In this informative episode of The Detangled Podcast by Avlon, Louis Driver and Jacqui McIntosh explore the often-overlooked foundation of healthy hair: the scalp. With Jacqui’s expertise as a trichologist, they take a deep dive into common ingredients, myths, and misconceptions surrounding curly and coily hair care. From decoding industry buzzwords like sulfates, silicones, alcohols, and proteins, to clarifying the importance of pH balance, scalp hygiene, and damage prevention, this episode offers a much-needed demystification of textured hair maintenance. Whether you're a seasoned stylist or someone navigating your own hair journey, Episode 10 is a masterclass in informed, science-led care.

Key Topics Covered

• Scalp Health
  • Why scalp care is essential to hair growth and integrity.
  • Common conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, folliculitis, and fungal infections.
  • The role of hygiene, product choice, and professional assessments in prevention.
  • The importance of seeing a trichologist
• Ingredient Deep Dive: Myth-Busting and Best Practices
  • Sulphates: Often demonised, but still useful in removing heavy buildup when used appropriately.
  • Silicones: Beneficial for textured hair if water-soluble and well-formulated.
  • Alcohols: Differentiating between fatty alcohols (moisturising) and short-chain alcohols (drying) based on hair type.
  • Proteins: Used to rebuild strength and elasticity, but require a moisture balance to prevent brittleness or breakage.
• pH Balance & Product Science
  • Understanding the pH scale (0–14), and why shampoos for textured hair should fall between 4.5–5.5.
  • The difference between neutralising (locks structure, e.g., in perms) and normalising (restores pH, e.g., post-chemical treatments).
• Damage vs. Compromise
  • Redefining “damage” in client conversations to “compromised” to reduce stigma.
  • Examples of common, often overlooked forms of damage: improper detangling, wet brushing, buildup, and poor product use.
• Protective Practices
  • The importance of leave-in conditioning, heat protection, and layering moisture at every stage of the process.

Stay Connected

Follow the hosts:

• Louis Driver: @louisdoeshair
• Jacqui McIntosh: @jacqui.mcintosh

Follow Avlon:

• Avlon Europe: @Avloneurope
• Avlon: @Avlon

Production Credits

• Producers: Louis Driver & Jacqui McIntosh
• Recorded at: London Podcast Studios
• Cover Artwork Illustration: @bibanabi
• Cover Design: Louis Driver

Website: www.avloneurope.co.uk