A healthy scalp means healthy hair. Each hair grows from an individual follicle. These follicles should be unobstructed from oil, dust, dirt, and pollution. When this does not happen, your scalp will develop flakiness, itchy scalp, redness, and other infections. These conditions are the sign of an unhealthy scalp. If the scalp is unhealthy, it will gradually result in hair damage, weakening hair follicles and ultimately leading to hair fall and breakage.
We spend so much time on our hair care but forget that our scalp plays an important role in maintaining hair health. A thorough regime should be followed for maintaining a healthy scalp. Mainly some wrong habits the cause of unhealthy scalp which are explained below:
Environmental factors:
Environmental factors like pollen, dust, cigarette smoke, and others play an important role in causing unhealthy scalp as they get deposited on the roots and weaken the hair follicles. When the damage is through environmental factors then common symptoms include itching, redness, inflammation, and dandruff.
Sun exposure:
Prolonged sun exposure can cause epidermal damage that is the upper layer of the skin. It can typically harm the scalp's microbiome which is a collection of healthy scalp microorganisms that live on the scalp to keep it healthy. This damage causes hair loss, hair thinning and reduces sebum production. Sometimes epidermal damage can also impact on the natural barrier in the skin which can lead to skin cancer.
Chemical exposure in styling:
Nowadays chemical treatments are very common among all and routine exposure to chemicals can cause an unhealthy scalp. Regular exposure to chemicals may cause burning of the upper layer which also causes dry, frizzy hair and become prone to breakage. The most common side effects of chemical exposure are redness, itchiness, dandruff, flakiness, hair loss, etc. Using mild chemical products or herbal products like herbal shampoos, herbal conditioners and other herbal products.
Allergy:
Some allergic reactions from chemical treatments or some products can cause itchy scalp and redness or sometimes dandruff and flakiness too.
Stress:
Higher stress levels can cause increased amounts of cortisol in the body which leads to inflammation in the body and scalp too which gives itchy, flaky scalp, dandruff, and redness. High levels of cortisol can cause increased sebum secretion which can lead to clogging of pores due to excessive oil and impurities and ultimately lead to unhealthy scalp and hair thinning with hair fall.
Nutritional deficiencies:
A balanced diet is also required for a healthy scalp because only topical applications cannot work if you are not healthy inside. What you eat affects your scalp and hair health. Without essential nutrients, you are at risk of developing an unhealthy scalp.
Genetics:
Genetics also play an important role in your hair growth rate and patterns. Sometimes conditions like psoriasis, eczema, alopecia, or seborrheic dermatitis are inherited in children from their parents.
How to get a healthy scalp:
Having a healthy scalp is very essential for healthy hair. A healthy scalp has strong roots and hair follicles that induce healthy hair growth. Some tips are here that help in maintaining a healthy scalp so that our hair must be healthy.
Washing and conditioning of hair: Washing hair on regular intervals with herbal shampoos and conditioning them with herbal conditioners is one of the best hair care routines that everyone must follow if they want good hair health. If the scalp is not clean then pores will remain clogged and will attract more dust and dirt which ultimately causes hair fall.
Conditioning is also required for nourishing the scalp but herbal conditioners, not the market based because they have high amounts of sulphates, parabens and other harmful chemicals which can not be applied on roots but Havintha’s Herbal conditioners can be applied on roots also because they are 100% natural without any preservatives added.
Also, Read - Natural Remedies for Hair Thinning and Bald Spots
Scalp exfoliation: Using a gentle exfoliator for scalp also allows unclogging of pores and cleansing them more effectively but don’t forget to shrink them a little bit by putting some cold water after exfoliation.
Protecting from the sun: Protect your scalp from the harmful Sun radiations by covering them with a scarf. Less exposure to sun can help your scalp and hair protect from getting extra dry and frizzy hair. You can also apply SPF on your hair specially if you have thin and frizzy hair.
Massage your scalp: Massage your scalp gently with the fingers to improve blood circulation in the scalp. Or you can do an inverted head massage to increase the circulation towards your scalp.
Eat a balanced diet: Always include food items that are rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals in your diet because keeping your body healthy inside will help your scalp remain healthy and grow hair faster and stronger.
Know your hair type: There are various tests that you can do to know your hair and scalp type. Go with the hair care routine that is for the type of hair that suits you better.
Avoid harsh chemicals on your scalp and hair: Too much chemical exposure to your hair and scalp can weaken the hair follicles and ultimately cause hair thinning, hair fall, and an unhealthy scalp.
You can try Havintha's natural hair care products without any side effects because they are in powder form and 100% natural without any preservatives added.
Healthy scalp can only grow healthy hairs so keeping your scalp healthy with natural hair care habits is very essential. Using herbal shampoos, herbal conditioners and serums in your regular hair care routine can strengthen your hair and keep your scalp healthy.