All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
It’s one of the only things I’m still embarrassed about when it comes to my body.Zits?
Courtesy of writer
But my truly aggressive dandruff just wont to go away, no matter how many tactics I try.
Ive tried dandruff shampoos before but they always leave mycurly hairdry and brittle.
After all, I mask my face three times a weekwhy not my scalp?
Courtesy of writer
As a mixed girl, my relationship with my hair has always been complicated.
I have really thick, curly hairmostly 3C with some tighter curls toward the center of my scalp.
For me, that was my hair.
Courtesy of writer
But, in high school, I figured it out.
I knew how to straighten my hair.
I knew how to wear it curly.
Courtesy of writer
Still, there was one thing I couldnt figure out: my dandruff.
How was I supposed to ask my friends if they also had flakes breaking free from their scalps mid-sleepover?
Obviously that stigma is a part of the problem, and it has to go.
Courtesy of writer
Scalp exfoliation with a good dandruff mask can jump-start your therapeutic response to dandruff treatment.
These masks have an added benefit for us curly girls.
Janet Prystowsky, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, says you might overdo it with masks, though.
Im always cautious with exfoliating, because people tend to overdo it, she tells SELF.
Curly haired people will likely need to do this more often than someone with straight hair.
She recommends using a scalp mask once or twice a week at most.
This mask contains betaine salicylate, a gentle chemical exfoliant that helps slough off dead skin cells and flakes.
You apply this mask to damp hair, massage it in, and leave it for 10-20 minutes.
I parted my hair in sections, and then ran the mask over my scalp using my fingers.
What I struggled with was how much product I had to apply to cover my entire scalp.
After I let the mask sit for 20 minutes, I washed my hair with my usualshampoo and conditioner.
The second time I used the mask, I applied it the same way.
This definitely had a huge impact on my scalp.
This masks ingredients include tea tree oil, African black soap, and willow bark extract.
It smelled amazing, kind of like trees.
What I didnt love about the mask was the wait.
(I waited 15 minutes, though SheaMoisture doesnt specify.)
It had a lighter scent and was the only physical exfoliant mask I tried, which I found enjoyable.
I also really liked that I could apply this to dry hair.
The only thing I didnt love about this mask was that my hair almost felt too clean.
This would be one that Id leave for the days I wear my hair in a curly topknot.
But Id keep the Philip Kingsley mask for special occasions.
If you also struggle with dandruff, a scalp mask should absolutely be a part of your routine.
Moving forward, Ill be pairing my weekly scalp mask with my weekly face mask.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors.
If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
