Good scalp health is essential for healthy hair. A healthy scalp can lead to fuller, shinier and stronger hair.
Why is a healthy scalp so important?
“The scalp and its structures are essential for all follicular activity, including hair formation, also known as keratinization and hair growth,” said trichologist Bridgette Hill of First For Women.
Besides, according to trichologist Mandy Buechner, “having healthy hair requires having a healthy scalp.”
What can affect the health of your scalp?
According to Hill, “health conditions, medications, stress, diet, hormones, genetics, poor hair styling techniques, and mineral and nutrient deficiencies can all impact scalp health.”
“The hair follicle can be negatively affected and threaten hair growth if there is a lack of vitamins, minerals, nutrients, deteriorating health, intake of toxic drugs or high levels of cortisol due to our stressful lives.”
In addition, aging can also affect the scalp. “The skin of the scalp experiences similar shifts, just like the skin on our faces.
Here are the most common scalp problems and some basic treatment advice from Buechner and Hill.
How to deal with a flaky scalp?
Flaky or dry scalp can be slightly relieved with exfoliation by gently exfoliating the skin around the scalp.
Alternatively, using a brush to massage your scalp will help get rid of the flakes.
How to treat itchy scalp?
Hill says it’s also a good idea to start the process of elimination by eliminating controllable irritants, hair products, and general external things that can cause itching.
In most cases, an itchy scalp means you need to wash your hair more often.
How to treat dry scalp?
Hill offers some ideas that might be helpful. “Use a gentle shampoo that’s not too thick or formulated to remove flakes.”
Increasing the amount of fatty acid-rich and hydrating items in your diet is also a smart move. He also recommends drinking more water.
How to treat oily scalp?
Applying the oil to the hair from the mid-section to the ends is recommended for treating oily scalps as it can weigh down the hair and make it look greasier.
Additionally, try to avoid touching your hair too much as this could cause more oil to be transferred to your scalp and hair.
How to treat dandruff?
Treating dandruff may require more shampooing. Hill recommends using products containing alpha-hydroxy acids, sulfur, zinc, salicylic acid, and selenium sulfide.