What to Know About Scalp Care

Scalp care is an integral part of maintaining healthy hair and skin. Unfortunately, most people neglect their scalps because the skin is not quite as visible to the eyes. But did you know that the scalp is the foundation and jumping-off point for healthy hair growth, which can lead to bigger problems if not taken care of?

While the scalp only makes up a small percentage of your body, it has one of the most extensive skin surfaces in relation to the rest of the body. This makes it more susceptible to dry and flaky, further leading to irritation and inflammation. A lack of scalp care can cause problems like dandruff, acne, and even hair loss. 

It’s essential to take care of your scalp to have healthy, flake-free hair. This post will discuss everything you need to know about proper scalp care. 

Functions of the Scalp

It may seem like the skin that makes up the scalp is different from the skin on other areas of your body. But the fact is that the scalp skin is almost the same as the rest of your skin, except that it’s a little denser. 

The scalp comprises five layers of tissue instead of the three layers that make up the rest of our skin. Unlike the rest of your skin, the scalp produces more oils and houses 10 million follicles. Your hair strands shoot out from the follicles in your scalp, meaning the condition of your scalp can affect the growth and health of your hair. 

The oil produced by your scalp helps keep the skin and hair moisturized, which is crucial for healthy and shiny hair. The scalp also has sensory nerves that alert us to the sensation of discomforts like irritation, itchiness, or pain. And last but not least, the scalp acts as a barrier to protect our skulls from injury, infections, and trauma.

What Does a Healthy Scalp Look Like

So, how do you know if your scalp is in good condition? A healthy scalp isn't dry or flaky and lacks redness or irritation. Also, the lack of buildups, scales, and odor are signs of a happy and healthy scalp. Any of these signs in your scalp could indicate the use of harsh products, lack of scalp care, or in some cases, an autoimmune disorder. Consult a dermatologist to get your scalp examined if you experience any of these issues consistently.

Tips to Care for Your Scalp

Scalp care removes any buildup of products or dirt from the skin. Also, if your scalp is excessively oily, you may want to remove the oil to keep your skin and hair in good condition. Ensure to wash your hair with a gentle shampoo to remove debris and product buildup without causing any side effects. 

On the other hand, if your scalp is dry, it’s critical to moisturize it with chemical-free, natural oils. Avoid harsh scrubs on the dry scalp because doing so can strip your hair and skin of the essential oils and cause irritation. 

The shampoo and other hair products you use must be free of chemicals like alcohol, parabens, and sulfates because these elements can trigger scalp problems.

How to Care for Dry Scalp

Here're more tips on caring for dry scalp:

• Include a scalp toner in your hair care regimen.
• Use scalp or hair moisturizers that contain natural ingredients like aloe vera or camphor.
• Use a gentle, chemical-free shampoo and conditioner.
• Wash your hair less often.
• Don't wash your hair with hot water.

How to Care for Oily Scalp

One of the common problems many people experience is an oily scalp. This condition happens when your scalp produces excess sebum. In most cases, this is a genetic issue. Extra oil can trigger other problems like dandruff, limp hair, and scalp irritation.

Here are some tips for coping with an oily scalp:

• Apply baby powder to the roots of your hair.
• Shampoo your hair more often.
• Wash your hair with sulfate-free, dry shampoo.
• Don't always use clarifying shampoo.
• Use scalp exfoliators to remove product buildup, debris, or direct from the scalp.
• Avoid heat tools.