First of all, let me explain what the Korean hair routine is. Well, similar to the 10 step skin care routine, Koreans take hair routines very seriously. This is why there are tons of products—from hair serums to essences to even sheet masks—for your hair. This approach actually makes it perfect for curly hair because let’s face it, when it comes to curly hair, it takes a lot of work to go from frizzy to beautifully defined curls.
Also, let me show you the kind of curls I have:

And now, let me break down my steps:

No poo

I don’t shampoo my hair. I’ve been a part of the “no poo” club for years now and can testify that it’s changed my hair for good. Some of you out there may be a bit disgusted reading this, but let me clarify: I use a 1:2 ratio of apple cider vinegar and water to cleanse my scalp and it has become so much healthier because of it.

Once a week, I combine half a cup of raw apple cider vinegar with a cup of water and pour this mixture into a spray bottle. While it’s dry, I drench my hair in this concoction (really focusing on massaging it into the scalp) and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before jumping in the shower to rinse it out.

Apple cider vinegar contains alpha hydroxy acids which help to get rid of all the excess buildup (it’s also anti-fungal and anti-bacterial so it helps to treat dandruff!) which is important for curly hair as we tend to use a lot more products than the average person. Besides helping to cleanse, it works to restore your scalp’s pH level, making your hair smoother, shinier and easier to style.

Hydrating conditioner

I follow up with one of my favorites, the Skinfood Argan Oil Silk Plus Conditioner. Anytime I see see a product that has argan oil in it I run to try it (you’re going to begin to see a theme here!) since it’s amazing for curly hair. This Skinfood conditioner is great because it’s a reconstructive hair conditioner infused with silk extract and vitamin E-rich Moroccan argan oil, which work in tandem to lock in moisture, promote hair growth, and work to mend split ends.
I use quite a bit of conditioner (5-6 pumps at least) and rake it through my hair with my fingers—this helps to detangle the hair and evenly distribute the product. I tend to focus the conditioner on the ends of my hair because using too much on my scalp area can weigh it down. While I’m finishing up in the shower, I tie my hair up in a bun and let the product sit in my hair like a mini-treatment.

Volumizing essence

For those with a similar curl pattern to mine (I hover around a 3A/B—you can find out your type here), then you know your hair can easily get weighed down the longer it gets, so I always opt for a volumizing spray to add a good boost. The Skinfood Apple Mango Volume Essence Mist is great for this, because it’s actually a serum that nourishes limp hair. It has apple and mango extracts, as well as hydrolyzed keratin, which all work to improve volume and give hair beautiful shine. Ever since I started using it, I’ve noticed such a difference in the overall look of my hair, AKA so much volume (plus, it smells amazing!). I’ve gotten so many compliments about my hair since using this. 
The first thing I do post-shower is spritz this mist in my hair, focusing mainly on massaging it into the scalp area. 

Lightweight leave-in

The Skinfood Avocado Leave-In Fluid is a great leave-in conditioner for days when my hair doesn’t need much hydration. It’s formulated with avocado and macadamia oil to nourish and moisturize dry, damaged hair, and I like that it’s lightweight and doesn’t weigh my curls down. 

I rake 3-4 pumps through my hair like I do with most of my products, and make sure to evenly distribute it. This even distribution is important because any sections without product will tend to frizz and ruin the curl definition. Tip: Divide your hair into sections to apply products so you don’t risk the chance of missing a spot.

For those with denser curly hair patterns, I’d go for something much richer since this can even be too light for my hair on days where my curls are dying for some intense moisture. On those thirsty days, I tend to use the Skinfood argan oil conditioner as my leave-in since it helps to nourish and lock in moisture.

No-crunch styler

For years, I shied away from hair gels because I didn’t want to re-live my not-so fabulous crunchy hair gel days of middle school. But those crunchy days are gone with the Shea Moisture Mongongo & Hemp Seed Oils High Porosity Moisture-Seal Styling Gel with Baobab Protein & Apple Cider Vinegar and the Devacurl Ultra Defining Gel. (If you have any K-beauty hair gel recommendations, please let me know in the comments!) These work great at defining my curls and creating a barrier from frizz and humidity.

I use a decent amount (about the size of two quarters) and smooth the gel over my hair instead of raking it. Avoid raking at this stage because you’ll separate the chunky curls into single strands, which will can make the hair look stringy and not as defined. After smoothing the gel onto my curls, I scrunch my hair multiple times (this helps to define the curls). I also tend to use a microfiber towel and scrunch it some more with that to soak up any excess gel.

Smoothing serum

To protect the hair that I put so much work into creating, I use the Skinfood Argan Oil Silk Hair Essence, which is a hair serum full of concentrated ingredients that feed the hair with nutrients. This one is an oil-based essence that gently coats damaged, frizzy hair to add softness and shine. I take one to two pumps of this and smooth it only my dry hair, focusing on the ends to lock in moisture and add nice shine.

