Seasonal Treatments for the Hair and Scalp.
As the cycles of the Seasons continue to move forward it brings change in the elements, colors, mood and basically the balance of all things. We feel the changes through our senses as well as our physical selves, everything from our levels of energy down to the smallest details. The texture and behavior of our skin and hair are also affected by the change in seasons.
The skin is our largest organ. A living, complex organ made of many layers of a wide variety of cells, cell receptors, nerve endings, capillary beds and so on. The hair follicles are also functional and like the skin, depend on nutrition and circulation to maintain a healthy homeostasis which subsequently produces lush and “healthy” hair. The hair, on the other hand, is not a living organism. The “health” or condition of the hair from an outward perspective is maintained or depends on the products you use and the processes you choose, such as chemical processes, heat styling, and over exposure to the elements such as sun, salt (sodium + chloride), wind, etc. This is why I love specific treatments for the different seasons.
As far as the hair is concerned, the heat/cold of Summer & Winter, can wreak havoc on the hair. Which depends on external factors to remain supple. This is why I love a good hair rebuilding or conditioning treatment at the end of Spring & Fall, going into the more aggressive seasons...I know this sounds a little counterproductive…and of course I also feel that a rebuilding treatment can, and should be done during Winter or Summer, but I also like the idea of prevention of going into a more aggressive season with the strength needed to withstand those elements and come out of the other end a little more fortified. Honestly, either strategy is fine.
As you have seen, scalp health is fundamental for maintaining healthy hair follicles and lush locks as well as the scalp itself. It’s necessary to exfoliate the scalp occasionally. Although all of our treatments can be done at any time of the year, I like these at the end of Summer, and the end of Winter. Both times when an abundance of products are used to maintain texture, which can cause buildup on the scalp. We are more likely to attend more functions and events during Summer or Winter Holidays which means more product to achieve that special look you may be going for. Even if you are a bare minimum type of person, Summer Sun, sand, sweat and Winter dryness can also cause buildup, dandruff and irritation. Therefore, a lovely treatment with some Herbal extracts, powders and gentle exfoliants to massage away stagnation and prepare a fresh scalp for the more gentle Seasons of Fall and Spring feels heavenly!
During the mid seasons some tips on taking care of your scalp and hair are using the correct cleanser (your stylist can help recommend it), a small scalp brush to stimulate circulation, a good leave-in conditioner, and sunscreen. You can even add a small amount of sunscreen to your leave-in conditioner. If you are going into a chlorinated pool or salt water swimming, you can soak your hair with fresh water prior to entering the pool/Ocean to minimize the uptake of chlorine or salt into your hair. Try to avoid heat styling when possible, perhaps braid it when damp for some curls instead of using a hot iron, and try to use barrettes, cute clips, pins (look for eco made where possible) and fabric accessories instead of elastics, as they tend to fray the cuticle latter of the hair leading to breakage, split ends, and frizz.
What are some of the Herbs used in these treatments and why? Here are a few:
Scalp treatments/exfoliation -
We blend a mix of plant based butters + waxes such as Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Mango Butter, Rice wax and more with a variety of Herbal powders that help stimulate circulation, remove buildup around the follicles and help to fortify the follicles and quell inflammation. Examples of the powders are Rosemary (anti oxidant, stimulates hair growth), Thyme (anti bacterial), Lavender (calming), Calendula (vulnerary, moistening) Chamomile (brightening, anti inflammatory). We may add Neem oil (anti fungal) if there is a lot of inflammation.
These ingredients are mixed into a paste and massaged gently onto the scalp and left to pose for about 15 minutes, then gently cleansed and rinsed with an Herbal infusion (strong tea) to help fortify the follicles and hair. Some of the herbs used for this part are Horsetail, which is high in Silica and Nettles which is high in Vitamins and Minerals, great to strengthen and tone the follicles. These treatments are customized according to the condition of the scalp and hair. Followed by a light conditioning treatment.
Rebuilding & Infrared -
These treatments are for the hair. One of our favorites is the Infrared Rebuilding treatment with the OWAY Infrared iron. It harnesses the restorative power of plant-based Phytokeratin, Hyalominerals and Ceramides paired with Ultrasonic Infrared Technology to deeply repair damaged hair.
While most hair repair products focus on replenishing the hair's moisture or protein levels, this Rebuilding Treatment regenerates ALL components of the hair with an extraordinary collection of plant keratin, oligoelements, minerals, water and lipid reserves.
The cold fusion Ultrasonic Infrared Remedy Iron works to infuse the hair with reparative products, while sealing cuticle scales and preventing further breakage.
Unlike a traditional conditioning treatment (which we also do), infrared technology fortifies from the inside out. You won’t feel softer, more supple hair immediately, but you will experience stronger hair which is much more resistant to breakage over time. Think of it as like going to the gym for your hair.
Deep Conditioning Masks -
These masks are made of super rich, dense and botanically nutritious ingredients to help restore moisture levels and porosity. They are applied to the hair and scalp with gentle massage, covered with a cap to retain moisture and placed under an infrared “halo” allowing the product deeper into the hair shaft. The hair is left soft and supple.
These treatments work best if they are done with some sort of consistency. You can choose the best one for you according to your needs. They are a wonderful treat, and feel special. We suggest one treatment per season, even bi-annual treatments are great!
Consult with your stylist to see which treatment is right for you. For information on all things Herbal, consult with Jo-Anna.
