4 Healthy Scalp and Hair Tips I Learnt From a Trichologist
Alisha Bhojwani is a Sydney-based digital strategist and content specialist. When she's not reminding her friends to wear SPF, you can find her drenching her face in Vitamin C and consuming copious amounts of peanut butter. You can find her on Instagram here @alishabhojwani_.
You know that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when someone compliments your hair?
Imagine how you’d feel if a trichologist (a dermatologist for your scalp if you will) telling you that you had the healthiest scalp she’d seen.
Yeah, that really happened to me, and let me tell you I felt like a million bucks, and highly validated that all those years, time and dollars spent on haircare had served me well.
And if you recognise my name, then you know I’ve been on quite a hair journey, which left me bleach blonde, fiery red and with a whole lot of breakage to repair.
So, if there’s one thing, I know a thing or two about, it’s how to achieve the hair of your dreams and because I’m not about gatekeeping, I’m here tell you the 4 healthy hair tips I’ve been following to achieve the healthiest scalp a trained professional has seen.
1. Massage a Nourishing Hair Oil Into Your Scalp.
Ever wondered why oiling has risen to such popularity online?
Well, in Ayurvedic culture, they're like the superheroes of hair care and healthy hair.
Picture this: your scalp is this vital hub of energy (they call it marmasthana), and oils are the secret agents that swoop in to save the day.
A cheesy reference, I know, but ayuverdic oils, aren’t just like regular hair oils.
They’re infused with herbs like coconut, gooseberry, and blends of Brahmi and Bhringraj which is what makes it so potent.
These babies don't just sit on your scalp; they seep in deep, nourishing your roots, shaping the condition, growth and overall health of our hair.
When you massage these oils into your scalp (which btw, feels like actually bliss) you're not just doing a little TLC you’re also stimulating blood flow to your hair follicles.
That means more nutrients getting to your roots, happier follicles, and healthier hair growth.
Now hair massage has a certain science to it, and according to Ayurvedic traditions there's 2 key points to help hair growth, scalp health and stabilise our mood and energy levels.
Starting with:
- Adhipati Marma: To find this point place 8 fingers above the eyebrows and that’s your Adhipati marma, approximately at the centre of the skull. It’s the meeting point of all nerves. I like to warm up my K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil (half a pipette is enough) and gentle massage the pressure point in circular motions for 5 minutes.
- Simantaka Marma: Next, I place 12 fingers above the eyebrows, towards the back of the skull and continue massaging this point for 5 minutes to minimise hair loss. Make sure you’re spreading the oil on your fingertips and massage gently towards your temples.
Watch my mini video demo below:
Once I’m done, I plait my hair or tie it up in a loose ponytail (you want to avoid tight styles) and leave it for 30 minutes to an hour to allow it to do its magic.
If you find your hair is on the finer side and can’t handle oils, AVEDA Botanical Repair Strengthening Overnight Serum 100ml or Davines NATURALTECH Energising Superactive Serum for Thinning Hair are lighter alternatives.
Don’t forget to use a detoxifying shampoo when washing your hair to get rid of the oils and trust me sis, once you start treating your hair and scalp with this Ayurvedic TLC, you'll be shocked at the results.
2. Avoid Heavy Fragrances in Shampoos and Conditioners.
As someone who convinced herself she had lice (I didn’t) when it was just a dry scalp, I’ve realised the importance of avoiding heavy fragrances in my shampoos and conditioners. My go to products is always Redken’s ABC range because of the reparative ingredients.
I’ve been using this for about a year, and according to the trichologist, the best way to get your hair to grow is by making sure your scalp oils are balanced.
Now, the Redken range not only strengthens the bonds but balances the pH levels of your scalp, whilst adding a heat protective layer to the hair follicles so that if you’re a heat style girlie, like me, your hair can still thrive after curling it.
3. Always Emulsify Your Shampoo and Double Cleanse Your Hair!
There’s a reason why TikTok’s shampoo emulsifying trick went viral recently (and even though it’s nothing new), we often forget that our skin extends to our scalp, and like our face we need to double cleanse, efficiently.
Which means, not just dumping the product into your hands and rubbing ensures every part of is clean. And if that feels like too much work, just remember, you wouldn’t just use one makeup wipe to take off a full face of makeup.
The same principle applies here – lather, rinse and repeat.
4. Make Sure You’re Not Deficient!
When was the last time you got a blood test? Chances are, you’re probably deficient in Vitamin D, C or Zinc – especially if you work in an office.
Which might not seem like a big thing but, surprise, surprise, they’re all essential for a healthy hair and scalp.
Plus, did I mention, its anti-inflammatory properties soothe the scalp and alleviate dandruff?
So, if you’re consistently hair oiling, using the right shampoo and still find your hair limp or lifeless, adding a supplement into your routine is one of the best ways to support your mood, energy levels and help you unlock your healthiest hair yet.
You can read more of Alisha's beauty advice and recommendations below:
