5 Tips for Great Scalp Health
When we buy shampoo, we often think of the benefits to our hair, rather than the effects on our scalp – but did you know that a healthy scalp equals healthy hair?
What is a Healthy Scalp?
Basically, your scalp is healthy if there are no bumps, scabs, acne, itchiness, redness, flakiness, irritation, pain, cysts, sun damage, or excessive hair loss.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, our scalp contains about 100,000 follicles, each containing a single hair. The follicles produce an oil substance (sebum) that helps moisturise the scalp and protects it from infection. It helps maintain the pH balance and supports the good bacteria on the scalp’s microbiome. An imbalance of the scalp microbiome has been linked to conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff) and atopic dermatitis (eczema). These and other scalp issues, such as psoriasis, are linked to hair breakage and rough hair and may even lead to premature hair loss, so any scalp inflammation can be harmful to your hair.
1. Use gentle hair products
Harsh chemicals in hair care products can affect your scalp and hair, so the next time you buy a hair care product, stay clear of the following ingredients:
- Dye and bleach may damage the hair shaft and scalp skin.
- Sulphates can strip away the natural oils in your hair and remove dead skin cells, which makes the scalp dry and prone to irritation.
- Alcohol and fragrances suck the moisture out of your hair, which may leave you with a dry, itchy, irritated scalp.
- Parabens (a preservative) are easily absorbed through your skin and can be harmful to your scalp. It’s been associated with a number of hair problems, including drying out the hair, scalp irritation, fading your colour, and hair loss.
2. Wash your hair regularly
If you don’t wash your hair regularly, the combination of product, dirt, and sebum can cause build-up on the scalp, leading to scalp problems. If it’s left for too long, this excess debris can clog the follicles and cause itching, flaking, or worse, lead to infections.
But how often should you wash your hair? Everyone’s hair is different, and there are several factors that affect how you should shampoo your hair, including your age, ethnic background, hair length and hair type. For those with extremely dry hair, long hair, older women, or those who have coarse hair, increase the time between washes to balance out the oil production.
Even those with oily hair, don’t need to shampoo every day as it strips away the natural oils, which may cause the scalp to produce more oil. Three to four times a week should be sufficient.
Signs you’re washing too often, however, include dry, brittle hair, hair breakage and a dry, irritated scalp. If you’re washing your hair too few times, it can lead to dandruff, and in this case, you may need a medicated shampoo to get rid of it.
3. Don’t keep your hair wet for long periods of time
If you’re in the habit of keeping your hair wrapped up in a bun or your leave-in conditioner keeps your hair (and scalp) wet for long, you may be creating a breeding ground for unwanted bacteria on the scalp. Bacteria thrive in warm, moist areas, so allow your hair to dry properly after a wash.
4. Try scalp exfoliation
Scalp exfoliation helps clean out anything that might clog or block the follicles, and so helps to remove build- up caused by products and helps with oiliness, dryness, or flaky scalp issues. You can exfoliate by using an exfoliation tool or scrub with granules to help buff away any dead surface skin cells.
5. Eat more antioxidants
Free radicals – the unstable molecules that form naturally or when you’re exposed to environmental pollutants such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, and sunlight – can cause oxidative stress, a process that can trigger cell damage. They are responsible for breaking down the skin’s collagen, resulting in wrinkling, dark spots, fine lines, saggy skin and can also affect the health of your scalp. Antioxidant molecules, on the other hand, counteracts oxidative stress. Types of antioxidants include vitamin C vitamin E, selenium, and carotenoids.
The best way to get those antioxidants in is by eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Not only is it good for your skin, but for the rest of the body as well!
What about oiling?
When it comes to putting oil on your scalp, there are pros and cons. Massaging oil on your scalp helps to stimulate blood circulation. It’s also a good way of moisturising the scalp – special oils also contain useful vitamins and minerals which can nourish your scalp and encourage hair growth. What you need to watch out for, though, is using too much oil! Too much oil can cause build-up, which can cause dandruff, and make your hair look greasy. But, as long as you are washing your hair regularly, you can avoid excess oil in your hair.
While these tips will help you maintain a healthy scalp, if you do develop a chronic scalp condition, speak to a dermatologist or health care professional to get the right treatment for you.
References
- Atoyebi, A. 7 trichologist tips for a healthy scalp. Accessed on 2 March 2023. Available from https://eu.curlsmith.com/blogs/scalp-health/healthy-scalp-tips
- Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Here’s How Often You Should Wash Your Hair. Cleveland Clinic [Online]. Accessed on 6 March 2023. Available from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-dirty-truth-about- washing-your-hair/
- Dr Serkan Aygın Clinic. (2022). Harmful Ingredients in Hair Products. Dr Serkan Aygın Clinic [Online]. Accessed on 6 March 2023. Available from https://www.drserkanaygin.com/blog/harmful- ingredients-in-hair-products/
- Marsha, B. (2020). The Pros and Cons of Oiling Your Scalp. Naturally Curly [Online]. Accessed on 7 March 2023. Available from https://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/how-tos-styles/the-pros- and-cons-of-oiling-your-scalp
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (n.d.) Antioxidants: In Dept. Accessed on 6 March 2023. Available from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/antioxidants-in- depth#:~:text=Examples%20of%20antioxidants%20include%20vitamins,suggests%20sources%20for% 20additional%20information
- Risher, B. (2020). Healthy Scalp Tips for Strong, Shiny Hair. Healthline [Online]. Accessed on 2 March 2023. Available from https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/healthy-scalp
- Rivas, G. (2022). Why You Should Exfoliate Your Scalp, According to Experts. Real Simple [Online]. Accessed on 6 March 2023. Available from https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/hair/hair- care/how-to-scalp-exfoliation
- Trüeb, R. M., Henry, J. P., Davis, M. G., & Schwartz, J. R. (2018). Scalp Condition Impacts Hair Growth and Retention via Oxidative Stress. International journal of trichology, 10(6), 262–270. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijt.ijt_57_18
