The Secret to Silky Hair

Courtesy of beautypieces.comAlexandra Samuel, SELF magazine

Spoiler alert: the hair story on page 62 of the September issue (on newsstands Aug 21, but live here on SELF.com) is awesome. Okay, I may have been the editor, but I think it answers questions women ask me all the time. Do you know how many times someone has saddled up to my desk to ask why her hair is suddenly super thin? Or texted me in a panic about a crazy amount of hair in her drain? Or told me she avoided getting a haircut because she was embarrassed by dandruff?

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Women get crazy stressed about common hair issues like thinning, shedding, breaking because no one talks about it. So finally, we do!

But that's not the only reason I love this story: we also tell you about an amazing scalp-soothing massage that is great for all hair types.

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All the beauty brains I've spoken to seem to agree that scalp massages are a definitely boost for healthy hair. The same way a plant needs rich soil to thrive, hair needs a healthy scalp to grow strong and shiny.

That's why this massage is a major must.

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Want to try? First things first: make sure your using an old, washable pillowcase, because chances are it's going to get a bit of oil on it. Then, pick up your fave hair oil (I used the Davines Naturaltech Calming Superactive Soothing Serum for Sensitive Scalp, but I've heard great things about plain neem oil from health food stores). Once a week before bed, massage in a few drops for three minutes. Then, hit the sack. In the morning, shampoo like you usually do and style.

I tried it last weekend and my ultra-fine, ultra-dry hair felt silky for days after. Plus, I swear I slept better after taking a few minutes to rub my head. I may start doing the massage sans oil just to chill out!
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