Just as the condition of the soil affects how a plant grows, the condition of your scalp establishes the health of your hair. A healthy scalp has clean, open pores with good blood flow. A healthy scalp is characterised as being loose and thick. An unhealthy scalp can be characterised by a dry and itchy scalp, flaking, or tenderness. An unhealthy scalp is either too dry or too oily. An oily scalp reflects the sebaceous glands in overdrive, meaning the glands in the hair follicle are producing too much oil. This creates a haven for bacteria to breed. Dandruff, which is a characteristic of dry scalp, it’s also caused by an over growth of yeast. Dry scalp can be caused by products leaving a buildup on the scalp. Conditions such as Eczema or Psoriasis may also be to blame for a persistent dry and itchy scalp, as well as poor circulation or poor diet.

If you want healthier, thicker hair, it’s important to keep your scalp in the best condition possible.

1. Establish a Proper Cleansing Routine
For a healthy scalp, wash your hair every 2-3 days. If you wash your hair more often, you’re at risk of drying out your scalp. Washing your hair less often can cause an unhealthy buildup of oil and dirt on your scalp which can clog follicles and slow hair growth. Always use a gentle shampoo free of suphates and parabens that won’t strip your natural oils from your scalp to prevent dryness.

2. Eliminate Flakes
Dandruff is a tell-tale sign that your scalp is in distress, and a distressed scalp grows brittle and unmanageable hair. If you notice dandruff in your hair or on your clothing, use a specially formulated dandruff shampoo containing zinc to clear up the flakes.

3. Exfoliation is Key
You exfoliate your skin to keep it healthy and your scalp is no exception. By regularly exfoliating the dead skin cells from your scalp, you’ll keep your follicles clear and help your hair grow. Make sure to brush your hair daily with a natural bristle brush to increase circulation, redistribute scalp oils, and slough off dead skin and debris that can obstruct hair growth.

4. Conditioning for Scalp Health
Most people avoid putting conditioner on their scalp because they don’t want to weigh down their hair. But if your scalp is dry, you’ll definitely want to condition your scalp. It’s just like moisturising your face after washing it! Just be sure to use a lightweight, non-comedogenic conditioner that won’t clog your hair follicles.

5. Sun Protection
UV rays from the sun can damage your scalp skin and exacerbate hair thinning. The more thin your hair is, the greater the risk of UV damage. When outside for prolonged periods of time, make sure to wear a hat or a sunscreen specially formulated for scalp application.

6. Examine Your Diet
For the best hair possible, you must incorporate foods for healthy hair and scalp into your diet. If you suffer from scalp dryness, you might need to supplement your diet with Omega-3’s and fish oils. Both will help with providing your skin with more moisture, including your scalp.

Follow these scalp care tips to improve your scalp health. But remember: there are many different causes of hair loss, and if your hair is thinning, it might not necessarily be because of an unhealthy scalp. If you are noticing substantial hair loss, be sure to see your doctor to rule out any serious illness.

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