Deep treatment:

I like to intensely moisturize my hair at least once a week, and when I do, I reach for the Skinfood Argan Oil Repair Plus Treatment Mask. It’s an ultra rich reconstructive mask packed with ceramides, argan, camellia oil, and silk powder to treat dry, brittle hair and leave it soft and frizz-free. 

The instructions say to leave it in for 5-10 minutes, but I’d recommend at least 30 minutes to an hour for parched hair since you won’t be able to see much of a difference in that short timeframe.

Drying my curls:

A lot of curly girls blow dry their hair with a diffuser for maximum volume, but after all that work I’m way too lazy to spend upwards to an hour blow drying my hair (my hair takes forever to dry). I literally just go to sleep post-styling. My hair doesn’t get completely destroyed because I use a silk pillowcase which helps to avoid creating frizz and damaging the curls.

This whole routine (minus the treatment) is what I do each time I wash my hair. Despite how daunting it may sound, it really only takes 5 to 10 minutes, max. It’s totally worth it to put in the effort to have beautiful shiny and defined hair!

A post shared by Alexis Diaz (@ohheyalexis_) on Oct 17, 2015 at 2:01pm PDT

P.S.: Shout out to one of The Klog’s readers, Karla, who inspired this foray into a Korean hair care routine for curly hair!

+ Do you love the Korean hair routine? Let us know your favorite products in the comments!

The post The Korean Hair Routine for Curly Girls appeared first on The Klog.

Despite its sour taste, apple cider vinegar, aka ACV, has been a go-to staple ingredient in many folks’ kitchens for its multi-purpose benefits. From health to cleaning to skin care, ACV can pretty much do it all.

Recently, apple cider vinegar has seen a resurgence in popularity in the hair care world. Before you totally dismiss it, you should hear us out!  ACV has been praised as a favorite at-home solution that helps cleanse, strengthen, and nourish the hair while safely exfoliating and removing any build-up on the scalp. 

Ready to learn just why apple cider vinegar is about to be your new go-to when it comes to cleansing the hair and scalp? We’re shedding light on how much we love this powerhouse ingredient and just why we do, as well as letting you in on how we’re incorporating ACV-infused products into our regular hair-care routine. Let’s get into it!

Apple Cider Vinegar For Hair Care

There are many  good reasons as to why apple cider vinegar has become a formidable ingredient when it comes to health and wellness. 

ACV has a mildly low pH level of 3, making it a go-to ingredient to help detox and exfoliate the scalp without overly stripping it of essential and nourishing oils. The easily-accessible ingredient also contains essential nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin B, which help to stimulate and protect the scalp from environmental aggressors.  

Beyond it’s beneficial compounds and structure, the ingredient is extremely accessible, with bottles of it lining health, wellness, and food stores. This lack of barrier to entry means that many skin care DIY lovers have developed an array of uses for the ingredient- spanning from facial toners to scalp cleansers.

Hair care professionals and dermatologists have also developed a liking for apple cider vinegar! With hair care specialists recommending ACV to clients who suffer from an overly dry or overly oily scalp as an effective possible solution. This recommendation stems from the idea that apple cider vinegar contains antibacterial and antifungal properties, which work together to combat common scalp issues like dandruff and folliculitis. 

Apple Cider Vinegar Product Reccomendations:

Korean hair care brand La’Dor is committing to apple cider vinegar hair care in a big way. Their latest line is ACV inspired and  includes an ACV Vinegar Shampoo, ACV Vinegar Treatment, and an ACV Vinegar Hair Cap. 

If you’re looking for a shampoo that can give you a deep cleanse without overly stripping your scalp of its natural moisture, the line’s ACV Vinegar Shampoo will totally be your new favorite. This affordable lathers into a soft yet dense foam to remove any dead skin cells from the scalp, preventing buildup and dandruff. The shampoo is also formulated with a blend of 16 different kinds of plant extracts that helps to retain moisture on the scalp.

With color-treated, dry, or dehydrated hair, adding the ACV Vinegar Treatment to your regular hair care regimen will help repair any damage while strengthening your strands.The ACV Vinegar Treatment has a blend of six different kinds of plant extract that is highly concentrated in essential vitamins and four types of vegetable oils to replenish moisture and leave locs glossy.

Final Thoughts: 

Although DIY at-home apple cider vinegar rinses for the hair and scalp are quite popular, you’re probably not going to be a huge fan of it’s potent smell. When the cleansing ingredient is formulated within haircare in the lab, it reduces any irregularities that the ACV you pick up in your local grocery store can hold and helps to tackle that distinctive smell. 

With La’Dor’s new ACV line, you can now have a more luxurious cleansing and detoxifying experience in your very own shower. You know what they say! Happy scalp, happy hair! 

+What’s your favorite hair care ingredient? Drop them down below!

