Nurturing Your Scalp: Scalp Health Is The Foundation of Healthy Hair

 

"Think of your scalp as the soil in a garden.  You need to tend to the soil for everything to grow." - Jen Atkin.  Scalp anatomy and physiology are equally as important as hair physiology and anatomy in relation to hair growth. A healthy scalp is vital for healthy hair growth, texture, thickness, and shine. In fact, scientific research has established a strong connection between scalp health and hair quality.

In this post, we'll explore the nutritional requirements to maintain scalp health, daily scalp routine, and common scalp conditions that can lead to an dry itchy noggin. 

What Makes A Scalp Healthy?

A healthy scalp should have an adequate amount of sebum, the natural oil produced by the sebaceous glands that helps protect the scalp and maintain a healthy pH balance. It should be clean and free of product buildup, dirt, and dead skin. A healthy scalp should also be free from flakiness, redness, or inflammation, and it should not feel itchy or uncomfortable. Additionally, a healthy scalp should not have any unpleasant odor and should promote healthy hair growth.

To maintain a healthy scalp, it's important to address factors that can affect scalp health, such as excessive oil production, dryness, flakiness, itching, and inflammation. By taking proper care of your scalp, you can ensure that it remains in optimal condition, which in turn promotes healthy and vibrant hair.

Common Scalp Conditions Dandruff, Psoriasis and Others With Their Impact on Hair:

Several scalp conditions can lead to an unhealthy scalp. These can affect the health and appearance of your hair. Awareness and early treatment are key to managing these issues effectively.

• Dandruff: This common condition causes flaky, itchy skin on the scalp. Its exact cause is unknown, but it is often linked to an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia. Frequent or aggressive scratching can damage hair follicles, leading to some hair loss.  Natural Botanicals known to help fight dandruff include rosemary, tea tree oil and mint.  Gentle, anti-dandruff shampoos and proper scalp hygiene can manage most cases.  
• Scalp Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that results in the overproduction of skin cells, leading to thick, silvery scales and itchy, dry, red patches. Scalp psoriasis is a common form that can inhibit hair growth. Medical treatments include topical and oral medications, as prescribed by a healthcare provider.  Natural alternatives such as oregon grape have been studied with results suggesting significant improvement in psoriasis symptoms. 
• Seborrheic dermatitis: Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that causes red, scaly, and sometimes itchy patches. It can affect the scalp and other oily areas of the body. The exact cause is unknown but may relate to a fungal infection or an irregular immune response. Natural botanicals known to help symptoms include aloe, tea tree oil and rosemary.  Medically it is managed with medicated shampoos and corticosteroid solutions.
• Alopecia areata: This autoimmune condition leads to patchy hair loss. Treatment can be challenging but some botanicals have promise in managing the condition including rosemary, mint and aloe vera.  Medical options include corticosteroids and immunotherapy.
• Oily Hair: Excessive oil production by the sebaceous glands can result in oily hair. This can make the hair appear greasy and flat, and it can also contribute to scalp issues such as dandruff.

Lifestyle Choices Impacting Scalp and Hair Health

The choices we make in our daily lives can have a significant impact on the health of our scalp and hair. A balanced diet rich in nutrients, particularly omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, nuts, and seeds, can promote healthy skin and maintain follicle vitality. Managing stress levels is also crucial, as high cortisol levels can lead to inflammation and alopecia. Additionally, factors like smoking and excessive heat styling can lead to damage. Making conscious lifestyle choices, including a healthy diet, stress management techniques, and minimizing harmful practices, can contribute to maintaining a healthy scalp and beautiful hair.

Nutritional Requirements:

Just like the rest of our body, our hair thrives on a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients.  The scalp provides the substrate for these nutrients to reach hair follicles. Scalp health is crucial for preventing hair loss and hair thinning.

