Scalp Care: The Secret to Healthy Hair

Plants growth starts and improves with healthy and nutrient rich roots and the moment roots get damaged the whole plant starts to get damaged. Now, apply the same formula for your hair. YES! Hair health starts with hair follicles, which are literally the roots of hair and hair follicles are there in the scalp. Thus, the conclusion is, in order to have healthy, shiny and voluminous hair, you need to first start working on your scalp health and proper nutrition.

Why Scalp Care is Essential for Hair Health

Promotes Hair Growth

A clean and balanced scalp creates the perfect environment for hair follicles to function properly, leading to stronger hair growth. Clogged hair follicles from excess oil, dirt, or dandruff can stunt hair growth and lead to shedding.

Prevents Dandruff and Itchiness

Dry scalp, product buildup, and lack of exfoliation can cause flaking, irritation, and dandruff. A well-moisturized scalp with a balanced pH helps prevent these issues.

Controls Oil Production

Overactive oil glands can make your scalp greasy and prone to bacterial infections. On the other hand, underactive oil glands can result in dry, itchy scalp and brittle hair. Proper scalp care helps maintain the right oil balance.

Strengthens Hair Strands

When your scalp receives the right nutrients, your hair strands become stronger and less prone to breakage. A lack of nutrients can lead to weak, brittle, and frizzy hair.

Prevents Hair Loss

Poor scalp health can lead to hair thinning and premature hair loss. Issues like inflammation, product buildup, and poor circulation can weaken hair follicles, making hair more likely to fall out.

Common Scalp Issues and How to Treat Them

Oily Scalp

A person has an oily scalp due to overproduction of sebum generally called as oil in the scalp. The overproduction can happen because of genetics, hormonal imbalance, excessive chemical- rich products use, etc. Oily scalp can be detected by generally greasy hair, limp strands and scalp acne.

The solution for balancing the excess oil in the scalp is:

• Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove excess oil.
• Avoid heavy oils and silicones in hair products.
• Rinse hair with lukewarm water (hot water stimulates oil production).
• Try scalp exfoliation to remove excess buildup.

Dry and Flaky Scalp

A person has a dry and flaky scalp because of low production of required sebum in the scalp, lack of moisture and hydration, use of harsh shampoos, harsh weather conditions, dehydration, etc. An extremely dry scalp can be detected by flakiness, itchiness and tightness in the scalp.

The solution for balancing the excess dryness in the scalp is:

• Use a moisturizing scalp serum or oil like coconut oil, argan oil, or jojoba oil.
• Avoid sulfate-heavy shampoos, which can strip natural oils.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Try a gentle scalp massage to boost circulation.

Dandruff and Itchy Scalp

Dandruff and itchiness in the scalp is caused by overgrowth of yeast infection and product buildup in the scalp. This issue can be detected by observing the scalp for white or yellow flakes in the scalp, irritation and redness in the scalp.

The solution for balancing the excess dandruff and itchiness in the scalp is:

• Use an anti-dandruff shampoo with zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, or salicylic acid.
• Avoid harsh hair products that contain alcohol.
• Try a DIY apple cider vinegar rinse (diluted with water) to restore scalp pH.

Sensitive Scalp

A person’s scalp becomes extremely sensitive due to some allergic reactions, certain environmental factors, overuse of hair dyes and chemicals.

The solution for balancing the excess oil in the scalp is:

• Use fragrance-free and hypoallergenic shampoos.
• Avoid harsh styling products and frequent coloring.
• Use aloe vera gel or a calming scalp serum.

Best Scalp Care Routine for Healthy Hair

Step 1: Use the Right Shampoo and Conditioner

• Choose a mild, sulfate-free shampoo that suits your scalp type.
• If you have dandruff, opt for medicated shampoos like those containing zinc, salicylic acid, or tea tree oil.
• Avoid applying conditioner directly to the scalp—focus on the mid-lengths and ends to prevent buildup.

Step 2: Exfoliate Your Scalp Regularly

Just like your skin, your scalp needs exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and product residue. Use a scalp scrub or a DIY exfoliant (brown sugar + olive oil) once a week.

Step 3: Massage Your Scalp

Massaging your scalp on a regular basis can help with increased blood circulation and oxygen supply in the hair follicles and scalp.

Step 4: Use Essential Oils for Scalp Health

Certain essential oils like tea tree oil, rosemary oil, peppermint oil, etc., can nourish the scalp and promote hair growth.

Step 5: Avoid Overwashing

Washing your hair too frequently can strip your scalp of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Aim to wash 2-3 times a week, depending on your hair type.

Step 6: Protect Your Scalp from UV Damage

Just like your skin, your scalp can get sunburned. If you spend a lot of time outdoors. So, in order to protect hair and scalp from excess sunlight and heat, wear hats or scarfs, use haircare products with UV- protectant properties.

Step 7: Maintain a Healthy Diet for Better Hair Care

Like all the other parts of the human body, hair also needs certain minerals and vitamins to maintain its health and appearance like protein, biotin, zinc, iron, biotin, etc.