The post Ingredient Spotlight: Why Apple Cider Vinegar Is Your Next Hair Care Obsession appeared first on The Klog.

If you find yourself struggling with a dry scalp or staticky, frizzy hair in the wintertime, you’re not alone. Winter can be a particularly tricky time for hair health, since the same weather-related issues that wreak havoc on our skin (arid air and dry home indoor environments) can cause a multitude of winter hair troubles too. 

With the right ingredients in your hair care arsenal, you can tackle these woes and make it through the coldest months with fabulous locks intact. Read on for our top ingredient and product picks for your best winter hair.

Soothe An Itchy Scalp With Salicylic Acid and Panthenol

Dry indoor heating and extra-hot showers can make your scalp irritable and imbalanced. Using a gentle shampoo bar like Skin Grammar Sweet & Gentle Shampoo Bar will help bring hydration back to the scalp and balance oil production.

Lather up with warm (not hot) water and let the vitamin B5 (panthenol) in this formula work to soothe irritation. Salicylic acid and tea tree oil also help to promote healthy sebum production levels while exfoliating flaky dead skin cells, and shea butter and olive fruit oils are also included for their nourishing properties with biotin to strengthen weakened hair strands. 

Bonus: one shampoo bar replaces three traditional bottles of shampoo! 

Repair Damage With Argan Oil 

After shampooing, it’s time to give hair some TLC with a deeply reparative mask like the Skinfood Argan Oil Silk Plus Hair Mask.

Squeeze out any excess water and then work the mask through lengths of hair, focusing on the ends to seal in the healing fatty acids and nourishing argan oil. Leave on for 5 minutes or more for best results. With regular use, this mask helps to strengthen hair that may be weakened from dry air and over-styling.

Hydrate Parched Strands with Hyaluronic Acid 

Our hair can get especially dry in the winter time, with indoor heating sapping away much-needed moisture from parched strands.

A hydrating leave-in treatment like British M Extra Glam brings moisture back into hair with hyaluronic acid, an ingredient also beloved in skin care for its water-locking capabilities. After towel-drying hair, evenly apply a small amount of this treatment throughout for soft, healthy hair. No need to rinse out!

Fight Frizz With Macadamia Oil and Squalane

Hair oils work as the ideal “finishing touch” for a blow dried look. After drying, add a few drops of La’Dor Wonder Hair Oil to the palms of your hands and work into the ends and through the lower lengths to lock in essential moisture with the help of plant-derived squalane. This formula also contains macadamia seed oil, known for its frizz fighting power and avocado and argan oils for added shine. 

How do you keep your hair looking its best in the winter? Let us know in the comments!

The post Your K-Beauty Guide To A Hydrating Winter Hair Care Routine For Shiny, Healthy Strands appeared first on The Klog.

For a longer time that I wish to admit, I didn’t think it was all that important to exfoliate my body. I would always exfoliate my face every other day (I hate blackheads!), but when it came to my body? Eh, I thought it didn’t need regular exfoliation.
Boy, was I wrong! I try to go to the gym four to five times a week and this past year I’ve noticed the skin on my body breaking out and just being generally dull. And it dawned on me that I should probably regularly exfoliate my body at least once a week (duh)!
So I went on a mission throughout the year to test out some of the most popular body exfoliators out there and found some favorites. Below, my picks for the best body scrubs, including why and when I use them.

For The Deep Clean: Frank Original Coffee Scrub

When my skin is feeling super dry and flaky, I always reach for this scrub. I consider this the OG body exfoliator because it really deeply cleans your skin and scrubs off flakes and impurities. Let me put it this way: This scrub is the closest thing I get to those amazing body scrubs at Korean spas.
The exfoliator is made of primarily ground up roasted coffee beans and this is the ingredient that does most of the intense exfoliating magic. Note: This scrub is not a soft and gentle one; it hits skin quite hard and really goes to town and scrubs away at skin:

But don’t be afraid that this scrub is going to be so harsh that it will damage your skin—the formula also contains a good amount of cold pressed almond oil that leaves skin just hydrated enough after it’s been scrubbed free of dead skin cells. Once you rinse the scrub off, your skin feels so insanely soft. It also feels tighter, thanks to caffeine’s powerful diuretic effects, which allows it to dehydrate fat cells temporarily and promote smooth skin.
The only thing I’m not a huge fan of with this scrub is the scent. As you can probably guess, it smells strongly of coffee, and I’m not so into smelling like a huge pot of coffee for the rest of the day. Thankfully, the scents fades after a few hours, but be warned that you will smell like Starbucks for a little while after leaving the shower. Depending on your coffee obsession, you may love or hate this.

