A gorgeous head of hair has always been a steadfast and attracting feature: men and women alike continually search for ways to maintain smooth, healthy and natural-looking locks. One infallible way to a healthy head of hair starts from beneath…at the scalp. Our hair is simply an extension of the scalp, so it only makes sense that the first step to healthy, shiny hair is being more conscious of scalp care.
Below you will find 5 tips to achieving a healthier scalp that will only add a few minutes to your normal hair care routine.
1. pH balance is BIG
Believe it or not, your scalp has a pH range that denotes its health. A pH of between 4 and 5 is ideal. Maintaining your scalp’s target pH allows for better moisture retention, because the hair follicles open when the environment is too alkaline, causing your hair to dry out. Acidity, on the other hand, closes the follicles, allowing them to lay flat and welcome in moisture.
Another advantage to cultivating a healthy pH range is that it acts as a natural detangler, and prevents the formation of harmful bacteria. Ask your stylist for hair product recommendations, as some shampoos and conditioners can disrupt your scalp’s pH level. Search for the “Goldilocks” of hair care products: not too acidic, not too alkali…just right.
2. Lock in Natural Oils and Moisture
Your scalp naturally produces an oil called sebum, without which your hair and scalp will dry out and become less controllable. Think increased frizz, breakage, and other forms of damage that can occur without the consistent retention of moisture.
How to maintain your natural oils:
Product Recommendation: Oribe Serene Scalp Balancing Conditioner
3. Exfoliation: It’s Not Just for the Skin You Can See
It’s important to exfoliate your scalp weekly, to rid it of dead skin cells, dirt, and/or excess hair products. When the pores on your scalp stay clogged for too long, you’re more likely to develop issues like dandruff, itchiness, and irritation. Using a gentle exfoliant can prevent these problems from occurring and disrupting your healthy hair growth.
Product Recommendation: Bumble & Bumble Scalp Detox
4. Scalp Massage for Shiny, Strong Hair
Massaging your scalp helps increase blood circulation to that area, and a better blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to your hair follicles—nutrients that are essential for healthy hair growth. Consider massaging your scalp with oils (coconut and tea tree are two great options) to keep the skin and hair roots well-hydrated and strong!
5. Protect Your Scalp
You can cause damage to your scalp in a variety of ways, including UV radiation from the sun, harsh chemicals, and extreme temperatures. Therefore, it’s important to invest in quality shampoos, conditioners and products that prevent against these damaging elements. Your stylist can recommend the appropriate products for your unique needs.
Steps to protecting your scalp:
How do you know if your scalp is standing between you and a head of healthy, shiny hair? Some indications of an unhealthy scalp include:
Skincare—whether your face, body or scalp—is an important aspect of your overall health. It’s your first defense against infection, protects you from dangerous elemental factors, and regulate your body’s temperature. The appearance of the skin is said to be a tell-tale sign of a persons’ state of health, and your scalp is no different. The simplest way to healthy, shining locks is through scalp-care.
Below you will find 5 tips to achieving a healthier scalp that will only add a few minutes to your normal hair care routine.
1. pH balance is BIG
Believe it or not, your scalp has a pH range that denotes its health. A pH of between 4 and 5 is ideal. Maintaining your scalp’s target pH allows for better moisture retention, because the hair follicles open when the environment is too alkaline, causing your hair to dry out. Acidity, on the other hand, closes the follicles, allowing them to lay flat and welcome in moisture.
Another advantage to cultivating a healthy pH range is that it acts as a natural detangler, and prevents the formation of harmful bacteria. Ask your stylist for hair product recommendations, as some shampoos and conditioners can disrupt your scalp’s pH level. Search for the “Goldilocks” of hair care products: not too acidic, not too alkali…just right.
2. Lock in Natural Oils and Moisture
Your scalp naturally produces an oil called sebum, without which your hair and scalp will dry out and become less controllable. Think increased frizz, breakage, and other forms of damage that can occur without the consistent retention of moisture.
How to maintain your natural oils:
- • Try not to wash your hair too often; ask your stylist how often you should wash your hair based on its texture and condition
- • Consider adding supplements like fish oil to your diet, and make sure you eat plenty of Omega-3 fatty acids, which come from such foods as nuts, salmon and avocado
- • Moisturize with coconut or tea tree oils
Product Recommendation: Oribe Serene Scalp Balancing Conditioner
3. Exfoliation: It’s Not Just for the Skin You Can See
It’s important to exfoliate your scalp weekly, to rid it of dead skin cells, dirt, and/or excess hair products. When the pores on your scalp stay clogged for too long, you’re more likely to develop issues like dandruff, itchiness, and irritation. Using a gentle exfoliant can prevent these problems from occurring and disrupting your healthy hair growth.
Product Recommendation: Bumble & Bumble Scalp Detox
4. Scalp Massage for Shiny, Strong Hair
Massaging your scalp helps increase blood circulation to that area, and a better blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to your hair follicles—nutrients that are essential for healthy hair growth. Consider massaging your scalp with oils (coconut and tea tree are two great options) to keep the skin and hair roots well-hydrated and strong!
5. Protect Your Scalp
You can cause damage to your scalp in a variety of ways, including UV radiation from the sun, harsh chemicals, and extreme temperatures. Therefore, it’s important to invest in quality shampoos, conditioners and products that prevent against these damaging elements. Your stylist can recommend the appropriate products for your unique needs.
Steps to protecting your scalp:
- • When you are going to be exposed to a significant amount of sunlight, protect your scalp and hair with a hat of your choice!
- • Avoid showering in very hot water, or exposing your skin to excessively cold temperatures
- • Limit chemical treatments, or ask your stylist if an alternative hair treatments may yield similar results with less damage
How do you know if your scalp is standing between you and a head of healthy, shiny hair? Some indications of an unhealthy scalp include:
- • Dry & Itchy. If your scalp is dry and itchy, shampooing less frequently and/or switching to a different shampoo might help. We also recommend adding a quick moisturizing routine to your weekly hair care routing to increase hydration.
- • Dandruff. Dandruff can be the sign of minute infections, build-up of hair products, clogged hair follicles, or even hormonal changes. Ask your stylist how to best combat dandruff—everyone is different!
Skincare—whether your face, body or scalp—is an important aspect of your overall health. It’s your first defense against infection, protects you from dangerous elemental factors, and regulate your body’s temperature. The appearance of the skin is said to be a tell-tale sign of a persons’ state of health, and your scalp is no different. The simplest way to healthy, shining locks is through scalp-care.
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