FROM THE LAB
Looking after the skin on your scalp is just as important as caring for the skin on your body and face. When it comes to skincare, there is no one-size-fits-all, and the same applies to your scalp. Just like your skin, selecting the right products and care routine for your scalp will vary depending on its type and condition. Whether you have an oily, dry or sensitive scalp (or a mix of all three!), keep reading to learn what a healthy scalp looks and feels like and how best to maintain it.
When your scalp is balanced and healthy, it will feel clean and be free of product buildup. There will be no dandruff or inflammation, and hair will feel supple while looking shiny and full. The scalp itself will look like healthy skin, without redness, dry patches, scaliness or flakes.
There are several different things that can affect the condition of your scalp including stress, hormonal imbalance, lack of sleep, malnutrition, illness and even external factors such as pollution. Using the wrong products for your scalp type can also lead to problems, for example by stripping away the natural oils and disrupting the scalp’s microbiome. Genetics also have a big part to play in your scalp health, especially when it comes to premature hair loss.
‘Microbiome’ is a term used to describe the mixture of bacteria, viruses and fungi which inhabit the scalp, skin and human body. When the ‘bad’ microbes outweigh the ‘good’, your scalp’s microbiome becomes unbalanced and as a result you can experience discomfort including itchiness, dandruff and dryness. To maintain a healthy microbiome and therefore a healthy scalp, follow our tips below, depending on your scalp type.
As well as an unbalanced microbiome, an itchy, red or flaky scalp can also be caused by factors such as genetics, stress, allergies, chemicals, infections and dehydration.
To balance your microbiome and reduce scalp irritation, dryness and sensitivity, try making the following lifestyle changes:
- Regular hair washing with a high-performing, mild shampoo – regular hair washing removes excess product buildup, and opting for a mild shampoo prevents stripping the scalp of its natural oils. A dry shampoo can be used between washes to prolong wash days.
- De-stress e.g. meditation or yoga – stress can disrupt your scalp’s natural oil production along with the microbiome, leading to itching, flaking and discomfort.
- Prioritise natural, mild ingredients – using products with gentle ingredients such as Aloe Vera can help to alleviate any scalp discomfort you may be experiencing.
- Avoid excessive heat styling and protect your scalp from the sun – like any skin on your body, your scalp can burn, therefore it’s important to protect it from UV damage by choosing products with built-in SPF or by covering your head with a hat or scarf.
- Have a healthy and well-balanced diet – to have a healthy scalp, you also need a healthy diet that provides the vitamins and minerals needed to maintain good skin health.
- Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated – hydration soothes a dry and sensitive scalp by helping to keep skin supple and comfortable.
The natural oil your body produces is known as sebum, an oily, waxy substance that’s produced by your body’s sebaceous glands. Sebum helps to keep hair healthy and smooth, however excessive sebum production caused by over-active sebaceous glands can make hair feel limp, lank and oily.
If your hair feels oily and looks damp or greasy 24 hours after washing (particularly at the crown of your head), you’re likely experiencing excessive oil production and therefore an oily scalp.
The main causes of an oily scalp are hormone imbalances, stress, over-washing, certain medications, product buildup and genetic predisposition.
To prevent the scalp from producing excess oils, try making the following changes:
- Wash as you need – if your hair feels uncomfortably oily or is visibly greasy then it’s absolutely fine to wash it, even if this is every day.
- Use gentle products without harsh chemicals – it’s just as important to use gentle products on oily scalps as it is on sensitive ones, especially if you’re washing your hair a lot. This prevents stripping.
- De-stress e.g. meditation or yoga – stressed scalps aren’t just dry and sensitive, they can be oily too thanks to disrupted sebum production, making a de-stress routine applicable to those with oily scalps as well.
- Have a healthy and well-balanced diet – what you eat can affect how much oil your scalp produces, so try to stick to a balanced, nutrient-rich diet where possible.
- Choose products with balancing ingredients – select haircare that contains ingredients to balance your natural sebum production, helping to nourish your scalp without creating excess buildup.
As you can see, there are lots of similarities between scalp types when it comes to actions you can take to have a healthy scalp. Overall, having a well-balanced lifestyle and regularly washing your hair with gentle products will help to balance your scalp microbiome, resulting in a healthier scalp that reflects your general well-being. If you do have any scalp concerns, it’s always worth asking your hairdresser or a medical professional for advice.