hair? Winning!
Dry Shampoo Hack
- ✅ Baby powder + cocoa powder = instant refresh
Self-Compassion
- ✅ Bad hygiene ≠ bad person
Just remember:
Self care isn’t about:
Other people's opinions
Instagram aesthetics
Following "rules"
It’s about:
What makes YOU feel human
Celebrating tiny victories
Radical self-kindness
Self care isn't a punishment - it's a love letter to yourself!
I’d Love to Hear from You!
What's ONE self care win you're proud of this week?
(Flossing counts! Dry shampoo counts! Existing counts!)
Share your wins in the comments 👇 and follow for more real-talk self care content.
After all, self care isn't about Instagram-worthy routines.
It’s about showing up for yourself – whether that means a 12-step hair ritual or just rinsing your face today.
You're doing better than you think. 💕
If you find this post helpful,
Let’s save it in case you forget any of these life-changing tips, and share it with someone struggling with self care.
Sharing is caring - and we all need reminding sometimes!
Remember:
You’re worth the effort, even on days when it feels hard.
