Why not use all the extra time at home this winter to do something deep cleansing for your hair and scalp? (And don’t worry if you never think about scalp care. Until pretty recently it’s been something of an afterthought in the beauty world.) Tara Siani, my go-to stylist for the last year and a half, has an easy to copycat way to say bye bye to that product that’s accumulated and have more of those great hair days (that we all ♥️so, so much) in 2021.

Part 1: Healthy Scalp, Healthy Hair 

When is it time to detox your scalp?

If your scalp is oily, itchy, or has build-up…

It’s also nice to detox your scalp with the change of seasons or right now when we’re all staying home a lot more.

Start with a nice brush, a Mason Pearson (boar bristle) is best, but any brush that gets through your hair and reaches your scalp will do.

And just like the fairy tales say, do 50 strokes of the brush. (Make sure you don’t over brush, especially if your scalp feels too sensitive.)

Think about sluffing off all the dead skin and product build-up, which by the way is completely normal, everyone has it.

Focus on moving the oils from your scalp down to your hair. 

Now, you’re all set and ready to shampoo.

Any sulfate and paraben free clean shampoo will do.

That being said, I personally love R+Co Oblivion Shampoo (and Conditioner). It’s gentle on your color while still removing all scalp and product build up. It also adds healthy nutrients, leaving a fresh scalp and smooth hair. 

Rinse your hair with warm water, wetting it thoroughly.

Apply the shampoo evenly throughout your entire scalp, massaging it in circular motions with some gentle pressure.

Use this time to relax and breathe. Let the product sit on your scalp for a few minutes and repeat. Rinse, then do another wash (repeating the same steps above).

Make sure to always follow with a nourishing conditioner, like the one from Oblivion that I mentioned.

Stay tuned for part 2 when we’ll talk about using this time to take a break from blow dryers and hot tools like straightening and curling irons.

For more from master stylist Tara Siani, who has over 23 years of experience, give her a follow on Instagram @TaraSianiHair and take a look at her recently redesigned site TaraSiani.com.

*This post has been updated and revised from one that has appeared on the site previously.