For Helping to Keep Body Acne At Bay: Pacifica Acne Warrior Body Scrub

When I start noticing little bump on my chest and back from working out, I grab this Pacifica scrub to gently exfoliate them away. The reason why this scrub is so great at preventing and helping tame any body acne is because it contains salicylic acid. This form of BHA is an oil soluble acid that penetrates deeply into pores to rid them of oil-based impurities. Even better, the scrub also contains aloe and cucumber to moisturize and smoothe!

For When You Need to Exfoliate But Your Skin Is Acting Up: The Tatcha Indigo Smoothing Black Sugar Body Grommage

Don’t get tripped up by the name: Grommage is just a fancy French word that means “to erase,” and the definition of erase in this context means to slough off dead skin cells. This Tatcha scrub does just that in the most gentle way possible. It uses ultra-fine black sugar granules to delicately reveal fresh skin without causing any irritation.

It’s also ultra soothing, thanks to the indigofera tinctoria leaf extract, AKA Japanese Indigo, that’s in the formula. This is an ingredient that is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and barrier strengthening abilities. It’s also what gives this scrub its pretty deep blue color:

I’ve used this scrub when my skin has been on its last days of recovering from a nasty sunburn and was relieved to discover that it effectively scrubbed off any remaining peeling skin without making my skin any redder. It also smells so good—like citrus-y sherbert. After using it, your skin feels soft but also hydrated, thanks a collection of oils (including camellia and coconut) that’s infused in the scrub.

For That Big Night Out: Frank Shimmer Scrub

I was super excited to try this one. A body scrub that both exfoliates my skin and leaves it with a shimmer so it will look like I applied highlighter all over my body? Sounds fun! And this body scrub is major fun. It’s perfect for those moments when you need your skin to literally shine because you’re going to be in photos or you just want to look really, really luminous for a night.

The scrub is mainly composed of sugar, salt, grapeseed oil, coffee, and “glow dust,” which is just little naturally derived silver and gold particles. While gold may not do anything beneficial for your skin, this scrub does make you shiny, like if you dipped your body in an actual highlighter:

When I rinsed it off, my skin looked intensely bright and had actual sparkles on it, but it wasn’t too sparkly. The sparkles lasted an entire day and into the first half of the next day before fading away.

I liked the scent of this scrub better than the original Frank scrub; it smells more like a dessert and less like a cup of coffee. My only gripe is that it doesn’t exfoliate as well as the original (probably because it seems to use more sugar than coffee), and I felt like my skin wasn’t as soft as it could be. But for a fun scrub that makes me feel like I’m wearing subtle highlighter all over, this scrub is the way to go.

+ What do you think is the best body scrub? Share your picks in the comments!

The post The Best Body Scrubs For the Smoothest, Softest Skin appeared first on The Klog.

We’ve all been there: the season just changed and your lips are already screaming for help. Yes, chapped lips are the worst! The good news is that there are some pretty easy-to-follow tips that can help you not only preventing them but also curing chapped, dry lips in record time.

1. Try a lip essence 

Just like the skin of your face, the skin of your lips can also benefit from an essence. You can get rid of chapped lips faster if you add a lip essence (like Too Cool For School‘s Maybe Baby Lip) to your routine—or even by applying your regular one (the same you put on your face) onto your lips.

This has proven to be pretty effective especially if you’re facing dry patches here and there. I tested it myself and got rid of a stubborn dry patch in three days by adding a touch of Dewytree Ultra Vitalizing Snail Essence Water on my lips one minute before putting on my favorite lip balm or my lip mask at night—more on that below!

2. Add a lip mask to your routine 

Again, it feels like extending the TLC you put on your face to your lips. A good lip mask can be what’s separating you from soft lips and even from being able to put on a matte lipstick every day, no matter the season. You can try one like the Unpa Bubi Bubi Lip Mask to add moisture. This one is enriched with jojoba oil and a black food complex to minimize fine lines and hydrate! You can actually use the lip mask every day, especially if you’re dealing with chapped, flaky lips.

3. Gently exfoliate 

Speaking about flaky lips, we recommend you to exfoliate your lips about two to three times a week to help this sensitive skin to recover. Again, you can use the exfoliating side of Too Cool For School‘s Maybe Baby Lip, a brown-sugar exfoliating formula like Fresh’s Sugar Lip Polish, or even a soft damp toothbrush to gently remove flakes.

If you’re more into acid exfoliation, we recommend Then I Met You’s Honey Dew Lip Mask, which taps into the power of lactic acid to rid the lips of dry skin and returns moisture to the lips with squalane.

Then, cover them with a slick ointment—the oilier, the better, since oils help lock in moisture and prevent dehydration.

4. Avoid flavored balms 

We know how hard it is to resist to the delicious scent and flavor of our favorite lip balms. But that is exactly the problem with them—just think how hard it will be to resist the urge to lick your lips. When lips are moist on the surface from your saliva, they attract moisture from deep within the skin—which eventually evaporates into the dry air. Add to this the fact that the acids in your saliva can break down the skin, ouch!

