If the scalp is healthy then your hair will grow healthy and vice versa, or even worse if the scalp is unhealthy you might have NO HAIR!! Lol!! Okay enough of the jokes.
In order to maintain a healthy scalp it is important to understand the functions of the scalp. The scalp comprises of skin cells, these cells are constantly shedding and reproducing to produce new cells on the scalp. This process happens in such a quick, synchronised and microscopic manner that it’s undetectable to the human eye. However when the normal functioning of the scalp is destabilized then conditions such as pimples on the scalp, bumps, dandruff, psoriasis and severe itching arises. Let’s look at the scalp as the soil of our hair, and a fertile soil will produce healthy crop! Hair is produced by the follicles situated in the deepest level of our scalp; it is composed mostly of dead protein and pigment. Most of the scalp’s problems are caused by an imbalance of sebum production. Sebum is the natural oil the scalp produces; it’s a slightly acidic substance that coats hair strands and lubricates the scalp. To maintain sebum balance and take proper care of your scalp here are a few useful tips:
1. De clutter: The natural oil your scalp produces is perfect! Don’t grease your scalp constantly with heavy oils and butters! It wants to be left alone. The over production of sebum causes large oily flakes on the scalp while it’s under production causes large dry flakes on the scalp. These flakes are skin cells, when they replicate at an accelerated rate they sit on the scalp, and will be accompanied by inflammation and itching. Hair cannot grow long or strong on an inflamed scalp. When we put excessive oils on our scalp, it tricks the scalp into thinking that it doesn’t need to produce oil and leads to an under production of sebum. Dandruff and dryness occur because of this under production and then you would want to put more oils, it becomes a terrible vicious cycle. The best way to moisturise your scalp is frequent washing and conditioning, this will keep your scalp clutter free and allow it to perspire. Also, focus on moisturizing your new growth and ends that will provide light moisture for your scalp. Don’t actively go through your scalp coating it in oils!!
2. Don’t scratch: Scratching your tender scalp with your fingernails causes injury to the scalp. As I have mentioned above, an inflamed and injured scalp will not foster growth. Furthermore, studies have shown that scratching causes BALDNESSSSS! Yes indeed, it weakens your hair follicles and causes serious hair loss. So when you feel that itch just smack your head! Lol seriously, give it a tap or a gentle massage with the ball of your fingers.
3. Eat Healthy: Yep, healthy eating habits are absolutely necessary for hair and scalp care. Your hair follicles are supported and nourished by the nutrients in your blood stream. Your hair and nails are the last to receive your body’s nutrients, which means that if you have any nutritional deficiencies that the vitamins and nutrients in your body will go straight to the important places like your heart, kidney etc. and there will no excess left to nourish your scalp. Drink lots of water as well to provide moisture from within, eat foods that are rich in B vitamins, such as; beans, whole grains etc., eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and reduce saturated fats. Healthy eating will not just improve hair and scalp conditions; it will also aid weight loss (if that’s what you want) and improve your general wellness.
4. Use gentle products: Check your shampoos for harsh products like ammonium and sodium lauryl sulphates. These ingredients strip the hair of moisture and leave the scalp feeling dry. Use clarifying shampoos once a month to get rid of build ups and moisturizing shampoos for regular hair cleansing. However, if you could use ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) as a scalp clarifier, this is not harsh when diluted and it conditions the scalp as well, that can be used up to 4 times a month for clarifying the scalp of build-up. In addition, be sure to thoroughly wash conditioners out of the hair, as conditioner residues clog the pores and can be mistaken for dandruff.I would also say stay away from harsh chemicals like relaxers. I am not the war on relaxer type, but I cannot count how many times relaxers burnt my scalp before I went natural.
5. No aggressive styling: Avoid styles that put a strain on your scalp! Beauty is not pain! For naturals there is beauty in our disorganized fluff! So we don’t need the braids to be so neat that they pull on our scalp! Overly tight braids, buns and weaves can lead to permanent hair loss through irreparable damage to the hair follicles.
6. Avoid Extreme heat: Avoid exposing the scalp to temperature extremes. Heat from blow-dryers and hooded dryers dry the scalp severely. Direct the blow-dryer heat down the hair shaft and not at your scalp
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