Your scalp is the epicenter for hair health. Hairs are essentially strands of protein, and thus, are nothing more than a reflection of the health of your scalp. Caring for your scalp is an absolute necessity in the quest for keeping your hair healthy, shiny and full. Knowing what to do to care for your scalp is the first step in keeping both your scalp and your hair happy.
Step 1
Survey your scalp now. Look for dry patches, oily patches, dandruff, moles or breaks in the skin. Before you go on a mission to improve the health of your scalp, you need to know what needs to be fixed. Most people have scalps that secrete oils at different speeds, so while a routine that you find online may do wonders for one person, for the next person it may just cause more damage.
Step 2
Don't wash your hair every day. Your scalp naturally produces protective oils, and washing your hair daily can strip these oils, or, if you're using moisturizing shampoo, it can overload the oils. If you have a naturally oily scalp, wash your hair two to three times per week. If your hair is naturally dry, switch to a moisturizing shampoo, and wash it one to two times per week.
Step 3
Be gentle with your scalp. When washing your hair, don't use your fingernails, or attempt to dig into your scalp too hard. The skin on top of your head is thinner than the skin on most other parts of your body, and therefore it can be damaged and torn very easily. When brushing or combing your hair, go slowly and avoid stretching and pulling your scalp too sharply. If you wear your hair in a ponytail or braids, keep a slight amount of slack on your scalp. Wearing these hairstyles too tightly can promote hair breakage, and even lead to permanent hair loss.
Step 4
Gently massage your scalp for three to four minutes several times per week. Not only can a scalp massage feel divine to your senses, it can also promote blood flow to the area.
Step 5
Apply conditioner every time you wash your hair, and occasionally when you don't. Conditioner doesn't strip away the natural oils that your scalp produces; instead, it can calm your hair's frizziness and settle your hair down, giving your scalp more protection from the harmful rays of the sun.
Tips and Warnings
- Don't be alarmed when you see hair falling out. According to Dr. Patrice Hyde, the chief of dermatology at the DuPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, DE, we lose an average of 100 hairs per day, which are then replaced by new hairs that grow in.
- If you wear hair extensions, get professional help to remove them. Hair extensions can be extremely dangerous to hair health, and not taking them out properly can lead to permanent hair loss.
Things You'll Need
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
