You want longer, healthier hair ? Perhaps you should look into how well you have been treating your scalp. Getting gorgeous hair has so much to do with its roots because healthy hair starts at the scalp.
Each hair grows from, and through , an individual follicle which surfaces on your scalp. Is is essential that the follicle and the scalp, at point of exit, are clean, clear, and healthy. Follicles that are full of sebum or blocked by dead skin, dandruff or infection will have an impact on the quality of hair growth. In fact , permanently blocked or obstructed follicles may eventually cease to produce hair at all.
The scalp is make up of cells which divide and continually work their way to the surface and then shed- So, it is essential that dead skin is removed by brushing or washing , but also by weekly exfoliation.
There are many factors that affect the health of our scalp, some which I have discussed in my previous blog posts. Some examples that I have touched upon include nutrition deficiency, using natural-oils, underlying medical conditions, auto-immune disease.
What does an itchy scalp signify ?
An itchy scalp basically signifies an imbalance of the scalp. Normally, itchiness will be due to bacteria caused by sweat, sebum and pollution remaining on the scalp and causes itchiness.
It could also be caused by a reaction to a particular ingredient used in a product, shampoo or conditioner. Another common cause can be shampoo products not being rinsed from the hair thoroughly, which can dry out and irritate the scalp.
Should you avoid any ingredients for optimal scalp health ?
I wouldn't recommend ingredients that block or suffocate the scalp from breathing. Look for ingredients ending in "cones" ( silicone, dimethicone, trimethicones ), which are added to make hair feel softer, and more moisturised , but they are molecularly heavy and will block the scalp.
Today I will discuss the benefits of using a clarifying shampoo weekly to promote a better and healthier scalp for hair growth.
What is a clarifying shampoo and when should I use it?
To put it simply , a clarifying shampoo gives your locks a much deeper cleanse than a normal shampoo ever could. Designed to remove stubborn build up from your hair, a weekly wash with a clarifying shampoo is just what is needed to provide a healthy scalp. For those who use a lot of styling products, this is a must. It removes remnants of hairsprays, wax and other regular use styling products , dry shampoo, hair oils, and other things you may not even thought were in your hair, like mineral deposits from hard-water, and chlorine from the swimming pool. It’s a good idea to incorporate clarifying shampoo as the first step into your hair care routine, alternating out your normal shampoo once a week for best results.
One of my favorite clarifying shampoo is AMETHYST shampoo by Meraki hair care.
Purifying Amethyst Shampoo is sulfate free, vegan shampoo. Its formulated with extracts that clean , hydrate, and exfoliate the scalp : Extracts such as White willow bark, Amla, Ginseng, and hibiscus.
White Willow Bark has 3 powerful benefits for scalp and skin :
1) Helps fight acne
-White Willow Bark : has natural exfoliating properties , it contains salicylic acid which is a powerful exfoliant. , it gently eliminates flakes and dandruff and and also prevents buildup of dead skin cells.
2) Controls Oil Production
- White Willow Bark , is a gentle cleanser, it helps to balance oily scalps while maintaining a healthy level of sebum for conditioning and protecting the hair strand.
3) Reduces inflammation
- White willow bark extract has anti-inflammatory properties due to the tannins that are present, therefore reducing any inflammation on the scalp.
MASSAGE
Scalp massage is beneficial because it promotes good blood flow to the scalp , increases circulation, soothes nerves, and relaxes muscles. Once each week, massage the scalp with the fingertips using a firm pressure in circular motion.
Nutrients for healthy scalp
Try an omega -3 supplement, eat more antioxidants, and take a good probiotic. Make sure to read my previous blogs posts where I discuss the nutrients necessary for proper hair growth.
I hope these tips will lead you to healthier choices for keeping your scalp healthy. Always test patch a small area before starting any new product.
As we are heading to end of 2021, I like to thank all of you for following my blog, for your support and kind messages . I wish you and your loved ones a very healthy, happy holiday and new year.
Hope to be able to bring more education and new materials to you in 2022.
The content of my page is for informational/educational purposes only. Nothing should be constructed as medical advise.
Dr. Naghmeh, Pharm.D.
Comentarios