Scalp Health

Would you ever have imagined taking care of your scalp with the same vigor and energy as you use to take care of your skin? What’s more, many of us wouldn’t even dream of using products that contain ingredients that are synonymous with skincare products.

However, plenty of women continue to discover the need for routine care of the scalp. Here is an obvious reason why: you stand to get thick, luscious, and healthy hair. That in itself should be reason enough.

Keep in mind that under the skin of your scalp is a tirelessly working system that is trying to grow your hair. The least you can do is to help it work efficiently.

Let’s find out how to best take care of the skin on our scalps.

1. Exfoliate Your Scalp

Exfoliating the skin on your scalp helps remove dead cells and promotes cell turnover. New cells develop which helps to fight dry skin, dandruff and also promotes hair growth.

A great way to exfoliate the scalp is to find a shampoo that contains ingredients such as salicylic acid. This will penetrate through the hair and work its magic on the scalp.

2. Moisturise Your Scalp

One of the leading causes of dry skin other than dehydration is exposing the scalp to high temperatures. For instance, when taking a hot bath or shower, you wash away the natural sebum oils which keep your scalp moisturised.

Instead, try using Luke warm water as this will not wash all the sebum from your scalp. Also, try and avoid using the blow drier and instead allow your hair to air dry.

3. Massage the Scalp

You may never have seen the need to massage your scalp. However, underneath the scalp is a network of blood vessels that feed the tissue with oxygen and nutrients. By massaging, you promote blood flow to the area which means more oxygen and more nutrients. The results is longer thicker hair.

If you like to treat yourself, you may even want to consider getting a professional massage.

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4. Take Care with Chemical Treatments

Chemical treatments can improve the look of your hair but they can also harm the scalp. This can result in damaged hair follicles thus limiting hair growth.

It is never a good thing when you experience discomfort or a burning sensation with chemicals. This is why it is important to get treatment from a professional. In case you experience any discomfort, notify your stylist immediately.

5. Use Shampoo

Regularly cleaning your hair is a good thing. It is important to also choose the right shampoo for you. You can never go wrong with a shampoo that contains natural ingredients. This will help moisturise and nourish your scalp. What’s more, it will boost hair growth resulting in healthier and longer hair.

Note however that if you are experiencing hair problems such as breakage and other scalp problems, it is best to wash your hair less often.

6. Keep Your Scalp Safe From UV Rays

One of the most prominent types of cancers in the western world is skin cancer. Very often it will affect the scalp since it receives the brunt of the UV radiation. One way to protect your scalp from the negative effects of UV rays is to wear a hat. You can also apply shampoo that contains sunscreen if you plan on staying out for a long time.

7. Eat Healthily

Remember what we said about blood vessels helping to supply nutrition and oxygen to the scalp? It makes sense therefore to eat a healthy diet. Have plenty of vegetables and fruit. These will provide the required minerals and vitamins for a healthy scalp. Also consume protein-dense foods such as eggs, meat, and poultry. These provide the scalp with the protein needed to make long and healthy hair.

8. Take Supplements

If you feel like you are not getting enough vitamins and minerals from your diet for hair growth, consider supplements. These should not be taken without first consulting your dermatologist.
They will evaluate your condition and suggest the best type of supplement for your scalp. After taking supplements for a reasonable length of time, you will begin to notice longer healthier hair.

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9. Reduce Stress

Your levels of stress will influence your hormonal levels as well which can cause pimples to break out in your scalp. It can also cause dryness of the scalp as well as too much oiliness. As a result, you will notice that the quality of your hair begins to drop.
Reduce stress as much as possible by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You can opt for yoga classes as well as taking time off a busy schedule to relax.

10. Use a Toner

All those hair products can take their toll on your scalp leaving behind lots of impurities. One great way to clean your scalp and to get rid of all those impurities using a toner. An added benefit of using toners on your scalp is that they can teach the scalp to produce fewer oils.

11. Get Plenty of Sleep

When we finally retire to bed, we provide our bodies with time to repair muscle, bone, and yes hair. It is crucial therefore to get sufficient amounts of sleep. Doctors recommend at least 8 hours of sleep.

Also, ensure that you avoid taking any stimulants in the early afternoon as these can make it hard to fall asleep which means your scalp will not enjoy the benefits that come with sufficient sleep.

12. Start Now

Many of us have a tendency to neglect the scalp and focus on our skins more. Only when we start to notice thinning of the hair or retraced hairline do we take the time to take care of our scalp.

It is better to prevent the problem than to treat the problem. Therefore, start now even if your hair feels healthy. You will ensure that you continue having healthy long hair for years to come.