Hair Care Tips for a Healthy Scalp

Healthy hair doesn’t just solely rely on great hair strands. Your scalp also needs to be cared for to ensure your hair looks and feels its best, and there's no better way to take care of your scalp then with these easy hair care tips!

Treat Dry Scalp

One of the most common scalp issues involves an itchy or dry scalp, which can also be accompanied by unsightly flakes. The good news is that because this is a common issue, there are plenty of hair care products that can help combat the problem. Shampoos, conditioners and treatments are all available that are tailor-made for dry, itchy scalps. The key is to think of treating your scalp as you would the skin on your body or face. Handle it with care and use products that will nourish and moisturize, and make sure you drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin from within.

Hair care tip: a flakey or itchy scalp should not be confused with dandruff, which is a medical condition. Although dandruff will also cause an itchy scalp and flakes, dandruff flakes are much larger and usually yellow in color. Flakes that accompany a dry scalp are small and white - just like dry skin on any other part of your body. If you’re not sure if it’s just dry skin or dandruff, see a trichologist who can professionally examine your scalp and diagnose the problem.

Don’t Skimp On Conditioner

Shampoo is cleansing, and by default, drying so conditioner is necessary to keep your scalp hydrated. To ensure that you get the most out of your conditioner, squeeze as much water out of your hair strands as you can before applying. That way the nourishing power of your conditioner doesn’t get diluted and your strands and scalp get all that they can from the moisture boost.

Protect Your Scalp

Just as extreme heat will wreak havoc on your locks; it will also cause distress to your scalp. Cover up with a hat whenever you’re in the sun for long periods of time, protect your scalp with hair styling products that contain sunscreen and avoid really hot showers and heat styling overuse.

Be Savvy When Styling

When styling your hair, avoid spraying any styling products directly onto your scalp as this could cause irritation and product build up. And while we’re talking about build up, don’t forget to use a clarifying shampoo once a week to rid your scalp of any nasty hair product residue.

Brush with Care

Avoid damaging your scalp by using a hair brush with natural bristles. A natural bristle brush is nice and soft and won’t irritate or damage the skin on your scalp.

Massage Your Scalp

When shampooing your hair, gently massage the shampoo into your scalp using the pads of your fingers. This will help to loosen dry flakes and product buildup so it can be washed from your hair, giving you a healthier scalp. A scalp massage will also promote healthy blood flow.

Choose the Right Hairstyle

Loose hairstyles that don’t put any strain on your scalp are the perfect choices if you want to look after your scalp as best as you can.

If you do like to wear your hair pulled up on the scalp in ponytails and updos though, you still can, just try to avoid making the styles too tight around your scalp.