Complete guide on how to take care of your scalp for shiny, healthy hair – GWC Mag

Good scalp health is essential for healthy hair. A healthy scalp can lead to fuller, shinier, and stronger hair.

Why is healthy scalp so important?

“The scalp and its structures are necessary for all follicular activity, including hair creation, also known as keratinisation and hair growth,” according to trichologist Bridgette Hill, First For Women reported.

Additionally, according to trichologist Mandy Buechner, “Having healthy hair requires having a healthy scalp.”

What may affect health of your scalp? 

According to Hill, “medical conditions, medications, stress, diet, hormones, genetics, poor hair styling techniques, and mineral and nutritional deficiencies can all have an impact on scalp health.” 

“The hair follicle may be negatively affected and compromise hair growth if there are deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, nutrients, declining health, intake of toxic medications, or high cortisol levels due to our stressful lives.”

Furthermore, ageing can also affect the skin on the scalp. “The skin of the scalp experiences similar shifts, just as the skin on our faces does.

Here are the most common scalp issues and some basic treatment advice from Buechner and Hill. 

How to deal with a flaky scalp?

You can relieve flaky or dry scalps mildly through scrubs by gently exfoliating the skin around the scalp.

Alternatively, using a brush to massage the scalp will help get rid of flakes.

How to treat itchy scalp?

Hill says it’s also a good idea to begin the process of elimination by ruling out controllable irritants, hair products, and general external things that may be causing itchiness.

In most circumstances, an itchy scalp indicates you need to wash your hair more often.

How to treat dry scalp?

Hill offers several ideas that could be useful. “Make use of a mild shampoo that isn’t too thick or tailored to address flakes.”

Increasing the amount of fatty acid-rich and hydrating items in your diet is also a smart move. She suggests drinking more water as well.

How to treat oily scalp?

Applying oil to hair just from the mid-shaft to the ends is advised for treating an oily scalp since it might weigh down and make the hair appear oilier. 

Additionally, do your best to avoid touching your hair excessively, since this might cause additional oil to be transferred to the scalp and hair.

How to treat dandruff?

Managing dandruff may require more shampooing. Hill suggests using products containing alpha-hydroxy acids, sulphur, zinc, salicylic acid, and selenium sulphide.