How do I keep my scalp healthy? (2023)

What causes an unhealthy scalp?

Unfortunately, a lot of our everyday routine contributes to an unhealthy scalp (think stress, pollution, and poor eating habits). Among one of the biggest culprits is buildup around the hair follicles, which is caused by the overuse of hair and scalp products, like dry shampoo, heavy oils, and sprays.

“A healthy scalp should be clear of flakes and irritation or redness, and it should be free of dryness, or any signs of infection, or disruption of the skin on the scalp.” Any itchiness, irritation or burning sensations might be signs of an unhealthy scalp.

Best for Dandruff: Nioxin Scalp Recovery Serum Soothing Serum. Best for Itchy Scalp: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal Tea Tree Cooling Hydration Mask for Dry, Itchy Scalp. Best for Inflammation: Hairstem DHT Blocker Hair Growth Shampoo. Best for Buildup: OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp Teatree Mint Scalp Treatment.

WHITE: This is the ideal colour. If it's translucent with no flakes, not oily or dry and slightly soft to the touch, it's perfectly healthy!. But this may change with age and changes in diet and lifestyle, so always be mindful. YELLOW: You may have overactive sebum secretion clogging your follicles.

The scalp should be free of itchiness and feel smooth and supple." A healthy scalp is also free from pain, sun damage, excessive hair loss and hair thinning. A huge red flag is if your scalp feels dry to touch.

Physically Exfoliate the Scalp

Using a scalp brush when shampooing will allow you to gently physically exfoliate the buildup away from the scalp so that the shampoo can then wash it out of your hair.

Dandruff flakes are actually dead skin cells that naturally fall off the scalp — more so if you scratch. Many people think that a dry scalp is synonymous with dandruff, but either a dry scalp or an overly oily scalp can cause excess cells to clump and fall off, forming dandruff flakes.

Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss.

Which fruit is best for hair?

Scalp exfoliation is usually performed on wet, just-shampooed hair. After you comb through and separate sections of your hair, you can apply the scrub with your fingertips. You can also use a brush or glove designed for exfoliation. If you're using a physical exfoliant, rubbing in a gentle, circular motion can help.

Well, it's true that your hair was growing, but an itchy scalp is not a sign of hair growth. Itchiness can actually signify that your scalp is not at its healthiest, which can negatively impact hair growth. Whether it lasts days or weeks, the cause of an itchy scalp can usually be tracked down.

Your immediate reaction to an itchy scalp might be to give it a good scratch but resist the temptation! Scratching your scalp can damage your hair. While it's a natural reaction to itchiness, scratching your head can cause serious damage to both your hair and scalp. Itch can be a sign that your scalp is unhealthy.

The yellow flakes of wet dandruff are much larger and can become sticky, causing them to clump together and cling to your hair. If you scratch your scalp with wet dandruff, it will also feel wet.

Vitamins have shown to play a pivotal role in the dandruff production on our scalps. Vitamin B and vitamin D are two vitamins that will help with your skin care and could potentially reduce the production of dandruff. One of the main vitamins a doctor may recommend is zinc.

Apply a Hair Oil or Serum

"I would recommend serums versus oils, as oils can clog the follicles and cause other issues," Friese adds. At night, you can be more generous with how much product you use. Massage it into the scalp, and even run it through your strands.

Almond oil soothes and moisturizes the scalp. Cedarwood oil stimulates the scalp and promotes hair growth. Chamomile oil adds shine and softness to hair, and soothes the scalp. Clary sage oil promotes hair growth and stimulates the scalp.

Seborrheic dermatitis signs and symptoms may include: Flaking skin (dandruff) on your scalp, hair, eyebrows, beard or mustache. Patches of greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales or crust on the scalp, face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids, chest, armpits, groin area or under the breasts.

How often should you wash your hair?

How Much Should You Wash? For the average person, every other day, or every 2 to 3 days, without washing is generally fine. “There is no blanket recommendation. If hair is visibly oily, scalp is itching, or there's flaking due to dirt,” those are signs it's time to shampoo, Goh says.

Both dandruff and dry scalp are annoying but not harmful. With home treatment, they usually go away. People who do not see improvements with home treatment should consider that the problem might be something other than dandruff. Only a doctor can conclusively diagnose the cause of a flaky scalp.

Signs and symptoms of a scalp yeast infection

red or purple rash, cracks, or patches on the skin. white, flaky scales or shedding. areas that appear soft, moist, and white. white, pus-filled pimples.

Why do I have scabs on my scalp? Scabs on the scalp are typically harmless and clear up on their own. Sometimes they're a sign of a condition that requires treatment. These include dermatitis, head lice, or psoriasis.

Bacteria can enter the skin through damaged hair follicles, causing an infection called folliculitis. People can get folliculitis on their scalp from: shaving or plucking hair on the scalp. frequently touching the scalp.

Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss.

WHITE: This is the ideal colour. If it's translucent with no flakes, not oily or dry and slightly soft to the touch, it's perfectly healthy!. But this may change with age and changes in diet and lifestyle, so always be mindful. YELLOW: You may have overactive sebum secretion clogging your follicles.

How do you know if you have scalp fungus?

Oral antifungals are the primary treatment for scalp ringworm. These medications are designed to cure the infection by killing the fungi causing it. They include griseofulvin, terbinafine, itraconazole, or fluconazole (Leung, 2020; Al Aboud, 2021).

An intensely itchy scalp without signs of a rash or another skin reaction can be a sign of a nerve problem. Your doctor may say you have neuropathy (neu-rop-ah-thie). It's the medical word for a problem along a nerve due to damage, disease, or an abnormality in the way the nerve works.

Folliculitis signs and symptoms include: Clusters of small bumps or pimples around hair follicles. Pus-filled blisters that break open and crust over. Itchy, burning skin.

Constant scratching can lead to wounds and scabs, further damaging your scalp. The scalp can also become dry as the outer layer of skin becomes weak and lacks moisture. Scratching leaves your hair weak and your scalp vulnerable.

In many cases of bacterial folliculitis, an over-the-counter (OTC) antibacterial wash, such as chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) or benzoyl peroxide, can provide relief. Avoid using Hibiclens above the neck. If you suspect yeast is causing your folliculitis, try an OTC antifungal cream.

Tea tree oil for years has been used to treat various bacterial, fungal and other microbial infections. Apply tea tree oil to the affected area using a cotton pad or ball. Apply 2-3 times a day. If you have sensitive skin, mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil to avoid allergic reactions.