5. Stay away from certain ingredients 

The formulation of some lip balms and treatments can actually cause your lips to feel drier, no matter how many times you reapply the product. For example, formulas that contain phenol, camphor, menthol, and salicylic acid can immediately soothe or exfoliate dead cells from the surface of your lips but, in the long term, they may be irritating to the lips. Instead, opt for hydrating ingredients like petrolatum, which is a soft wax.

6. Use a lip balm with SPF

If you’ve experienced a level of chap that no amount of brown sugar, toothbrushes, balm, or water can rescue, the answer may be found in SPF (because yes, sun can still be the one to blame even during fall or winter). Your lips have the thinnest skin plus, they can’t hold moisture. Now combine with this the cold winds, dry air, and exposure to UV rays and you get the perfect environment for inflammation—which, by the way, makes cracking and chapping lips even worse.

7. Identify and treat inflammation 

If your lips are not only dry but swollen, chances are you have a lip inflammation. In this case, the best solution is to look for products that have cortisone (to sooth the irritation and swelling) combined with hydrating ingredients such as petroleum or beeswax—that will help treat chapping.

The post 7 Tips to Prevent and Treat Chapped Lips appeared first on The Klog.

Summer is in full swing, and with high temperatures (plus high humidity depending on where you are) means it’s most definitely shorts, tank, and swimsuit season. If you’re anything like me, which is incredibly fair-skinned, summer can truly be an awkward season.

The concept of “laying out” in the sun is simply beyond anything I would ever imagine, as I’d be severely burned and would consequently be in pain for days to follow (and will definitely see the damage in years to come). Skin cancer is a concern to begin with, and it’s actually prevalent in my family as well, making it double the threat.

So what do I do to feel confident and achieve that summer glow without getting the sun? I’ve got some sunless glow tips below. 

First thing’s first, sun protection is an absolute must. Even if it seems counterintuitive to you, just trust. The more you protect your skin from the sun and its dangers ahead of time, the more your skin will thank you and will appear calmer naturally.

Many facial SPFs contain added hydrators, and options most similar to these will yield the best results in terms of healthy looking skin. I personally love Silk Hydration from Hawaiian Tropic for this! Neogen’s new Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen contains over 20 kinds of plant extract, including aloe and avocado, for non-pore clogging protection and hydration!

Exfoliating is also a key step when it comes to making your skin appear more healthy, and as such, more glowy.

Though physical exfoliators can often irritate sensitive facial skin, scrubs and textured mitts are far safer to use on your larger body, like arms, legs, and torso. Masks, such as the Skinfood Black Sugar Wash-Off Face Mask, are great for both face and body and will leave you with renewed, rejuvenated skin in one use. 

Of course, extreme exfoliation would mean nothing if we weren’t giving back to our skin what we’re taking away!

Always follow up exfoliation with deep hydrating and calming ingredients. Butters like the one from Hanahana Beauty, or even the classic Palmer’s Shea Butter, will leave your skin supple, repaired, and incredibly hydrated.

Sometimes I like to take it a step further and seal my hydration in with a body oil. Right now, I’m indulging in Solved Skincare’s 100% Organic Golden Jojoba Oil which can be used on your skin, hair and nails!

And I get it, we don’t always have time for multi-step body care routines. In a pinch, Flamingo’s body lotion line is fantastic, because it contains exfoliating properties such as papaya enzyme, while simultaneously delivering ingredients like hyaluronic acid. It also comes in a thick buttery lotion or a spray, so you can hydrate on the go.

Last but not least, at-home self-tanner has been a godsend when it comes to perfecting and finalizing the glowy look. But let me make one thing clear: not all self-tanner is made the same! I’ve had many trials and tribulations with drugstore tanning remedies and high-end ones alike, and nothing worked for me, from the popular Jergens to St. Tropez. 

As such a pale gal with incredibly cool undertones, standard self-tanners naturally appeared far too orange on me with little ability to correct itself. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon Isle of Paradise’s “Light” line that I finally found my match.

One application helps me to achieve the summer-long tan I got as a kid that I simply can’t anymore. It also contains hydrators like aloe and avocado oil to name a few, which further enhance your skin’s natural texture while nourishing deep within the dermis.

And how exactly do I make all of this work? 

I used to think I was a low maintenance gal, but I’ll be the first to admit this takes some upkeep. Once you’re in the flow, though, it’s incredibly easy. 

Firstly, incorporate SPF as much as possible into your mornings, simply to maintain your skin’s overall health and to promote a healthy glow from within. 

24 hours ahead of when you want to tan, be sure to exfoliate like it’s nobody’s business. I typically shower at night, so I’ll go in with a scrubbing mitt and a rice based exfoliant paste across my whole body. That night, hydration is of course important, so Hanahana’s Shea Butter comes next, followed by a finisher of the Solved Skincare’s 100% Organic Golden Jojoba Oil.

