Scalp Care #101 — The Lexington Line

With the topics of beauty and wellness, one’s mind may immediately go to skincare and hair products. However, there’s an area quite often overlooked as it’s a less noticeable part of our appearance, the scalp.

What many people may not realize is the significant impact a healthy, well-taken-care of scalp may have on the condition of our hair.

Firstly, let’s dive into what the scalp entails and the exact role it plays in our health. The scalp alone holds an average of 100,000 hairs and each of these is created by hair follicles which can also be described as mini organs.

Since hair follicles are deeply rooted in our scalp, our skin should be treated with just as much care. Not only do these follicles determine your hair growth journey, but they also shape what your hair looks like. Frequently seen issues such as hair loss or dandruff stem from your hair follicles. Adopting the right scalp care routine may just be your solution.

In the process of discovering what your scalp needs, it’s essential to identify what type of scalp you have. Just like your skin, the four typical scalp types consist of oily, dry, normal, and mixed. With a dryer scalp, you may notice signs of flakes in the roots of your hair and itchiness can occur as well.

An oily scalp is indicated if your hair becomes greasy shortly after washing it and seems overly shiny, dandruff can be another sign as well. Meanwhile, a mixed scalp is defined as a combination of the two where the scalp is oily, but the ends appear dry.

There are several ways you can work towards achieving a healthy scalp through your own initiative. Our number one tip would be to avoid hair products with harsh irritants at all costs! Some harmful ingredients often found in shampoos and conditioners to avoid are sulfates, silicones, mineral oils, alcohol, and added fragrances.

Common side effects of using products that carry these ingredients include skin irritation, hormone disruption, and frizzy/dry hair. Another tip that many tend to forget is to rinse your scalp thoroughly. One of the simplest mistakes made during the washing process is rinsing your hair and roots while forgetting to scrub the scalp as well.

To reach maximum exfoliation a scalp brush is an effective tool to remove any buildup and dead skin. Aside from exfoliation, cleansing your scalp with specific shampoos and applying serums for protection will further enhance your scalp health.

In recent years, hair spas have gained more attention for their remarkable services and results. Taking a visit to one of these facilities, you will first receive a scalp analysis and then a variety of different scalp services are offered which can be adapted to your results.

The most popular services include scalp massages which increase your blood flow, exfoliation through a deep cleanse, oxygen, and serum infusion providing the scalp with necessary nutrients. These treatments usually last for 60-90 minutes with a price range starting at $90-$100.

If you are worried about your scalp health or notice abnormal symptoms such as extensive hair loss, don’t be afraid to consult with a dermatologist about your concerns. They will provide you with the most accurate diagnosis and possible treatments.

Lastly, while prioritizing scalp care will lead to a healthier look and feel, don’t forget about external factors that can make an additional positive impact. Evaluate your diet. Foods like berries and nuts strengthen your hair. Vitamin deficiencies are an additional cause of scalp and hair conditions.

And, as with most things, don’t forget to get enough sleep and find ways to reduce your stress! What scalp-care treatment will you be trying? Comment below!