The Definitive Guide To Scalp Care For Healthier Hair
The scalp is the foundation for strong, beautiful hair, yet it’s often overlooked in our daily routines. So today, we will discuss everything you need to know to create a proper scalp care routine for a healthy, happy scalp.
Your Scalp and Hair Health
Your scalp encompasses the skin that covers your skull, and it houses essential structures like hair follicles and sebaceous glands. These glands produce oil, known as sebum (you know, that pesky stuff that causes pimples!), which naturally conditions your hair and scalp.
When you think of scalp care, consider it as important as your facial skincare routine.
Your scalp is the foundation for your hair health. So logically, proper scalp care can lead to strong and healthy hair. A healthy scalp has balanced sebum production, which protects and nourishes the hair shafts, leading to stronger hair growth.
An unhealthy scalp can result from several factors, including skin conditions and imbalance (too dry or excessively oily skin, both of which can impact hair health).
Common Scalp Conditions
Dandruff is a frequent scalp issue where small flakes of dead skin are shed, often causing itching and irritation.
Dandruff is caused by factors such as dry skin, sensitivity to hair products, overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia, oily skin, or conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and eczema.
To combat dandruff and flakiness, you may want to consider shampoos with active ingredients like salicylic acid or ketoconazole. Salicylic acid helps remove scalp buildup, while ketoconazole is an antifungal agent that can reduce dandruff.
Head & Shoulders Bare Anti Dandruff Shampoo contains 1% pyrithione zinc to help reduce the growth of Malassezia yeast. Pyrithione zinc also has antibacterial and antifungal properties that reduce scalp irritation and flaking. (I like that the shampoo contains only 9 ingredients and is sulfate-free, silicone-free, and dye-free.)
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that causes itchy, scaly, red patches and rashes. In addition to the scalp, it can also affect other areas of your body with oil-producing glands, such as the face, eyebrows, and chest.
Scalp psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that leads to the rapid buildup of skin cells, causing thick, red, itchy patches with discolored scales on the scalp.
Excessive oiliness or dryness can also disrupt scalp health. Oily scalps may result from overactive sebaceous glands, while dry scalps can lead to itching and flaking.
Recognizing signs like persistent flaking, redness, or scaliness is important, as they may indicate the need for a dermatologist visit.
Daily Practices and Hair Care Routine
- Shampoo: 2-3 times a week or as little as 1x every few weeks, depending on your hair type
- Condition: After every shampoo
- Scalp massage: During each wash
- Detangling: Post-wash with a wide-toothed comb
- Brushing: Daily to distribute oils
- Optional – Hair Oil: Apply to scalp 1x – 2x a week for dry scalps, less often for oily scalps
Your daily hair care routine should be gentle yet effective. It’s important to choose the right shampoo to clean your scalp and hair without stripping it. Using a product suited for your hair type is vital for maintaining a healthy scalp.
Regular cleansing is necessary for removing dirt and sebum buildup, which can block hair follicles. Depending on your hair type, limit washing to a few times a week (or less) to prevent dryness, and when you do wash, massage your scalp gently to promote circulation.
Wash your hair with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. You may also consider incorporating a scalp exfoliator into your routine once a week to help remove dead skin cells without irritation.
After washing your hair, use a wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair without causing breakage. Regular brushing also helps distribute natural oils from the scalp along the hair shaft, which is beneficial for both your scalp and your hair’s overall health.
Hydration and Moisture
Conditioning is equally important as shampooing, as it keeps hair hydrated and supports scalp health.
You can also promote better moisture retention by applying a natural hair oil to your scalp and gently massaging it in, which boosts circulation and hydration. Effective natural oils for scalp nourishment include:
- Sunflower oil
- Coconut oil
- Jojoba oil
If You Have An Oily Scalp
If your scalp tends to be oily, one simple solution is to increase the frequency of shampooing. Washing your hair more often helps remove the excess oil that builds up between washes.
It’s important to choose the right products that specifically target oily scalps. Look for shampoos formulated to control sebum production without stripping your scalp of its natural oils.
Ingredients like tea tree oil, salicylic acid, or charcoal can help absorb excess oil while soothing the scalp. Be sure to avoid overly harsh shampoos, which can dry out your scalp and actually stimulate it to produce even more oil to compensate – the exact opposite of what we need.
For a deep clean, a clarifying shampoo can help reset the scalp. Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy Clarifying Shampoo contains vitamin B3, vitamin E, zinc, and peptides to remove scalp buildup.
Also, avoid applying heavy conditioners or oils directly to the scalp as this can worsen oiliness. Instead, focus conditioners on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair.