The building blocks of hair—keratin and collagen—are both protein-rich structures that rely heavily on your dietary intake. To promote scalp health and hair growth, focus on consuming:

1. Protein: As hair is primarily made of protein, insufficient protein intake can lead to weak, brittle hair or even hair loss. Ensure your diet includes lean meats, fish, eggs, or plant-based sources like legumes and quinoa.
2. Biotin: This B vitamin plays a crucial role in the health of your hair by helping your body produce keratin.  This support aids in increasing strand strength, thickness, and overall follicle growth. You can find biotin in foods like eggs, nuts, and whole grains.
3. Iron:  Iron is crucial for follicle growth because it helps red blood cells carry oxygen to your follicles, which is vital for promoting growth and repair. Low levels can cause anemia, which is a major cause of hair thinning. Beans, lentils, spinach, and lean meats are great dietary sources.
4. Omega-3 fatty acids: These are healthy, essential fats that your body cannot produce by itself.  They are found in cell membranes in the skin of your head and in the natural oils that keep your hair and scalp hydrated.  Fatty fish, flaxseeds, walnuts, and chia seeds, are great dietary sources.
5. Vitamins A and C: These vitamins aid in the production of sebum, which moisturizes the skin and helps maintain follicle health. Carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, and citrus fruits are excellent choices.

SEMPRE HAIR GROWTH ORGANONUTRIENTS NOURISH THE SCALP

Daily Practices for Scalp Health and Hair Care

Your scalp is the foundation for healthy hair growth.  An itchy, dry scalp can lead to alopecia. Here are some daily practices to help keep your scalp in top condition:

1. Gentle cleansing: Use a mild, all-natural, sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse your scalp without stripping away natural oils.
2. Use natural hair products: Opt for natural, gentle products formulated without harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin and damage your locks. The Origenere line of  products uses all natural ingredients. 
3. Moisture balance: Look for all-natural botanicals known for moisturizing and pH-balancing properties such as Aloe.  Use an all-natural conditioner to keep your skin hydrated.
4. Scalp massage: Gently massaging your head with your fingertips or a scalp massager can increase blood circulation and promote follicle growth.
5. Sun protection: Just like your skin, your scalp can be damaged by UV rays. Wear a hat or use a hair product with SPF when spending time outdoors.

NATURALE HAIR & SCALP TONIC TO TRAP IN MOISTURE AND SUPPORT SCALP HEALTH

Are There Any Natural Remedies For Improving Scalp Health?

Various natural remedies can enhance scalp health. Some popular options include massaging the scalp with essential oils like lavender or tea tree oil, using aloe vera gel, applying apple cider vinegar as a hair rinse, or creating scalp masks with ingredients like coconut oil, honey, and avocado.

BUONGIORNO TEA TREE MINT SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER

You can profoundly impact your hair’s health and growth by understanding the basics of hair and scalp health.  If you’re experiencing persistent issues, it’s wise to consult with a healthcare professional to get tailored advice.  Stay tuned for more tips and tricks in our ongoing series “The More You Know, The More You Grow!”

Other Articles From The More You Know The More You Grow Series. 

• Understanding The Hair Growth Cycle: A Foundation For Healthy Hair.
• Moving More For Mental Health: The Surprising Connection Between Hair Loss And Depression
• Introduction to Hair Anatomy

Sources:

Tosti A, Schwartz JR. Role of scalp health in achieving optimal hair growth and retention. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2021 Nov;43 Suppl 1:S1-S8. doi: 10.1111/ics.12708. PMID: 33932025.

Trüeb RM. Oxidative stress and its impact on skin, scalp, and hair. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2021 Nov;43 Suppl 1:S9-S13. doi: 10.1111/ics.12736. PMID: 34424547.

Schwartz JR, Henry JP, Kerr KM, Flagler MJ, Page SH, Redman-Furey N. Incubatory environment of the scalp impacts pre-emergent hair to affect post-emergent hair cuticle integrity. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018 Feb;17(1):105-111. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12355. Epub 2017 May 14. PMID: 28504468.