In the beauty world, there’s a great focus on hair care and what we can do to keep our locks looking healthy, but the scalp often gets skipped over altogether.
To shine the spotlight on the importance of a healthy scalp and how best to care for yours, Aveda is exploring their cruelty free 94% naturally derived* Invati hair care collections. With scalp products for men and women, Invati helps cleanse, renew and invigorate the scalp to create the optimal foundation for thicker, fuller hair.
For this article, Aveda went to one of their subject matter experts, Aveda Senior Research Scientist Alison Pawlus, to get down to basics and explore why healthy-looking hair starts with a healthy scalp. Thanks to Alison’s extensive knowledge, AVEDA’s sharing a primer on scalp education, plus her recommended Invati products and routines for maintaining scalp health.
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Scalp 101
Why does a healthy scalp matter? It’s essential for healthy-looking hair. Alison tells us every single hair on your body (approximately 100,000 on the scalp alone!) is produced by its own mini-organ, called the hair follicle. Hair follicles are embedded into our scalp and are highly dependent upon and influenced by their surrounding environment, the skin.
Just as a plant needs healthy, well-balanced soil for optimal health, your hair also needs a nourishing environment. The changes that you see in your hair with age such as thinning, greying, and changes in luster, are all due to biological changes that take place in the scalp and hair follicle. This is why hair health really begins at the scalp.
And since your scalp is skin, you should treat it no differently than the skin on your face or body. In fact, Alison tells Aveda that since your scalp is often uncovered and exposed to the sun’s UV rays and other environmental aggressors, it’s vital to clean and protect it for overall health and hygiene.
The ancient practice of scalp care
Both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurvedic medicine in India have utilized medicinal plants on the scalp to promote healthy hair for centuries, Alison explains. So, there is a strong historical context that reinforces the importance of overall health, including the scalp, with healthy hair.
At Aveda, hair and scalp health is an important part of overall self-care, and Aveda’s Invati systems make this an easy part of your routine.
How to care for your scalp and which products to use.
Alison shares that routine cleansing keeps potentially harmful compounds from accumulating on the scalp. The effects of these molecules can lead to low levels of inflammation, ultimately creating an unhealthy environment for hair growth. Over many years, the accumulation of damage from these molecules can promote hair thinning.
To address the issue of hair loss, Aveda created two systems—Invati advanced for women, and Invati men. Both systems work to exfoliate, reduce hair loss** and create stronger, thicker hair.
How to use the Invati systems
Alison explains that Invati Advanced Exfoliating Shampoo Rich, P2,000, and Invati Advanced Thickening Conditioner, P2,200, can simply be used in place of your normal shampoo and conditioner. Since they’re packed with beneficial plant derived extracts, Alison advises to take your time and gently massage into the scalp to enjoy their full potential.
She recommends using the Invati system to optimize the benefit of each product. And since we care about helping everyone beat hair loss*** Aveda thoughtfully crafted collections for both men and women. See below for how to use Invati as your daily hair care routine.
FOR WOMEN
Step 1. Exfoliate: Use Invati Advanced Exfoliating Shampoo, P2,000.
Massage shampoo on wet hair and scalp and rinse.
For women, the 94% naturally derived* Invati Advanced Exfoliating Shampoo Light, P2,000, or rich, P2,000, gently exfoliates, cleanses and renews the scalp. Wintergreen-derived salicylic acid helps remove build-up and dead skin cells that can clog pores. This nourishing, color-safe formula cleanses the hair and detangles to help protect from breakage during shampooing. A 2019 Harper’s Bazaar Hair Awards winner,** it creates the optimal foundation for thicker, fuller hair.
Massage onto wet hair and scalp. Rinse and then towel dry. Certified organic amla instantly thickens the hair while naturally derived amino acids mimic hair’s building blocks, to help strengthen hair from roots to ends.
Step 3. Activate****: Use Invati Advanced Scalp Revitalizer, P3,900.
Apply once daily to damp or dry hair. Lift hair in sections to spray directly onto the scalp. Spray 16 times, evenly covering your head. Then gently massage in to invigorate the scalp. Do not rinse.
This innovative serum contains a potent blend of naturally derived antioxidants, licorice root, tangerine peel, japanese knotweed, and green tea, which provide an important layer of protection, according to Alison. This blend penetrates to help support hair’s natural keratin. For daily scalp treatments, Alison recommends applying this every day, whether you wash or not, to instantly thicken strands and support your hair’s health.
FOR MEN
Step 1. Exfoliate: Use Invati Men Nourishing Exfoliating Shampoo, P2,200.
Massage into wet hair and scalp, then rinse.
Formulated for men, the 94% naturally derived* Invati Men Nourishing Exfoliating Shampoo, P2,200, also removes excess oil and build-up with wintergreen-derived salicylic acid. Plus, it conditions to help strengthen thinning hair.
Apply in a straight line from front to back of head on center, left and right sides of the scalp. Use this product once daily. Massage into the scalp. Do not rinse. You may feel a warm tingling, but don’t worry—this means it’s working right at the roots of your hair.
Read the full article here. If you have questions, feel free to message us.
* From plants, non-petroleum minerals or water.
*** Reduces hair loss due to breakage from brushing, after using the invati advancedTM system for 12 weeks.
****When massaged in.
