All About Scalp Care
We are about to cover one of my FAVORITE subjects. I think we often put so much focus on hair care since that is what we visibly see, and while this isn’t wrong, we can’t forget the importance of the unseen (the scalp). Just like the skin on your face, your scalp benefits from care. This introduction to scalp health will explore why your scalp deserves attention and how its care impacts overall hair vitality.
The Basics Of The Scalp
To begin, I think it's important to differentiate scalp care from hair care. While hair care focuses on the health of the hair strands, scalp care targets the skin beneath the hair. Just so we have a clearer idea of the scalp and how it functions, I am going to give a brief description of its structure and how it functions. The scalp is anatomically similar to the skin on the rest of your body but has a higher density of hair follicles and sebaceous glands. These glands produce sebum, which helps condition both the hair and the scalp. A well-balanced scalp promotes effective nutrient delivery, optimal hair growth, and maintains the natural hydration of the hair.
Understanding Your Scalp
Like all skincare and haircare, your scalp care should be unique to your scalp type, scalp concerns, and scalp needs. So let’s start by examining your scalp to assess its condition. I suggest using a handheld mirror and good lighting!
Oiliness: An oily scalp is typically characterized by it feeling slick. It often results in the hair clumping together and can appear greasy shortly after washing. Excessive sebum production can cause this, and while sebum is essential for keeping the hair and scalp moisturized, too much of it can lead to issues.
Dryness or Flakiness: Ever experienced your scalp appearing tight, itchy and flaky? This could be a dry scalp. A dry tight feeling can be due to dehydration or insufficient natural oil production, often exacerbated by over-washing with stripping shampoos, or not adequately moisturizing the scalp. However, a flaky scalp due to dandruff is often mistaken for a dry scalp and these are actually treated quite differently. If you’re unsure, definitely see your dermatology provider to rule our seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff).
Buildup: Another cause of a “flaky scalp” is product buildup. These flakes are often very tiny and you may feel a layer of residue that can feel gritty or waxy. This is often the result of not washing the scalp thoroughly, overusing styling products like gels, sprays, and dry shampoos, using the wrong shampoos or infrequent cleansing. Buildup can “clog” your follicles, hindering healthy hair growth in very extreme cases.
Now let’s go over what we want our scalps to look/feel like after all this scalp care (that we are about to get to). A healthy scalp is like a fertile ground for hair: it’s neither too oily nor too dry, shows little signs of flaking or irritation, and feels comfortable without tightness. As someone who has dealt with scalp irritation, trust me, you will feel the difference.
I also want to mention that your scalp health may change based on the season, stress levels, and so many other variables! I suggest examining your scalp from time to time! It will become second nature to you over time to understand what your scalp needs at any given wash.
Scalp Care
Scalp Scrubs: I love scalp scrubs (I typically use mine as the first step in my shower routine)! They are beneficial for removing dead skin cells and product buildup. I suggest opting for scrubs with fine granules that gently exfoliate without damaging the scalp skin. If a scrub feels too gritty, like coarse sea salt rather than fine salt in a shaker, it may be too abrasive. Ingredients like salicylic acid can also be effective yet gentle on your scalp.
Targeted Scalp Treatments: For starters, there are so many scalp treatments on the market and your concerns will dictate which (if any) will be helpful in your routine. For oily scalp and product buildup one of my favorites is Briogeo’s Scalp Spray. The gentle chemical exfoliants in this spray act like a “detox” for your scalp! This one is meant to be applied pre-shower. Allow it to sit on the scalp for up to 15 minutes before washing.
I also love Maya Chia’s Scalp & Hair Treatment for those who don’t want to use prescriptions or supplements for hair growth support. I like to spray it directly to the front of my hairline and sides where the hair seems to be thinner as I age. This is more of a daily use spray. I apply it at night as it’s very light and water-based, but even so you will want to wash after a few days of continuous use.
Massage Tools: At best, scalp massage tools can help increase blood flow to the scalp, promoting hair growth and vitality and at worst you just get a lovely massage and some de-stressing. I love to use these tools after I apply a scalp serum (mainly so I don’t have to massage it in with my hands)! They gently stimulate the scalp, which can also help in evenly distributing natural oils along the hair shaft. They also just feel amazing! If you don’t feel like buying the tool, you can absolutely just use your fingers for the same effect!
Detox Shampoos: You have probably heard me sing detox shampoos’ praises before, but it has made such a massive difference to my scalp and hair health. These shampoos are designed to cleanse deeply, removing excess oil, dirt, and residue from the products you are likely using during the week. Find out the cadence that works for you, but I like to apply it as my first cleanse, and then a gentle shampoo as a second cleanse! These aren’t necessary for all scalps but are helpful for those who use leave in products or who tend to have oilier scalps.
Sun Protection: It wouldn’t feel like me if I didn’t bring up SPF and sun protection! Just like the skin on other parts of the body, the scalp needs protection from sun exposure. I try to apply an SPF to my scalp (specifically the hair part) and wear a hat whenever I know I will be out for excessive lengths of time!
I hope this encourages you to listen to your scalp's needs and adapt your routine to include these steps for healthier hair! ALSO! I am putting together a Haircare Guide that I am beyond excited about. Sign up for the newsletter here to get the announcement when it’s live!
**Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and may contain products gifted in PR. This means that I may earn a small commission when you purchase via these links at no additional cost to you (thank you! It helps me keep things up and running)… As always I ONLY recommend products, goods and services that I stand behind and personally love and use.