In the morning to keep the hydration up, I re-up with my body oil and lightly dry brush any areas that appear flakey throughout the day while reapplying a thicker lotion or butter. 

The evening of using the tan, I shower as per usual but without any of the harsh exfoliants like I mentioned above. Keep it simple in the shower and out, following up with your go-to lotion (again, mine being the Shea Butter). Do your best to let your lotion dry down, and then apply the tanner overtop. I truly do suggest purchasing a mit, as it’s kept me streak free, and to rub in more than you’d anticipate. The more you rub, the more natural the tan will look. Again, do your best to let this dry down before getting clothed as it will result in the most even tan possible.

In the AM, you will wake up with exfoliated, hydrated, and tanned skin, without sun exposure. 

Maintain hydration morning and night for the best results, and repeat the tanning process one to two times a week, depending on your results. 

Happy summer!

How do you achieve your sunless glow in the summer time? Let us know in the comments!

The post How to Achieve a Summer Glow— Without the Sun! appeared first on The Klog.

Let’s be honest: When we talk about skin care our face gets all the attention. It’s front and center, after all! But even when we actually do start thinking about ways to tend to the skin on our bodies, scalp care tends to get the ol’ shaft. 

Caring for our scalp is super important, and it can even make a difference in the overall health and quality of your hair. Without proper attention and scalp care, it can become unbalanced. This results in excess oil, dryness, flakes, bumps, and other dermatological issues. A healthy scalp feels good, looks good, and helps promote shiny, healthy hair. Who doesn’t want a shiny mane?

Let’s talk about the signs of an unhealthy scalp, common culprits, and how to remedy any scalp issues you’re dealing with.

Signs Your Scalp is Unhealthy

The biggest sign your scalp could use some TLC is if you’re experiencing any sort of discomfort. This can range from mild tightness, itchiness, and irritation (sometimes accompanied by flakes) to painful bumps or scab-like spots. 

In milder cases, you may simply experience dryness and flaking with no real discomfort. On the opposite end of the spectrum, you may experience excessive oiliness where your hair gets stringy with oil within a day of washing. In some cases, you may experience both flakes and oil. 

All the above can lead to hair that looks flat, dull, stringy, or otherwise unhealthy that’s in need of some scalp care.

Causes of an Unbalanced Scalp 

There are several key causes of an unbalanced scalp, so let’s outline each one!

Poor Hygiene

While everyone has their own “best pace” when it comes to shampooing their hair, not washing frequently enough can lead to scalp issues. It’s important to find a frequency that creates a balanced scalp- this might look different for everyone.

 In addition, you should wash your hair anytime you’ve been sweating a lot or have been in a body of water (including the pool). 

Excessive Washing 

Not washing enough can lead to issues, but so can washing too much. Just like your facial skin, your scalp can become dried out from excessive shampooing. This presents differently for everyone, but can often create a tight, dry, or itchy sensation accompanied by flaking. It can also lead to too much oil production as your scalp overcompensates for lack of moisture.

Product-Related Buildup or Irritation

Haircare products can sometimes leave behind a film on our strands and our scalps, which can lead to an imbalance. We recommend using a chelating or anti-residue shampoo once every week or two to help clear out any build-up. The La’Dor Triplex Natural Shampoo to gently work on irritated scalps to deep clean, using green tea, tea tree, and other great ingredients to balance and restore.

 A detox mask can also work wonders. Our favorite, the British M Regenall Calming Mask, uses glacial clay, coconut, and glycerin to remove grime and buildup,  manage dandruff and regulate oiliness. 

Scalp irritation can also be caused by products that may have ingredients that your scalp doesn’t agree with. This is a case-by-case situation, and it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. If you suspect it’s a product causing your issue, swap it out for something else. 

Dermatological Issues

There are several dermatological issues that can lead to an unhealthy scalp. This ranges from mild seborrheic dermatitis (AKA dandruff) to scalp acne to psoriasis, folliculitis, and infections. 

While mild cases of dandruff can often be treated over the counter with medication shampoos containing zinc pyrithione, more severe cases may require a stronger prescription from your dermatologist or doctor. The remaining dermatological issues we mentioned also benefit from doctor intervention. It may feel like a bother to schedule an appointment, but the relief you can experience will have you wondering why you didn’t go sooner.

How to Promote a Healthy Scalp 

The best way to maintain a healthy and happy scalp is to follow the advice we outlined above. Find the best shampooing pace for your scalp’s needs and be mindful of product buildup and irritation. And of course, speak with a doctor when it’s an issue that’s difficult to treat with simple at-home care. 

For extra credit, consider incorporating some fun products into your hair and scalp care regimens, such as deep conditioners, like the Too Cool For School Egg Remedy Hair Pack, that help keep strands and skin hydrated, exfoliating scalp scrubs, or a silicone scalp massager that helps work products into your scalp while improving blood flow to the area. 

