We spend time taking care of our hair. We cut, style and even color it to reflect our personality. We put a lot of effort when choosing perfect products for our hair.
We all want beautiful hair.
However, we forget to take care of our scalp with the same attention we do to our hair.
In this articles, I will take you through a few facts you need to know about your scalp, special recipe for a clean and fresh scalp, and other secrets you need to achieve a healthy scalp.
Facts about your scalp
- Dry scalp does not cause dandruff. In fact, it accompanies an oily scalp. So you’ll end up with oily flakes when you rub oil into your hair trying to avoid dandruff. Dandruff comes as a result of an overgrowth of a particular type of yeast called ‘malassezia furfur.’
What’s the solution?
The best hair products for people with dandruff are those that target the growth of yeast itself.
- Every hair follicle has an oil gland. People with fine hair have more oil on their scalp than those with coarse hair. That’s why people with finer hair find their scalps greasier.
The remedy?
Use a shampoo formulated for your unique hair needs.
Understanding a healthy scalp and hair growth
Hair growth depends on the condition of your scalp. It starts with a healthy scalp.
The scalp can also be sensitive. Scratching when it feels itchy can cause damage to your hair follicles. We take some conditions such as oiliness, dandruff, dryness, itchiness, and inflammation for granted. Yet, they lead to hair loss in extreme cases.
- Dandruff is a sign you have fungal yeast on your scalp
Dandruff is an ugly site to have on your shirt.
It’s embarrassing to have white flakes on your shoulder after a minor scratch on your head. Also, dandruff is a severe condition that can damage your scalp, affect hair quality, and even lead to hair loss.
The cause of dandruff is the existence of a fungal yeast which feeds on the natural oils on your scalp. It leads to irritation and itchiness, causes cells to clump together creating white flakes.
However, in some cases dehydration also causes dandruff.
Here’s is the thing.
When you don’t treat dandruff, it can lead to seborrheic dermatitis. It’s a severe scalp condition characterized by thick and yellow scales. It causes soreness and hair loss.
- Oily scalp promotes the growth of yeast fungus
Don’t we all want natural shiny hair?
So, keeping oil in the hair is essential to keep it healthy. However, like in most cases, too much of something is not good. Consequently
Sebum is beneficial in keeping your hair moisturized preventing it from becoming brittle and dry. However, lots of it can lead to hair loss. An oily scalp blocks hair follicles. The blockage may also result in inflammation, infection, and reduce the efficiency of the hair growth cycle leading to hair loss.
Excess sebum also hardens with time and promotes the growth of yeast fungus which causes dandruff.
- Dryness is a symptom of an unhealthy scalp
We have covered how too much oil on the scalp can cause hair loss. Too much dryness is also a problem.
While a dry scalp may not directly lead to hair loss, it is a contributing factor. And this is how.
When your scalp lacks an adequate amount of oil, it tends to make your hair dry. Dry hair easily breaks and fallsout. A dry scalp can also become itchy.
- Scalp inflammation is a sign of infection
An inflammation of the scalp is called folliculitis. The infection causes soreness and itchiness. The condition is temporary, but it can be severe in some cases. Without treatment, folliculitis damages your hair and scalp. It can lead to hair thinning and eventually hair loss.
Early signs of inflammation include acne-like spots with small dots of inflammation around the hair follicle. You may also feel soreness and itching.
Another sign of inflammation includes a tight feeling, a burning and painful sensation, thickening of scaly patches, and slight bleaching on your scalp.
Folliculitis can result from excess sebum, bacterial infection or oil in the scalp which clogs your hair follicles. Whatever the cause, the truth remains that it alters your hair growth and can lead to hair loss.
A special recipe for a clean and fresh scalp
A healthy scalp makes healthy hair. An unhealthy scalp leads to poor hair quality and hair loss- something nobody wants to happen.
So, how do we make it clean and fresh all the time?
Here are some natural scalp care products you can use.
- Neem- Neem enhances your hair growth. Its regenerative properties reduce hair loss. Massaging your scalp with neem oil increases blood circulation which improves hair growth.
Neem clears clogged pores and is the nature’s cure for scalp problems such as dandruff. It contains antioxidants which help prevent hair loss.
- Shikakai– It contains natural ingredients which make your hair softer and adds a beautiful shine to it. Its antifungal properties nourish your scalp and prevent dryness and itching. It can also cure dandruff when used regularly.
It strengthens your hair roots resulting in a stronger and healthier hair with less hair fall. It is
It calms and soothes an irritated head and can heal minor cuts and abrasions. It can also offer relief on a hot day, relieve a headache or simply soothe your hair.
- Avocado– Avocado oil rejuvenates and moisturizes your scalp. Its rich source of amino acids, protein, and vitamins nourishes your hair and scalp. Avocado oil soothes your scalp, reduces dandruff, and promotes the growth of strong and long healthy hair. It provides your hair with a long-lasting and deep hydration
- Henna– Henna is a natural hair dye. It’s a natural alternative to use of chemicals when you want to cover your grey hair. Henna builds a protective barrier around your hair shafts. It locks in moisture and conditions your hair. It minimizes hair breakage and split ends.
Regular use of henna gives your hair a brilliant sheen, a rich maroon hue and shield your hair against damage. It also helps in treating dandruff and itchy scalp.
- Biotin– It is a type of vitamin B which is recommended for healthy hair. Its deficiency leads to thinning hair. Taking biotin supplements or using biotin-enriched shampoo and hair products can thicken your hair and stimulate hair growth.
Biotin is also one of the natural treatments for hair loss, backed by science. One study shows that biotin produces a significant increase in hair growth.
Other secrets you can use to achieve a healthy scalp
Do you want healthy hair and increased hair growth?
Then, treat and keep your scalp healthy too.
You might be taking some things for granted, but they are essential in keeping a healthy scalp environment that promotes hair growth.
Let’s have a look.
- Maintain a healthy diet– A healthy diet promotes a healthy scalp. It ensures an adequate supply of the necessary nutrients and vitamins you need for your scalp. It makes your immune system stronger, fights scalp problems, and ensures your hair is full and shiny.
- Get regular haircuts– Regular haircuts keeps hair follicles healthy.
- Avoid hairstyles that pull your hair– Pulling your hair damages hair follicles. It causes it to shrink and unable to hold hair roots.
- Improve blood circulation on your scalp– Proper circulation of blood on your scalp promotes hair growth. Massage your head regularly to stimulate hair follicles and make them strong.
Conclusion
Your scalp is also a skin, and you should give it as much attention. A healthy scalp keeps hair follicles strong and enhances healthy hair growth. Therefore, you should maintain a healthy scalp environment to sustain hair growth.
Hi, my name is Sopo Yung. I share natural health remedies and strategies to guide you to a healthier natural lifestyle –My passion and mission are to help you enjoy a fulfilled healthy life.
