It is difficult to know where to start when it comes to scalp care, or to even know what proper scalp care is.
Your scalp is an extensions of your body’s largest organ, your skin, and it’s through the flow of blood that your scalp and hair gets all the nutrients that it needs. The sebaceous glands create an oily substance that conditions the scalp and hair and helps it to retain moisture. This oil also creates the perfect environment to support good bacteria and reduce the proliferation of harmful ones. Your scalp has an important job, a job that often goes unnoticed until something interferes with its delicate balance.
There is a lot of information out there when it comes to caring for your scalp. So, to clear up any confusion, we are here to give you the best, proven tips to help you achieve and maintain a healthy scalp.
Cleanse Regularly
The combination of products, dirt, sebum, and environmental pollution can build up on the scalp, leading to many unwanted issues. When left to build up for too long, it can cause the hair follicles to suffocate preventing them from obtaining the moisture and protein they need to thrive. At worse, it can also cause itching, flaky scalp, and even pimples and infections on the scalp.
Cleansing your hair and scalp at least weekly is ideal for maintaining a healthy scalp. If you’re someone who has particularly oily hair, or uses heavy styling products, the frequency of how often to wash your hair may be different. You want to choose a clarifying shampoo that won’t strip your scalp or strands but will, instead, gently remove buildup and hydrate your hair. It is important that in cleansing regularly, you use a sulphate-free shampoo instead of a strong sulphated cleanser, which may strip the hair entirely and leave your scalp lacking enough natural oils.
Boost Blood Flow
One of your scalp’s jobs is to get the nutrients from the blood and use them to aid hair growth. Good circulation can support scalp health by delivering oxygen and key nutrients to hair follicles. Massaging the scalp regularly is a great way to increase scalp circulation. You can massage it with your fingertips or with a specialised massager.
Brush Your Hair
Brushing your hair regularly not only keeps it looking and feeling nice, but it’s also actually an important part of scalp care and contributes to scalp health. Your scalp naturally produces the oils and sebum your hair needs to stay healthy. When you brush your hair, you carry those oils from the root through the length of the hair shaft to the ends, adding natural conditioning and shine.
Stay Hydrated
You probably already know that drinking water is good for your skin — but it’s good for your scalp, too. Staying hydrated can help prevent loss of skin elasticity and promote circulation and oil production in the scalp, which can help protect against common scalp conditions such as itchiness and irritation.
Sun Protection
UV radiation is a leading cause of scalp irritation and, if left unchecked, can lead to more serious skin conditions. On days when you know you’ll be outside for extended periods of time, apply sunblock to exposed areas or wear a hat to protect your scalp from the sun’s rays.
The secret to a healthy scalp
When it comes to scalp care, for the most part, less is more. What that means is that, outside of trying to correct a specific issue, your scalp already does a pretty great job at regulating itself. It is always best to view proper scalp care as a set of practices and products that support and protect the scalp’s ability to perform optimally.