How To Have A Healthy Scalp: 6 Unbelievably Easy Ways
Whether or not we want to admit it, having a healthy scalp eludes most of us. Dry or itchy scalp, oily hair — these are just a few persistent scalp issues we deal with daily.
Sure, they may not be a bother. But the thought of having a perfectly healthy scalp is an opportunity we don't want to pass up.
Another more pressing issue is that we don't know how to improve scalp health. We pick out hair products like shampoos and conditioners based on how they'll benefit our head full of hair, not our scalp.
However, the same can't be said for those with medically-diagnosed scalp issues, who must constantly deal with scratching, dandruff, and other embarrassing finds on their scalp.
Much as we tend to put scalp health on the back burner, we don't want to ignore it. We don't want to take a healthy scalp for granted, so understanding the best practices for scalp health is crucial.
Want to have a healthy scalp, prevent hair loss, and achieve optimal hair growth? Below are some tips to help out.
What Is A Healthy Scalp?
A healthy scalp generally feels free of itchiness, is smooth to the touch, and doesn't cause your hair to fall off.
Dermatologists also agree that a healthy scalp is free of the following:
- Redness
- Scaly patches
- Irritation
- Pain
- Acne
- Sun damage
- Hair loss
- Cysts
The occasional itchiness may not be a cause for concern. Still, if you experience it almost chronically, alongside other signs of inflammation, there's a high chance you have a scalp problem.
You don't want to leave your scalp skin untreated, as it could slow hair growth or lead to permanent scalp issues and hair loss.
Tips To Get An Itch-Free, Healthy Scalp
Simple changes to approaching hair and scalp health can go a long way in making a difference for your scalp. It can be as easy as applying gentle shampooing techniques or using hair straighteners only occasionally.
Below are simple scalp health tips you can follow at home. You should visit a dermatologist for professional advice if you still experience persistent scalp problems even after trying out these tips.
Also check: Dandruff Treatment in Singapore
1. Use The Right Hair Care Products
All hair care products you find in the market may be advertised as safe for your hair, but not every shampoo or conditioner is formulated equally.
Generally, you'll want to steer clear of hair products which contain harsh chemicals like sulfates, fragrances, or alcohol.
Sulfates, for instance, strip away the natural oils from your scalp, leaving your hair and scalp dry. If you have dye-treated hair, sulfates can also dull the hair's colour.
Meanwhile, alcohol can lead to dry, brittle hair and excessive hair loss. The same effect can be observed in hair products formulated with artificial fragrances.
The solution? Use an all-natural, sulfate-free shampoo. Two Herbs' Moisture Repair Shampoo is formulated specifically for dry hair. Not only that but it's also recommended for use with hair loss shampoo.
Thanks to the nourishing properties of lauric acid in coconut oil, this shampoo absorbs quickly into your hair, giving moisture and taming any frizziness.
2. Don't Wash Your Hair Too Often
Another way to protect your scalp and avoid common scalp health conditions is by - and you won't believe this - washing your hair less often.
Contrary to popular belief, there is such a thing as washing your hair too often, even more so when applying shampoo frequently.
While shampoo helps clean your scalp and eliminate the excess oil, overusing it can cause damage. Shampoo strips the scalp of natural oils, leaving the hair and scalp too dry.
Instead, limit your hair washing to two to three times a week. If you spot more itching, there's probably flaking due to the dirt. Take this as a sign to wash your hair and use shampoo free of harsh chemicals.
3. Consume More Antioxidants
A dry scalp can benefit from a diet rich in antioxidants, especially when combating oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress is when your scalp weakens its grip on your hair follicles, leading to hair loss. This phenomenon also increases free radicals in your body, which attack hair cells, speeding up your hair's ageing process.
Aside from its effects on the hair, oxidative stress is also the culprit for other common health conditions like diabetes and cancer. So, eat various green leafy vegetables and natural produce rich in antioxidants.
For example, carrots strengthen hair strands by assisting in cell hair growth. Incorporating them into your diet can make your hair shinier and moisturised.
4. Gently Massage Your Hair
Admit it: You often find yourself aggressively shampooing your hair. But gentleness is the way to go.
Aggressively rubbing your scalp while shampooing will inevitably lead to breakage and increased scalp sensitivity. You may also find scratches and abrasions if you rub your scalp too vigorously.
Avoid a permanently damaged scalp by using gentle shampooing techniques. When shampooing, massage your scalp instead of rubbing it. This helps improve blood circulation in the scalp.
Apply light pressure on your fingertips, which aids in incorporating the hair product's nutrients into the scalp and hair follicles.
5. Exfoliate Your Scalp
Another way to achieve a healthier scalp is by constantly exfoliating it. Think about it: your hair and scalp frequently face stress from excessive product use, frequent washing, etc.
Try scalp exfoliation. It's a form of scalp treatment which can easily remove buildup, unclog pores, and promote an overall healthy scalp.
Exfoliation also ensures a healthy scalp by preventing the formation of dead skin cells. Try a scalp scrub now and then. It can help address dry or itchy scalp, dandruff, or eczema — a scalp condition that causes itchy, dry skin and inflammation on the scalp.
Try out Two Herbs' Scalp Peeling Gel, which cleanses and exfoliates the scalp by removing buildup from dead skin cells, styling products, and excessive oil.
It contains Centella Asiatica, an ancient Chinese-Indian herbal medicine formulation known for its anti-fungal and hydrating properties.
6. Use UV Protection
Similar to how the rest of the skin on your body needs protection from UV or ultraviolet rays, so does your scalp. UV rays can cause damage, redness, sunburn, itchiness, and dull hair colour.
To protect your scalp against these issues, we recommend wearing an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) hat.
Simple tricks such as avoiding tanning beds or wearing a loose hat on your head can offer scalp protection from the sun.
Read more: 10 Best Hair And Scalp Treatments In Singapore
Conclusion About Achieving A Healthy Scalp
Finding the right hair treatment is essential for tackling hair loss. If you’re looking for natural remedies, our herbal hair loss treatment offer a plant-based approach to healthier hair. For men facing hair thinning, our specialized male hair loss treatment in Singapore can help you regain confidence. Additionally, maintaining a healthy scalp is key consider our scalp treatment for hair loss for the best care.
You may also contact us for more information. We'd be happy to help you understand more about our hair treatment products.
Frequently Asked Questions About
Achieving A Healthy Scalp
What Causes Poor Scalp Health?
An unhealthy scalp is due to a combination of overlapping factors, such as stress, poor hygiene, poor eating habits, etc. A typical scalp problem is a buildup around the hair follicles caused by overusing hair chemicals, dry shampoo, sprays, and heavy oils.
How Can You Tell If Your Scalp Is Healthy?
You'll know you have a healthy scalp if you don't have dandruff, signs of ageing, infection, or damaged hair follicles.
What Are Some Signs Of Unhealthy Hair?
Here are some signs of poor hair health:
- Split ends
- Excess hair loss
- Brittle or easily-damaged hair
- Lack of volume
- Dullness
- Hair strands snap or break off easily
Can Hair Grow Back On Damaged Scalp?
If you're concerned with hair growth after damaging your scalp, don't worry because your hair can easily grow back more often than not. However, consult your doctor if you suspect you have alopecia, which can stop the hair follicles from producing hair altogether.
