We all make a conscious effort to look after our hair, but often, our scalps are neglected. Your scalp is the skin which covers your head, and it’s important to look after your scalp, as it can become easily irritates, leading to dandruff, hair-loss, discomfort and other scalp-related issues.
We can’t see what’s going on with our scalps, as it’s not entirely visible, but the scalp is home to many nerve endings, which is what makes the scalp very sensitive to damage and sensitivity issues.
It’s important to look after your scalp if you want healthy hair. If you have an unhappy, irritated scalp, your hair is going to suffer too. By having a healthy scalp, it can help prevent hair loss, and promote healthy hair growth, as well as keeping the skin on your head fully hydrated, and preventing any potential discomfort.
The scalp works to protect the underlying structure of the head and neck from injury, and is thought to be an important part of your immune system. Did you know that the scalp can help regulate the body’s temperature? It can release sweat to help cool us down when necessary, so the health of our scalp is very important.
How To Prevent Dry, Flaky Scalps?
Dry and flaky scalps are common, and there are many different factors that can contribute to the dryness of the scalp. One of the most common causes of a dry scalp is a lack of sebum production in the scalp, as sebum is responsible for moisturising and protecting the scalp.
If you have an oily scalp, it could be a good idea to wash your hair less often, to ensure the scalp isn’t depleted of serum, as well as opting for a shampoo with as little chemicals as possible. Coconut oil works as a good hydrator for the hair and scalp, and can be left on the hair overnight whilst you sleep, and it’ll help to improve the condition of your hair too.
5 Simple Steps for Healthy Scalps
If you struggle with an itchy scalp, and dandruff, a sulfate-free shampoo is advisable. Sulfates in regular shampoos can dry out your scalp, leading to irritation and discomfort. Sulfate-free shampoos are a lot more gentle, and will not strip away natural oils, to keep your scalp in the best condition possible.
If you use a lot of hair styling products, the ingredients within the chemicals build up on the scalp, which leads to dryness. So, it’s important to regularly get rid of build-up once a week, by using a clarifying detox shampoo to remove all product build-up, dirt and impurities.
I suffer from a dry scalp myself, and swear by using a super nourishing hair mask at least once a week, and leave it on my hair for as long as possible. It really helps to give the scalp a hydration boost, and always helps if my scalp is feeling particularly itchy or uncomfortable.
It’s important to protect your scalp, and it’s easy to neglect the scalp. When we’re on holiday, we always remember to protect our skin and lips, but do you consider your hair and scalp being damaged by sun exposure? You can buy specific hair and scalp protection sprays, which will prevent any potential damage, and always wear a hat or head covering where possible.
When it comes to hairstyles, my favourite go-to style is a messy bun, but tight hairstyles like ponytails or buns can actually harm the scalp. Not only can those hairstyles lead to headaches from the tension, but you can even end up with traction alopecia, so ensure you don’t keep your hair in a tight ponytail or bun for long periods of time.