Do you have a tried and true hair and scalp care routine? Let us know below!

The post The Importance of Caring for Your Scalp appeared first on The Klog.

Fall is coming up fast, which means it’s time to start thinking about swapping out your skin care routine to help prepare your skin for the long winter months ahead. For me, it also means focusing my attention on those areas of my skin that I know will get dry and flaky due to the drier months, like my limbs and my lips.

As I detailed back in the thick of the cold weather season last year, I struggled to find a lip balm that worked, so I know I will need to do more thorough research this year so that my lips don’t suffer from serious dehydration.

In general, when you need to hydrate or rehab dry skin, it’s most effective to apply moisturizer on a smooth canvas, hence why exfoliating is such an important step in one’s routine. For the lips, this means using a lip scrub, but lip scrubs can be harsh on the delicate area and also require adding yet another product into your regimen.

RELATED: Keep Your Skin Hydrated During the Day by Following These Four Tips

All this is to say that when a sample of the Mamonde Lip Mask, a multitasking balm that contains the chemical exfoliant glycolic acid, came across my desk, I knew my chapped lips were about to be transformed.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8haQWhHQp-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The formula features plum blossom extract to soothe, shea and muru muru butter to moisturize, and then just enough glycolic acid to smooth lips without irritating them. I have sensitive skin and I can attest that I haven’t experienced any tingling or sensitivity post-application.

After using the mask just one night, I woke up to noticeably softer and hydrated lips. Even the natural color looked pinker and less dull than usual. I still needed to apply lip balm in the morning, but I didn’t have to reapply as much throughout the day that followed.

I find the product to be similar to the popular (and Klog team favorite) Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. However, if your lips get chapped easily and you don’t love using physical lip scrubs, I definitely recommend giving the Mamonde formula a try.

Soko Glam used to offer the full-size lip sleeping mask only as part of an exclusive four-piece set that includes some of the brand’s best sellers, but they now curate the lip mask on its own! Shop it down below.

The post You’re Probably Not Applying a Chemical Exfoliant on This Delicate Area – But You Should appeared first on The Klog.

I’ll be honest, it wasn’t until VERY recently that I even realized that K-Beauty also includes hair products. In fact, I discovered this while shopping around on the Soko Glam site but didn’t think I was actually going to find anything for me.

I have naturally curly hair — 3B to be exact. For anyone unaware of curl types, 3B is somewhere in between big loose curls and spiral ringlets. Because my hair is also on the thin/finer side, I look for hair products that are both lightweight and moisturizing. But because, K-beauty doesn’t necessarily cater to customers with curls, I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to find any formulas that work for me.

After testing a few products – most of which didn’t work for me at all – I was surprised to find one I really like and that actually works with – and not against – my curls: The British M Annatto Hair Oil ($67).

The oil has become a holy grail product in the K-Beauty community but mostly among straight and wavy-haired women. But the formula is made up of a natural oil from the Amazon infused with organic pumpkin seed and argan oil, so the chances of it actually ruining my curl pattern were pretty slim to none. The worst that could happen is that it would leave my hair looking greasy and gross and I’d have to wash it out immediately after.

RELATED: I Got a Scalp Facial and It Totally Rejuvenated My Hair 

Since I don’t normally style my curls with oil, I decided to try the oil as a treatment first. I coated my hair from mid-shaft to ends with a generous amount of oil, put on a plastic shower cap, and left it on for at least 30 minutes before hopping in the shower and washing my hair. I cleansed with my favorite curly hair shampoo that’s sulfate-free but still lathers enough to get heavy products like oil out. Then I followed with my favorite rinse-out conditioner. I detangled while in the shower while the conditioner was still in my hair using a wide-tooth comb and then rinsed it out. Once I got out of the shower I styled with my usual curl cream followed by a light-weight all-natural gel. Once my curls fully air dried they were super soft, defined and also pretty shiny!

I needed to know if there were other ways I could use this oil though, so the next time I washed my hair I applied a little to my mid-section and ends before coating on my curl cream and gel and was surprised that it didn’t leave my hair greasy at all. Again, I didn’t apply a lot – a little goes a long way with this oil –  but just enough where it really helped to lock in the moisture from my curl cream.

As someone who is really hesitant and paranoid about trying ANY hair products that aren’t specifically for curly hair, I am shook at how well this worked for me. This oil really does absorb quickly and leaves hair silky soft without the heaviness or greasiness you’d expect from a hair oil. Who would have thought? 

The post The K-Beauty Product That Worked For My Curly Hair appeared first on The Klog.

Whenever I’m vacationing somewhere warm, I like to keep my hair out of my face and free from frizz by styling it into French braids. On a recent trip to Mexico, this look kept my hair looking cute after wind-swept hours on a boat and sweltering days in the sand. Not so cute, however? How burnt my scalp was at the end of the trip.

