The health of your scalp impacts the growth and health of your hair. If your scalp is unhealthy, it can actually cause your hair to become damaged and stop growing. Our scalp contains thousands of hair follicles. “The follicles also produce sebum, or oil, that helps keep the scalp moisturized and protects the skin from infection.” [1]
According to a Bazaar article by Bridget March and Roberta Schroeder, “It is essential that the follicle and the scalp, at point of exit, are clean, clear, healthy and maintained…In fact, permanently blocked or obstructed follicles may eventually cease to produce hair at all.” [2]
If you want healthy hair, it’s important to get to the bottom of your hair concerns and treat the problem at the root. Start by understanding more about your scalp.
Signs of an Unhealthy Scalp
Do you have dandruff? Hair loss? Itchy scalp?
If you experience any of these symptoms, these may be red flags that your scalp is in need of treatment. According to a Healthline article by Britanny Risher, the following are the signs of an unhealthy scalp: [1]
● itchiness
● redness
● flakiness
● irritation
● pain
● acne
● cysts
● sun damage
● excessive hair loss
Dr. Sharleen St. Surin-Lord, a board certified dermatologist, warns to look out for any “bumps, scabs, and redness” on the scalp which can be causes of inflammation, he warns in the Healthline article by Risher. [1]
So What Happens to Your Hair, if You Leave Your Scalp Untreated?
An unhealthy scalp can present itself as several different conditions including, “dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis” which can lead to hair damage such as: [1]
● rough hair
● hair breakage
● reduced hair shine
● hair loss
Your scalp is at risk of infection, if left untreated. Although it is normal for our skin to shed, produce oil and sweat that act as “a protective layer over your scalp, but it also traps bacteria within. If and when those bacteria levels raise or change, the scalp can become infected.” [2]
Dandruff.
Those white flakes falling off your scalp are likely dandruff, a common condition that can range from mild to severe depending on your individual hair and scalp health. Some factors related to dandruff as stated in the Healthline article by Britanny Risher are, “hormonal changes, stress, illness or poor diet that allow bacteria to multiply and this can lead to shedding or infection. Other causes of dandruff can be poor hygiene, infrequent shampooing, and the consumption of too many dairy products, fatty, salty or sugary foods.” [2]
Itchy Scalp.
Another common issue often associated with poor scalp health is itchiness. Itchiness “signifies an imbalance of the scalp” due to “bacteria caused by sweat, sebum and pollution remaining on the scalp which then, in effect, attacks the scalp and causes itchiness.” [2] Other factors that can cause itchiness are a “reaction to a particular ingredient used in a product… shampoo products not being rinsed from the hair thoroughly, which can dry out and irritate the scalp.” [2]
Try these Tips to Improve your Scalp Health
Want strong, smooth, shiny hair?
Try these tips shared by the American Academy of Dermatology Association: [3]
1. How often you wash your hair should be based on how much oil your scalp produces.
a. If your scalp is oily, you may need to wash it as often as once a day, unless you train your scalp to produce less oil by using dry shampoo & a purifying shampoo
b. If you have chemically treated hair, your hair may be drier, so you may want to wash it less frequently & using products to repair damage and increase moisture.
c. As you get older, your scalp makes less oil, so you may not need to shampoo as often. But if you see flakes in your hair, you may need to increase use of moisturizing products [3]
2. When washing your hair, concentrate on cleaning primarily the scalp, rather than washing the entire length of hair. Washing only your hair can create flyaway hair that is dull and coarse. [3]
3. Using a conditioner can significantly improve the look of damaged or weathered hair by increasing shine, decreasing static electricity, improving strength and offering some protection from harmful UV rays. [3]
4. Because conditioners can make fine hair look limp, they should only be used on the shaft & ends of the hair and not on the scalp. [3]
5. Choose a shampoo and conditioner formulated for your hair type. [3]
The Key to Healthy Scalp and Hair: Using the Right Products
Quality products specifically designed for your hair type and scalp concerns can make all the difference in improving your scalp health. This can be as simple as making changes to your hair washing routine, or using the right products for your individual concerns.
