How to care for your Scalp

Scalp care should be a pivotal part of our overall hair care routine, but it is often an overlooked aspect.

Many of us only think about one thing when it comes to our hair, and that is the hair shaft itself.

Not only is this just a small part of the overall picture of Hair Health, but it could only be looking at what is going on on a superficial level..

Often overlooked, our scalp, like our skin, is a complex organ that provides much of the necessary nutrients for the hair shaft and serves as a protective layer for our bodies. An unhealthy scalp can lead to many conditions that can become uncomfortable and require ongoing medical care.

In this blog, we will explore what a healthy and unhealthy scalp consists of and the best ways to treat and incorporate this important step into your Hair Care routine.

Let's get to know your scalp

The scalp is made up of 5 layers

Skin

Connective tissue

Aponeurosis

Loose Areolar Tissue

Periosteum

Your Hair bulb, Follicle and Shaft lie between the Connective tissue and Skin, arteries, and Sebaceous glands that control oil to the hair shaft, and your scalp lies here as well.

The scalp is the anatomical area bordered by the human face at the front, and by the neck at the sides and back.

What Makes a Healthy Scalp?

A healthy scalp is similar to healthy skin; it should look Smooth, Hydrated and free from red marks, bumps and flakes. As it is where the hair follicles reside, it is essential to ensure it is in good condition to help prevent conditions that could damage the way your hair grows.

It can be challenging to determine if your scalp is healthy or not, as most of it is covered in hair. However, as we explore in the next part of our journey, there are signs to look for if your scalp is in trouble.

Signs of an Unhealthy Scalp...

As we were saying, just like our skin, our scalp can tell us if it needs some tender loving care...

Signs of an unhealthy scalp can include dry, flaky skin, redness, itching, irritation, weeping sores or bumps, and hair damage and buildup, all of which indicate that something isn't right in scalp town.

All these factors can make your hair brittle, easily alter its texture, or, in the worst case, cause permanent hair loss if not treated properly.

Most scalp conditions will improve with proper hair care, but some, such as psoriasis and Seborrheic Dermatitis, require a professional diagnosis from your GP or a Dermatologist. Your Hairdresser can also be a great help in the fight against the dreaded flake.

Other signs that an underlying Health problem with your scalp can be caused by parasites like Head Lice and ringworm need to be treated with medication and home remedies before returning to the hair salon.

How to practise good Scalp Care

Here's the good news. At Harris & Co. Salon, we have some great tips on how to practise good scalp care at home and when coming to the salon.

We asked JimitheHairGuy for his tips on good scalp care.

Invest in salon-quality products.

Opting for salon-quality shampoos and conditioners guarantees that you are receiving the correct type of product for your hair and scalp, which will impart the proper nutrients. Your hairdresser will recommend the best treatment for your specific needs.

Staying away from Hair care products with Sulphates and parabens that strip the natural oils from your scalp and hair will help protect your scalp's protective layer from drying out.

Try not to over wash your hair; if possible, wash it only once or twice a week, depending on how oily your hair becomes. Washing twice with shampoo ensures that you are removing any buildup and excess oil. Avoid applying conditioner and masks directly to your scalp; instead, use your conditioner only on the ends of your hair, working your way up close to the roots.

Avoid Heat

Try to limit the use of heat on your scalp; using hot tools or blow-drying your hair every day is detrimental to your scalp and hair health. Try different hairstyles that don't require hot tools and let your hair air-dry when possible. If you do need to use your hair dryer, make sure it's on a low heat setting to avoid drying out your hair and scalp.

Protect your Hair

UV rays are not beneficial to any of us, and we are all aware of the effects they have on our hair; the same applies to our scalp. Wearing a hat when outside is the best line of defence against sun exposure.

What's on the inside counts

Eating a healthy diet and avoiding foods high in histamines can help with overall skin and scalp care. Foods such as leafy greens, fish, poultry, meat, seeds, nuts, and eggs can help keep scalp issues at bay.

Checking your vitamin levels with your doctor can also help the hair and scalp obtain the necessary nutrients to function properly. Low levels of Vitamin B2, B6, and B12, as well as zinc, are significant reasons for scalp issues. As well as certain hormone imbalances.

Biotin, Zinc, Selenium, Vitamin C, Iron, omega-3, silica, and Vitamin A are all great vitamins to help keep your scalp healthy.

The right tools count

A good scalp brush will help stimulate and exfoliate your scalp, aid with blood flow and circulation, and promote hair growth.

They typically feature silicone teeth and a handle for easy use.

There are other tools for scalp health, such as a Derma Scalp roller that features small needles and a roller that can be rolled over the skin and scalp to stimulate it. This tool can also aid in the absorption of certain topical products.

Another is an LED red light therapy device that helps with hair growth and stimulates collagen production to reduce the appearance of scarring.

As you can see, maintaining a healthy scalp involves more than just the products you use to wash your hair. Understanding scalp care is essential to maintaining a healthy, itch-free scalp.