Japanese women are known for having very silky, long and strong hair, but it's not just down to genetics! As with skincare, their best beauty secret for vibrant hair is the extra attention they give to the base!
“Sonae areba urei nashi” (“anticipation will keep you out of trouble”) is their main beauty motto!
Aware that an unhealthy scalp can lead to hair loss and the appearance of gray hair while hindering the growth of beautiful hair, Japanese women are thinking ahead by focusing on activating blood circulation, maintaining hydration and balancing sebum production to promote the growth of strong and resilient hair.
Here is their guide to taking care of your scalp the Japanese way:
RULE NUMBER 1 – activate your blood circulation
Brushing
Be sure to brush your hair and scalp with an upward motion before each shampoo. This action removes dirt and dead skin cells from your scalp and activates blood circulation so that nutrients can be distributed to the hair.
Scalp massage
In addition to being the best way to relax areas of tension and relieve stress after a long day at work, scalp massage is by far the best scalp treatment to reduce hair loss and promote hair strength! It activates blood circulation while helping to unclog pores so hair can grow properly!
To do this, you can use this adorable scalp brush that easily stimulates acupuncture points! Focus on the three main areas (around the ears, the upper part of the skull and the front line of the face) and apply pressure while using small circular movements to relieve tension.
uka - Kenzan scalp brush - €29
The barikata brush, for its part, exerts stronger pressure and thus improves the blood circulation of the scalp by stimulating the acupressure points of the skull. It can also be used for self-massage of the neck and shoulders.
uka - barikata scalp brush - €29
RULE NUMBER 2 – don’t be too aggressive towards your scalp
Lukewarm water
Try as much as possible to avoid washing your hair with hot water as this will strip away the oil needed by your scalp and cause dryness or itching. The Japanese always prefer lukewarm water!
Amino acids
Conventional shampoos can contain chemicals that are harmful to the scalp and yet some natural shampoos with a purer composition are often low-sudsing. Japanese women mainly use shampoos made from amino acids, which are natural detergents found in plants that create a fluffy lather and clean the scalp and hair in a very gentle way. Since hair is made up of 18 amino acids, it is also a fabulous treatment to naturally promote shine and resistance!
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| Wake up! Shampoo - 33€ | Nighty night Shampoo - €33 |
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| Wake up! Conditioner - €47 | Nighty night Conditioner - €47 |
RULE NUMBER 3 – detoxify your scalp once a week
Scalp cleanser
Even if you shampoo daily, buildup of oil, dirt, or residue from hair products like dry shampoo can remain on the scalp and clog pores. Detoxifying once a week with a dedicated cleanser is the best way to reduce hair loss and make way for strong, healthy new hair!
A cleanser with a mild acidity and amino acid base, like uka Deep & Light Scalp Cleanser, will help unclog pores without damaging the skin on the scalp. It can be used with the Kenzan Scalp Brush for best results!
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| Deep&light scalp cleanser - €16 | Soft Kenzan brush - €29 |
RULE NUMBER 4 – moisturize and nourish your scalp
Serum
Japanese women are well aware that the scalp and face are the same skin, which is why they use hydrating and nourishing serums on their scalp just like they do on their face!
Maintaining hydration and protecting the scalp against oxidation and glycation greatly reduces hair loss and inflammation while promoting the growth of beautiful and strong hair.
Uka Rebirth Serum for Scalp effectively treats the harmful effects of contemporary life and revives the scalp in a very gentle way. Apply a few drops to your clean scalp and massage with your fingertips or a scalp brush to distribute the product evenly over the entire surface.
RULE NUMBER 5 – protect your scalp from UV rays
UV protection
UVA rays destroy proteins, causing hair to become dry and frizzy, and causes hair to fade quickly! In case of prolonged exposure to the sun, opt for protective headgear or a UV mist, your scalp and hair will thank you!