I admit that the thought of applying sunscreen on my scalp crossed my mind throughout the vacation, but ultimately, vanity prevailed over common sense.

Since arriving home, I’ve been doing some research on how I can avoid the mess and grease that comes with applying sunscreen on my scalp, while also avoiding a red, itchy, and flaky scalp in the future. Clearly I’m not alone in my quest for a solution because major brands have recently come out with sunscreens formulated specifically for the scalp area and for ease of application. Coola has a Scalp & Hair Mist, a spray with SPF 30 protection and plant-based antioxidants, and Supergoop! has the Poof 100% Mineral Part and Scalp Powder SPF 45. So far, the reviews are mixed; some are saying the former still makes hair greasy, and others are faulting the latter for not being blendable.

RELATED: Your Head-to-Toe Guide to Protecting Those Commonly Forgotten Areas Against Sun Damage

For more insight on the topic and this new category of products, I consulted with Dr. Tsippora Shainhouse, a Los Angeles-based dermatologist. Read on for her answers to my biggest questions, plus her tips for protecting the delicate scalp area this summer.

Why is it so important to wear sunscreen on your scalp?

“Skin cancers and melanomas of the scalp may be at higher risk for spreading and becoming fatal because the scalp skin gets thinner with age and chronic sun exposure and scalps are very vascular. Skin cancer and melanoma can potentially spread to the brain if they reach these vessels. ” says Dr. Shainhouse

But what if you always wear your hair up or your part isn’t exposed?

You may not need to apply sunscreen in your hair in the cases mentioned above, but Dr. Shainhouse warns not to forget about front and back hairlines, a thinning crown, or the edges of any receding areas. If these are exposed, it’s important to make sure they’re protected.

So do you really need a sunscreen formulated just for your scalp?

Nope – any sunscreen will get the job done. However, it’s nice to have the option. “Depending on the amount of hair you have, your styling routine and if you care if your hair gets a bit greasy, you may choose to look for a product specifically for your scalp,” says Dr. Shainhouse.

Okay, but how can you protect your scalp without messing up your hair?

The easiest option is to wear a hat, preferably a wide-brimmed style that will also protect your face and ears from the sun. Bonus: This will also protect your hair follicles and color from sun damage.

And if you’re opposed to a hat or applying your regular face or body sunscreen on your scalp, there are plenty of alternatives:

• Dr. Shainhouse likes powder sunscreens like the Colorscience Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen SPF 50, which comes in four shades. “It can help mop up grease as it protects the skin,” she says. She does note, though, that powders may be better for touch-ups than the first line of defense based on “the latest updates on sunscreen efficacy and safety.”
• “Sunscreen foams/mousses can be applied to both the scalp and hair strands to protect them from UV damage without leaving a greasy trace. Consider alcohol-based foams, rather than more moisturizing skin formulations, so as not to weigh hair down,” she says. An example is the Coppertone Defend & Care UltraHydrate Whipped.
• Another great option for reaching the scalp area are sunscreen sprays. “They cover a large area and are light and fine enough to absorb easily without showing or gluing down the hair. Be sure to give the bottle a good shake and hold it two inches from the scalp to ensure that it hits the skin and then use your fingertips to rub the product in,” says Dr. Shainhouse.
• A compact sunscreen stick like the Tony Moly Tako Pore Sebum Sun Stick makes it easy to apply SPF down your part on-the-go.
• There are also plenty of shampoos and hair styling products that offer UV protection. “The amount of UV blockade is difficult to measure,” says Dr. Shainhouse, “But they will leave some UV-blocking residue on the scalp.”

How can you check your scalp for sun damage?

“Because we can’t see and examine the top of our scalps on our own, we often miss the signs of sun damage (actinic keratoses), early skin cancer or melanoma because the scalp is usually covered with hair and they are not seen,” says Dr. Shainhouse. She recommends asking your hairdresser to examine your scalp as they work and point out any irregularities during your next salon visit. And of course, you can make an appointment with your derm for a full check-up.

Bottom Line

If you are not much of hat person (like me) but want that extra sun protection for your scalp, go with a foam/mousse or spray sunscreen, or a hairstyling or treatment product that offers UV protection. 

If you are not really into the whole idea of wearing sunscreen on your scalp, take preventive measures and make sure to pre-condition both your scalp and hair with a weekly hair treatment. This will help fortify your scalp and hair strands and lessen the effects of heat damage caused by UV rays and hairstyling products. Try using the La’dor Tea Tree Scalp Clinic Hair Pack. This scalp treatment uses professional-grade ingredients such as snail extract to help strengthen the scalp and roots of your hair.  Another great treatment product is the La’dor Wonder Balm. This multi-use hair treatment balm is packed with ceramides and amino acids that protect the scalp and hair from damage caused by excess heat.

The post Do You Really Need…Sunscreen For Your Scalp? appeared first on The Klog.