For shiny hair with healthy regrowth and strong roots, it’s important to look for hair care where it all starts: your scalp. Maintaining a healthy scalp is essential to keeping your mane pleasantly nourished. Although it’s easy to neglect, scalp care (yes, like skin care) requires cleansing, exfoliation, and hydration.
Many of us are guilty of habits that cause brittle hair, irritated follicles or an itchy scalp. Symptoms like flaking and irritation can all be traced back to how well the scalp deals with dead skin cells, producing sufficient lipids and getting enough circulation.
It’s time to ask yourself: do you have a healthy scalp?
Avoid these bad habits to get your scalp back on track
First, make sure you don’t scald your scalp with too hot water or high heat settings on styling tools. When your scalp is exposed to extreme temperatures, its natural lipid barrier is disrupted, leading to either overproduction of sebum (resulting in greasy hair and even breakouts on your scalp) or depletion of sebum, which means clinical dryness and flaking .
Dyeing hair at home is another major factor that damages your scalp. Frequent use of at-home bleach kits, drying your roots yourself, or even using natural citrus-based products for sun-activated highlights can also be a red flag for scalp health. The hair cuticles are stripped during the bleaching process, and if the chemical is applied for too long or too close to the scalp, mild chemical burns can occur that prevent healthy growth. Professional hairdressers use protective products and conditioners to prevent this kind of damage, so do your scalp a favor and leave the coloring to the professionals.
For most hair types, using a clarifying shampoo more than two or three times a week is unnecessary and could be the culprit behind your frizz. Conventional drugstore shampoos, which are full of sulfates and chemical foaming agents, are particularly harmful. Frequent use of these types of products can strip your scalp of its natural oils, creating brittle hair and fluctuations in oil production (either too much or not enough). Instead, go to Shampoo for a healthy scalp with Burdock and Neem and Burdock and Neem Scalp Health Conditioner for a gentle plant-based cleanse that nourishes your scalp while balancing oil production.
Don’t neglect your brushing and combing habits! Pulling and tugging with your brush can permanently damage hair follicles, and using a dirty brush or comb can spread bacteria to your scalp, causing irritation or imperfections in your hairline.
See what you need to do for a healthy scalp
A few good, daily habits will keep your follicles strong and your scalp balanced. When it comes to combing and brushing, be gentle and make sure you brush from roots to ends to stimulate hair growth and distribute nutrients and product.
1. Massage your scalp
Weekly scalp massage stimulates circulation, improves nutrient supply and reduces symptoms of itchy scalp. Use it Rosemary Grow Serum during your massage to enhance the process. This lightweight serum contains rosemary and peppermint oils, which promote healthier follicles and help soothe an irritated, flaky scalp.
If you’re a curly girl or have particularly thick hair (or mature, gray or white hair), chances are your scalp is slightly more prone to dryness. If this is the case, opt for a weekly scalp oil or moisturizing treatment, which will help your hair produce keratin (its main protein). Antibacterial oils like coconut oil are also great to massage directly into your scalp to reduce inflammation and flaking (jojoba and almond are also great).
Stick with hair-loving botanicals in your conditioner, like flaxseed, hemp oil, and honey, and make sure you’re not just conditioning your ends—apply the product to your scalp, too! A scalp care routine will boost your scalp’s lipid balance and allow your follicles to absorb H2O for super-tight and hydrated hair. Check out our scalp care guide for a split that’s tailored to different hair types!
2. Exfoliate regularly
Just like we do with our skin, it’s important to consider the role of exfoliation — only this time, when it comes to healthy hair growth. When the pores on the scalp suffer from the accumulation of dead skin cells and accumulated hair products, they effectively prevent new hair growth and contribute to hair thinning. This means that gentle mechanical exfoliation is extremely important, to increase skin cell turnover and remove build-up. Exfoliation helps increase oxygen flow and prepares your scalp for better absorption of treatments such as Multivitamin shampoo for healthy hair and Multi-Vitamin Healthy Hair Conditioner. These products are packed with vitamins that nourish your scalp and improve hair strength, leaving your hair shinier and stronger.
Exfoliation is also a key method for bringing oxygen and protein to the scalp and preparing it for maximum absorption of any hair treatments you apply. The experts have weighed in and exfoliating the scalp is key — and we’ve created a handy guide to give you the full breakdown of exfoliating the scalp.
3. Treat your scalp
When you prepare, don’t stop at your ends! Apply your conditioner to your scalp to restore hydration and lipid balance. Conditioning your scalp can prevent dryness and reduce the chance of an itchy scalp.
4. Use herbal products
Natural ingredients like neem, burdock root, and rosemary can help balance your scalp’s oil production and reduce irritation. Avoid harsh chemical shampoos and opt for natural alternatives that nourish your scalp without stripping it of essential oils.
The connection between scalp health and hair growth
Did you know that a healthy scalp directly affects your hair growth? If your scalp is not properly cared for, you may experience slower hair growth, increased shedding and even thinning hair. This is because hair follicles rely on a healthy scalp environment to grow strong and healthy hair.
An itchy scalp can be a sign of inflammation or build-up, both of which can prevent hair growth. That’s why using the right products and techniques is essential. Exfoliating your scalp, moisturizing regularly and using herbal ingredients can keep your scalp balanced and create the perfect foundation for healthier, thicker hair.
Embed products like Rosemary Grow Serum into your routine to stimulate hair follicles and improve circulation. With proper care, you’ll notice fewer signs of scalp irritation and more vibrant hair growth.
Remember, we all have different hair types and our scalp reflects this. Some of us may come from the land of dandruff, while others may suffer from the four o’clock shadow of grease. But with the right natural hair care products, a healthy scalp and shiny locks are easy to achieve! Just remember: healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp!
What natural ingredients should you be looking for in your shampoo and conditioner? See our shampoo and conditioner guide for answers. Stay tuned here for more 100% PURE hair, body, skin and makeup guides!
Frequently asked questions about achieving a healthy scalp
1. What causes an itchy scalp and how can I fix it?
An itchy scalp can be caused by a number of factors, including dryness, product build-up, or scalp infections. To fix this, use a gentle, moisturizing shampoo like Shampoo for a healthy scalp with Burdock and Neem and exfoliate regularly to remove buildup. Massaging the scalp with oils such as rosemary or peppermint can also help reduce irritation.
2. How often should I wash my hair to maintain a healthy scalp?
It depends on your hair type and lifestyle. For most people, washing 2-3 times a week with a nourishing shampoo like Multivitamin shampoo for healthy hair it is ideal. Excessive washing can strip your scalp of natural oils, while infrequent washing can lead to build-up and an itchy scalp.
3. Can I use conditioner on my scalp?
Yes! In fact, conditioning your scalp can help restore moisture and prevent dryness. Use a light, natural conditioner such as Burdock and Neem Scalp Health Conditioner to keep your scalp hydrated without weighing your hair down.
4. How can I exfoliate my scalp at home?
You can exfoliate your scalp by using a scalp scrub or a soft-bristled brush to gently massage your scalp in circular motions. Products like Rosemary Grow Serum can be massaged into the scalp to help remove build-up and improve circulation.
5. Can scalp health affect hair growth?
Absolutely. A healthy scalp is essential for strong hair growth. An itchy scalp or one with build-up can block hair follicles, slowing hair growth and increasing shedding. Regular scalp care, including moisturizing, exfoliating and using herbal products, can help create a healthy environment for hair growth.
