Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD Scalp care is something that many of us don’t give enough thought to. But your scalp is skin too. Just like you probably have a skin care routine, you should also have a good scalp care routine.
When it comes to our skin, we pamper away: We cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate, supplement, protect and repeat! Check almost any woman’s bathroom counter, and you’re bound to find an array of bottles, tubes and jars of facial products. But what many of us forget is this: Your scalp is skin too. A healthy and balanced scalp is the key to healthy and beautiful hair. In fact, without the right scalp care routine, hair breakage, hair loss and scalp problems are bound to occur.
Why a Scalp Care Routine is Important
When your skin is out of balance, it reacts. It may develop blackheads, cysts, dryness or excessive oiliness. It may itch or even be tender. The exact same goes for your scalp!
When your scalp is out of balance or unhealthy, you may have excessive oiliness, dandruff, or a dry and tight scalp. An out of balance and unhealthy scalp might also be tender, itch or even have an odor. Your hair is a great clue to the health of your scalp too. Dry brittle hair, breakage, and alopecia can all be indicators of scalp problems and poor scalp health.
How to Take Care of Your Scalp
Just like the skin on your arm, leg or face, your scalp is skin too, and it deserves the same care. Your scalp is covered with many thousands of hair follicles and sebaceous glands (that make sebum), and these hair follicles must be nourished, and their environment pampered and cared for—just as you do for the skin on your face.
Taking care of your scalp is similar to taking care of your facial skin and the skin on other parts of your body. You should regularly cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize, nourish and protect your scalp. Just like all of your skin, your scalp also benefits from hydration and balance. You should choose a shampoo or natural hair cleanser that removes oils, dirt, and debris without stripping your hair or scalp.
Scalp serums are important to use regularly, as they deliver concentrated, powerful and beneficial ingredients directly to your scalp. You can think of them as ‘scalp therapy.’ Unlike a traditional oil or conditioner, scalp serums are formulated to directly target common scalp issues such as inflammation, itch, dryness and imbalance—all of which can lead to hair loss. They also often contain antioxidants which protect your scalp from environmental damage from things like sun exposure, pollution and other daily toxic exposures. Damage Defender Serum from Bloomballa Beauty contains Sacha Inchi oil, a power antioxidant, and holy basil, an adaptogen to help defend the scalp against toxins.
Your scalp can also benefit from regular detoxifying clay masks, steam treatments, tea rinses and massage—all of which can boost circulation and help detox your scalp.
How Often to Practice Scalp Care
Scalp care, just like other skin care, should be practiced every day. It should be part of your daily self-care routine. Pamper your scalp every day. It needn’t take very long, only 2-3 minutes. Many scalp serums are formulated to use daily and contain powerful antioxidants and ingredients that both nourish and protect your scalp.
A good regular scalp care routine can help eliminate irritation and inflammation, alleviate dryness and oiliness, reduce excessive hair loss and improve the look and overall health of your hair.
