How to deal with problems of the scalp

MANILA, Philippines - Did you know that when you shampoo your hair, you should only be using the pads of your fingers, not your fingernails, to wash the dirt off? When you use your nails to work the shampoo lather, you risk scratching your scalp and irritating it.

This is one of the scalp care tips offered by Judy Ho, country director of Vigen Scalp Clinic in Annapolis, Greenhills. The clinic is one-of-a-kind in the Philippines because it addresses solely the needs of the scalp. Unlike beauty salons and hair care centers, Vigen focuses on the scalp to deal with common problems such as an itchy scalp, dandruff and hair loss.

Ho says the root of most hair problems lies in the scalp. The buildup of chemicals from hair products and a polluted environment clogs the pores preventing the skin from breathing naturally.

“Unless you remove this buildup from your scalp, your head will always feel itchy and dandruff will continue to be a problem,” she says.

Most of the hair products in the market now are scalp irritants. Unless you find a product that is mild enough for your scalp, you will continue to have occasional problems with dandruff and an itchy scalp.

“Most commercial shampoos and conditioners are too harsh for the scalp,” she explains. “Like most hair products like hair gel, mousse and wax, shampoos and conditioners are made with chemicals that may be bad for you. They leave a deposit on your head, which if you are not able to cleanse well, could inflame the scalp.”

Among hair products, she cautions against the use of hair wax because it is the hardest to wash off. Continued use of this hair product could mean piling on irritants to your scalp.

Ho instead recommends hair products that are non-chemical and natural oxygen therapy. These are less harmful to those with regular healthy scalps. However, those with serious scalp problems should seek professional help.

Vigen Scalp Clinic offers a variety of treatments that safely cleanses the scalp to make it healthy and stimulate air growth.

All guests at the clinic get a consultation to assess the health of their scalp. Using a special microscopic camera, therapists are able to monitor the accumulation of residue and debris that irritates the scalp.

In many cases, a layer of film covers the roots of hair strands, an indicator of chemical buildup. This may irritate the scalp and lead to hair loss.

Ho says it is important to remove this film of residue on the scalp to bring it back to health. While a single session easily removes scalp buildup and improves the condition of the hair, she says regular visits will ensure a healthy scalp and beautiful hair.

Vigen Scalp Clinic only uses imported natural oxygen hair products to match your specific needs. Compared to synthetically made hair products, natural ones are best for the body.

The basic Scalp Healing Care Program is a 14-step process that lasts for about an hour. It includes intensive scalp scaling, the patented ION deep cleansing, the application of a scalp healing and regenerating solution, and an infrared scalp therapy.

The program also comes with a relaxation component similar to what you get at a spa.

A highlight of all programs is the Water Acupuncture, which uses water to massage your scalp and stimulate it back to health.

While a therapist treats your scalp, you get a pressurized leg massage, aromatherapy to cheer you up, and a hot shoulder compress relaxes to relax you.

There is a different program for those needing preventive treatment for hair loss, and another one that promotes hair growth with the application of imported specialized treatment that encourages hair growth.

The Vigen Scalp Clinic uses equipment specially imported from Korea, which is not available locally in other salons or clinics.

It also has natural oxygen shampoos and oxygen finish, as well as hair growth formulas that you can use on a daily basis.

Ho suggests that guests with serious scalp problems avail themselves of treatments from two to three times a week. This will see to it that their scalp problems are addressed properly.

After a single session, many guests say their head feels lighter and no longer itchy, while their hair receives an extra shine and softness comparable to expensive salon treatments.

Vigen Scalp Clinic is at G/F Richbelt Terraces, 19 Annapolis St., Greenhills, San Juan (beside Foot Zone).

Scalp Check Hotline: 0917-86-SCALP (72257) and (02) 217-9045. Visit www.Scalp-Clinic.com.