Scalp Health: 101
Scalp health. It doesn’t sound quite as sexy or alluring as the bombshell wave, the Brazilian blowout or a keratin treatment. But scalp health may be the most important aspect of hair care. It’s like the soil for the garden from which your luxurious hair can grow.
Scalp issues = hair issues.
Scalp health = hair health.
Start at the root
Every single individual hair on your head grows from a follicle on your scalp. At the root it is vital that your scalp and follicles are clean, unobstructed, healthy and have the right balance of sebum (the oil your follicles produce).
If your follicles are clogged with excess sebum, dead skin, dandruff, inflammation or infection, your hair will suffer the consequences. Follicles that are blocked off for too long or have been permanently damaged can lead to problems with hair growth, hair health and can be a primary source of hair loss.
So, what are the “secrets” to great scalp health? The big picture is that you want a scalp that is clean, with open follicles and good blood flow. You also have to find the balance of oils and moisture while harmonizing the microbiome of your scalp. that’s right, you scalp has its own microbiome of helpful microbes, oils and bacteria that contribute to overall scalp and hair health.
The real “secret” to scalp health is that it’s highly individualized. That’s why we recommend coming in for a consultation if you’re concerned. Each head of hair is so unique and every scalp issue has its own nuances.
That said, here are some general tips that can apply to nearly every scalp.
Avoid silicones, sulfates, parabens and other irritants – where possible
Ingredients that end in “cones” (the silicones, dimethicones, trimethicones) are generally no-no’s. They’re heavy and can block the follicles. Sulfates strip your hair of its natural oils. Parabens can disrupt hormones and potentially irritate your scalp. Other irritants should be avoided like products with a high alcohol content as they can dry out your scalp.
Exfoliate
Dead skin cells can build up on your scalp. When these skin cells mingle with sweat, oils and environmental buildup, your scalp can run into issues like dandruff, inflammation and infection. Use an exfoliant like our Kosette’s salt scalp scrub once or twice a week. Try small, gentle circular motions with your fingers, then leave it for a couple of minutes before rinsing.
Moisturize
Moisturizing can get tricky. Too much dryness and you have an excess of dead skin cells. Too much moisture and your hair hangs heavy, while your follicles can become blocked. It’s often very seasonal so you can expect to intensify the moisture in the winter and lighten up in the summer. One of the big things that people forget is to drink water! Hydrate your body to hydrate your scalp and hair. You also need to find the right products for your hair type (we’ve got you covered!) to get the right moisture balance.
Find a Schedule for Washing Your Hair
Here’s where the great debate rages on scalp health. On the one hand we need a clean and clear scalp for great hair health. On the other hand we need to let our natural oils and hair’s microbiome thrive to create the ideal scalp environment. Some people swear by washing their hair every day, others wash once a week. We recommend something in the middle, every other day or every couple days. Again, each individual’s hair has different needs and your lifestyle and environment also factors into how often your hair should be washed. Come in for a cut and style and we’ll talk deets on how much washing your hair needs.
We want the best for you, your scalp and your lustrous locks. Try out these scalp health tips and really listen to what your scalp and hair are telling you. If you need some deeper expert advice, come in and see us. We’re here for you.