A DIY Scalp Treatment
If you prefer natural remedies, rinsing your hair with apple cider vinegar or using a clay mask once a week can help regulate oil production.
Apple cider vinegar, known for its antimicrobial properties, can be used as a rinse to balance scalp pH and reduce itchiness. Mix 8 oz water with 1/4 – 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (depending on how oily your scalp is) and use it as a rinse after shampooing. Leave it on for a few minutes (you get extra bonus points for massaging your scalp while it’s on) and rinse.
Or you can skip the DIY treatment and use a shampoo enriched with apple cider vinegar. Ouai Detox Shampoo cleanses the scalp, removing dirt, oil, and buildup with apple cider vinegar, and contains hydrolyzed keratin for hair strength. I like that it doesn’t smell too strongly of apple cider vinegar but leaves my hair soft and squeaky clean.
If You Have A Dry Scalp
Dry scalps can be itchy, flaky, and uncomfortable, often resulting in white flakes that are sometimes mistaken for dandruff. Unlike dandruff, which is caused by oil and fungal issues, a dry scalp is typically caused by a lack of moisture.
Factors like cold weather, excessive washing, harsh hair products, or even hot water can strip your scalp of its natural oils, leading to dryness.
To help combat this, one of the first steps is to shampoo less frequently. Daily washing can strip the scalp of its natural oils, so try spacing out your washes to a few times a week.
When you do shampoo, choose sulfate-free formulas that are gentler on your scalp and less drying. Look for shampoos that include hydrating ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera, or hyaluronic acid to help replenish moisture.
In addition to a moisturizing shampoo, using a rich conditioner or scalp-specific treatment can be super helpful for a dry scalp. Or skip the conditioner completely and use a hair mask in its place.
Hydrating masks, conditioners, and leave-in treatments specifically designed for dry scalps can help soothe irritation and infuse moisture back into the skin. Ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and avocado oil are great for providing deep hydration.
Something that is often overlooked is your environmental habits. Dry air, particularly in the winter, can exacerbate a dry scalp. Consider using a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air. Also, avoid using hot water when washing your hair—lukewarm water is much gentler on your scalp and will prevent further drying.
Scalp Massage
Scalp massage techniques can improve hair health, provide relaxation, and soothe both oily and dry scalps. These methods stimulate blood flow and offer numerous benefits for your scalp and hair.
Massaging your scalp can help balance oil production. By stimulating the sebaceous glands, you can achieve a more balanced scalp, reducing issues like dryness or excess oiliness.
To perform a scalp massage, warm a small amount of oil between your palms and gently massage it into your scalp, allowing it to penetrate. Use your fingertips to apply gentle but firm pressure in circular motions across your scalp. Start at your hairline and work your way back towards your neck.
Spend about 3-5 minutes massaging your entire scalp. Leave the oil on for at least 20 minutes, or overnight for maximum hydration, before rinsing it out. This not only helps lock in moisture but also improves blood circulation to the scalp, promoting healthier hair growth.
You can also try a scalp massager. I bought the very inexpensive one above (and below) from Amazon. You can find it here. Although the bristles look hard, they are actually made of silicone and aren’t too rigid on the scalp.
You can use a scalp massager on wet hair or as part of your shampooing process for added benefits. This will help distribute the shampoo evenly, remove product buildup, and stimulate your scalp.
Sun Protection and Avoiding Damage
The sun can be as damaging to your scalp as it is to your skin. To protect your scalp from harmful UV rays, incorporate products specifically formulated with UV protection for hair and scalp into your routine.
When outdoors, wearing a hat is a simple and effective method of protecting both your hair and scalp.
- UV Protection: Use hair care products with added protection from environmental stressors.
- Clothing: Wear a hat during prolonged sun exposure.
- Heat styling: Minimize use and apply protectants.
Avoid harsh treatments such as chemical relaxers or high heat from styling tools. These can damage your hair and scalp, leading to dryness and breakage. Instead, choose natural styling methods and protect your hair with heat protectant products when using heat.
Dealing with Hair Loss
If you’re experiencing significant hair loss, visiting your doctor can help you get to the root of the problem. Potential treatments range from topical medications like minoxidil to more advanced therapies such as hair restoration techniques.
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests several treatment options depending on the cause and extent of your hair loss.
Taking care of your scalp doesn’t have to be complicated! With a few simple steps and the right products and tools, you’ll be on your way to a healthier, happier scalp – and hair that looks and feels its best.
Read Next: 7 Common Haircare Mistakes Mou Might Be Making And How to Fix Them