Using the right products to treat damage is key to healthy hair. Do not use products with “sulfates, alcohols, or fragrances…Sulfates strip away natural oils in your hair and remove dead skin cells, which makes the scalp dry and prone to irritation.” [1]
Hair expert, Guy Parsons explains in Bazaar, “A typical dry, itchy scalp can normally be eased with a thorough shampoo, or a toner and exfoliant specifically chosen for scalp health” [2]
Scalp Scrubs.
Exfoliation is the secret to maintaining a healthy scalp. Scrubbing your scalp exfoliates the skin on your head. “Scrubs contain physical or chemical exfoliants and help remove excess skin cells, oil, and dandruff, and may dilate the blood vessels under your skin, potentially boosting hair growth.” [1]
Scrubbing is highly recommended by certified trichologist, Guy Parsons, who is an expert hairdresser in his statement in Bazaar by Bridget March and Roberta Schroeder. “The scalp is made up of cells which divide and continually work their way to the surface and then shed – as such, it is essential that dead skin is removed by brushing or washing, but also by weekly exfoliation.” [2]
Have you exfoliated your scalp yet? Give Monat’s Scalp Purifying Scrub a try to see the difference it makes in your scalp and hair health as it works to deeply clean and purify all the buildup hiding in your hair.
Monat’s Scalp Purifying Scrub is not just a scrub, but also a shampoo that “helps dissolve dead skin cells, stubborn product buildup, and environmental pollutants that leave hair looking lackluster.” [4]
Photo Credit: Monat Global
The MAGIC Oil Treatment You Didn’t Know Your Scalp Needs
Oil Treatment.
REJUVENIQE™ Oil Intensive is the oil treatment your scalp needs that is different from the competition. First, it “mimics the body’s natural oils”and is made with a blend of 11+ unique molecular ingredients- including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, beta-carotene and omega-6 fatty acids.” [5]
But, the magic of this oil is in the size of the molecules because they are so tiny that it penetrates to the third layer of your hair which is your core. Most oils do not penetrate the hair layers but just lay on top. You will easily notice the results of this product as it not only heals your damaged hair strands but levels the ph levels on your scalp and skin. Making this product the key to having a healthy scalp and beautiful hair.
What are the Benefits of Using Rejuveniqe Oil Intense for Your Hair?
● reduces hair thinning
● prevents oxidative stress
● adds incredible volume
● repairing the hair with instantly visible, long-lasting shine
● made without the damaging effects of silicone [5]
Hydrate.
Risher warns that “using products that contain alcohol and fragrances suck the moisture out of your hair. This will have your hair feeling frizzy, dry, and damaged and will result in inflammation that leaves you with a dry, itchy, irritated scalp.” [1]
To restore moisture, try Monat’s Advanced Hydrating In-Shower Masque. This masque works to quickly improve your hair health in just five minutes by adding shine, moisturizing, and smoothing the hair with antioxidants.
Get all these benefits when you use Monat’s Advanced Hydrating In-Shower Masque on your hair:
● Helps transform brittle hair into shiny strands
● Helps prevent breakage and fights dryness and frizz with antioxidants
● Provides fast-acting deep conditioning treatment
● Nourishes hair in less than five minutes
● Promotes shine without weighing down the hair [6]
Remember to pay attention to your scalp health, it is the key to healthy hair. If you experience any symptoms that are not improving with the right products, or your hair routine, it is best to see a dermatologist.
Then, if you’re in the market for a product that really delivers shoot me a message over on IG or FB and let’s hook you up with the ideal products to improve the health of your hair and reach your hair goals!
References:
1. Risher, Brittany, “7 Healthy Scalp Tips for Strong, Shiny Hair” https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/healthy-scalp#healthy-scalp definition
2. March, Bridget and Schroeder,Roberta, “#SkinSchool: Understanding scalp health (for better hair)” https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/beauty/hair/news/a42041/scalp-he alth-hair-tips/
3. American Academy of Dermatology Association, “Tips for Healthy Hair” https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/healthy -hair-tips
4. Monat Global, “Scalp Purifying Scrub”
5. Monat Global, “For the Life of Your Hair”
6. Monat Global, “Advanced HydratingIn-Shower Masque” https://monatglobal.com/in-shower-hair-masque/