🌱 Skincare for your scalp™ 🌱
If you know anything about me, you know I am skincare obsessed. You also likely know that I love to ignore my hair almost entirely. Literally, I consider shampooing, conditioning, and air-drying a full routine. And it has always seemed to work for my hair. Until the last year or so, this minimal routine left my coarse and wavy hair looking tousled and undone in a really great way. But if you looked closer you would see an itchy and red scalp that was full of stress and irritation, especially around the edges of my face. Cute, right?
1 of 2 | Before: an itchy and red scalp that was full of stress and irritation, especially around the edges of my face.
Previously and on numerous occasions, I have looked around for a product that would target my actual scalp, but the haircare sphere seems much more focused on the strands rather than the scalp. Either that or it is literally 99% vinegar and I found that experience more stinky than calming. And, as you can see from the photos above, my scalp was in need of a major intervention. I wanted a redness-free and happy hairline, and, just maybe, to wear black again without leaving a dusting of dandruff on my shoulders.
When I was approached by Act+Acre to try out their line, I was skeptical. Nothing else had really worked. Why would this stuff be any different? But after just a WEEK I noticed a drastic improvement. Keep reading for my favorite products I tried and see an update on my current scalp situation.
My Favorite Products from Act+Acre
1. Cold Processed Scalp Detox, 3 fl oz - $42
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This is where the magic starts. I initially didn't think the stuff was for me. Product buildup? I barely use hair products. And wouldn't detoxing just make my scalp even drier? Nope.
This little bottle is full of a blend that you apply to your scalp then massage, and leave on for 20 or so minutes. At first, I was put off by the small bottle because my hair is very thick and I thought I would get maybe 2-3 uses out of this. But I needed very little of this detox to get my scalp coated. A very cool comb (more on that later!) helped spread it evenly on my scalp and also provided a great little massage moment. I highly recommend sectioning out your hair as you apply if it is thick. You will use less.
Unlike a lot of oil treatments, this one was very light and didn't leave my roots greasy or heavy at all. And while my scalp was still red after my first time using this, it was very quickly less irritated and felt "cool" if that makes sense. It's like all the irritation was creating warmth I didn't even notice and this was instantly soothing. And while the term detox might leave you with images of your scalp being even drier after this formula cuts through the built-up product and oil in your hair, my experience was literally the exact opposite: my scalp felt moisturized and calm and totally clean, without that squeaky feeling.
2. Cold Processed Hair Cleanse, 10 fl oz - $28
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After I rinse out the Detox formula above, it is time for the Cleanse. The first thing I noticed about this stuff was the scent! It reminds me a lot of the since-retired Jungle solid conditioner from LUSH. It is natural, but not earthy-crunchy, with a hint of powdery florals. Think of it as a creamy botanical sort of smell that is clean and really pleasant. The texture here is medium-bodied, but it lathers up beautifully.
I found the instructions to start at the back of my head and move forward really helpful. I literally never spend enough time back there! This is a double cleanse with the second round requiring less product and bringing even more lather. The goal here is to continue to remove buildup while still delivering nutrients to your scalp and hair. And, again, the clean feeling is off the charts without feeling like you have stripped your hair at all. I also noticed more volume in my roots as my hair air dried, which is likely because the extra dirt and oil has literally been washed down the drain.
3. Cold Processed Hair Conditioner, 10 fl oz - $28
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Conditioner is next and I usually concentrate conditioner on my middle and ends, avoiding my roots. This formula is a lot thicker than the cleanse but a little still goes a long way. It is slippy and luxurious feeling! I leave it on for about 2-5 minutes in the shower to really let it go to work.
After a rinse and air dry, my hair is volumized, light, bouncy, and has more defined waves. It is also shinier and feels just amazing. Again, this formula shares that same unisex fragrance that I have been liking more and more the more I use it. If you like the scent too, they do sell a Rebalancing Scent perfume that sounds similar, and it is absolutely on my must-try list.
4. Restorative Hair Mask, 4.5 fl oz - $36
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I don't mask all that often, but when I do I want something that is going to smooth my hair and give it gloss without weighing it down. And this mask does just that! I have thicker hair so I need a little bit to really get coverage, but adding water helps, and twisting my long hair into a top knot for 20 minutes helps it penetrate all my strands. I also added a dollop of this to some water in a misting bottle and I think, if I say so myself, this is a genius tip.
It allows you to have a nourishing leave-in conditioner which my waves absolutely love! I appreciate that Act+Acre included a metal key to make sure I can get every last bit of this mask out of the metal tube.
5. Scalp Gua Sha - $55
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Ok, I have another great tip here for you: put this comb in your freezer. Trust me. Let it chill in the freezer for an hour or so and after you apply your scalp detox drops, use the chilled jade comb to massage it onto your scalp with strokes and circles. If your scalp is red and irritated, this is heaven on earth. I also took it into the shower to comb the different formulas on my hair there too. The strong wide teeth are great for gently detangling your hair and dispersing the product evenly through.
6. Intelligent Hair Towel - $20
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As I mentioned before, I like to air dry my hair. I wish I could tell you this was because I just love how it makes my hair look (which is true) but it is mostly because I am lazy and am always in a hurry. I also like going to bed clean so my hair is always wet right before bed and when I want to go to bed, well, I am going to bed ASAP.
This isn't exactly ideal for my thicker hair because the wet strands rub against my cotton pillowcases all night causing frizz. And since my hair is thick, it isn't always even dry by the time I wake up which I think had added to my scalp irritation over time. This waffle-textured towel cuts drying time in half which means my hair is less prone to frizz and breakage when I sleep on it. It is also delightfully hands-free because you simply twist it then button it to keep it in place. My hair is always mostly dry when I remove it 15 or so minutes later.
So, do you want a scalp update after a week of Act+Acre?
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I am so thrilled with the way my scalp is looking. While I still have some redness, this is likely going to be a little bit of a healing process over time since there was a lot of inflammation and redness always takes a long time to fully disappear on my skin. But I am almost flake-free and never have that itchy feeling that drives me crazy and causes itching and irritation. I only expect my scalp health to improve over time and I can proudly say that I am an enthusiastic Act+Acre convert. If you are struggling with an irritated and dry scalp and you are looking to upgrade from your ineffective routine, this is a must-try.
