Scalp care is having a moment, and for good reason. Too often does the hair receive more attention than the scalp, but you cannot have healthy hair without caring for the scalp. Think of your scalp as an extension of your face skin. You cleanse and moisturize your face, right? Well, the scalp deserves the same TLC!
The scalp has to put up with unwanted dry flakes and itchy patches, so you can say that it goes through a lot. More often than not, hair problems tend to result from poor scalp care. Since scalp care is having its time in the sun, we want to provide you with tips that help you keep your scalp hydrated, moisturized, and healthy.
Apply A Hair Oil Or Serum
If dry scalp or dandruff is not your primary scalp issue, you can use a scalp serum, oil, or moisturizer. These items help you replenish the scalp’s moisture, which in turn benefits the hair. You can also just moisturize with a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil or sweet almond oil. If you do this at the beginning of the day, make sure to wet your hair first to avoid too much oil buildup in hair strands. Use a cotton swab to apply it directly to the scalp. Experiment with a non-fragrant scalp oil, which may help add shine to your hair and control frizz.
Avoid Shampoos That Contain Sulfates
There are many hair and skin care products (typically shampoos and conditioners) made with sulfates. It is better to avoid sulfates in shampoo because they tend to be a bit harsher on the skin and can strip it of natural oils. Avoiding products that contain sodium laureth sulfate is best because it can be overly stripping. Sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate are effective cleansers, but they strip the hair of its oil, which can cause dry scalp and strands.
Keep Dandruff Under Control
Experts suggest that dandruff is a common cause of itchy or dry scalp. Redness, thick greasy scale, and itch are common symptoms of this inflammatory scalp condition. By keeping dandruff under control, your scalp will feel a lot more comfortable. For mild dandruff, try to cleanse with a gentle shampoo in order to reduce oil and skin cell buildup. You may have to experiment with several shampoos to find the one that works best for you. If these options do not work, consult a dermatologist for further treatment. You may even require a ketoconazole shampoo three times per week to control dandruff.
Experiment With Scalp Oiling
By massaging oil into your scalp, you can help add hydration to both the scalp and dry hair strands. This is an easy at-home treatment for dehydrated hair follicles that will help prepare the hair for styling. A word to the wise: scalp oiling is not recommended for people who have dandruff, just dry scalps that require extra hydration. Scalp oiling may also help improve circulation and decongest the scalp.
Visit A Head Spa
What is a head spa, you ask? A lot of people on TikTok make videos of themselves at these places, which offer head treatments that address dryness and buildup. Head spas are very popular in Japan, where scalp-focused services are readily available. If you are dealing with dryness, visiting a head spa for treatment may offer temporary relief, but a visit to the dermatologist may be necessary to get to the root of the problem.
Exfoliate The Scalp
If you notice that you have a lot of dead skin and product buildup on the scalp, you can exfoliate the scalp, just as you would the rest of your skin. Just make sure that you do not overdo it with exfoliating. Over-exfoliating can irritate the skin, which is why you should only do it about once every one to two weeks. As a reminder, make sure to avoid exfoliating if you have psoriasis or eczema on the scalp, as the skin is already inflamed.
Use A Scalp Scrub
If you have a dry or itchy scalp, using a scalp scrub may seem counterintuitive, but it is exactly what the scalp needs in certain instances. Scalp scrubs can help get rid of dead skin cells, which can allow serums and oils to penetrate deeper into the skin for optimal hydration. A scalp scrub can also help free up the hair follicles, which may increase hair growth.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
