We can’t change our genes, unfortunately, but what we can change is how we care for our scalp and health. You’ve probably heard thousands and times to up your lean protein, increase your Zinc intake, and even take the trusty Omega-3 supplements. A key component you may have overlooked is your scalp. Giving your scalp a little TLC can actually help achieve healthy hair! We’re sharing our top five Amazon hair products you need for healthy hair.
Get to Know Your Scalp
Healthy hair starts at the root—literally. The American Academy of Dermatology Association explains that the human scalp contains an estimated 100,000 follicles! Think of planting a tree, where each hair follicle contains a single strand of hair. “The follicles also produce sebum, or oil, that helps keep the scalp moisturized and protects the skin from infection.”
So, if your scalp has issues like itchiness, redness, or even dryness, it could mean it needs some help! It’s essential to understand the delicacies and nature of your hair so you can take better care of your scalp.
How to Achieve a Healthy Scalp for Healthy Hair
We understand everyone has unique needs based on their hair types. We’ve done some research, and according to Healthline, these are a few changes you can make to help your scalp and get happy healthy hair.
Photo by Karolina Grabowska
Gentle Hair Care Products
Looking for your next shampoo and conditioner can be overwhelming with all the new brands. Here are a few ingredients you should avoid next time you’re looking for new hair care products: sulfates, alcohols, and fragrances.
Photo by Kat Smith
Sulfates
A sulfate is a salt that forms when sulfuric acid reacts with another chemical. The sulfates that are found in personal care products and cleaning products are sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). These sulfates are added to products to create a lather effect. The reason sulfates are worrisome is that they strip your hair’s natural oils and remove your scalp’s dead skin cells; although removing the scalp’s dead skin cells might seem like a good thing, it actually makes your scalp more prone to irritation.
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Alcohol and Fragrances
Harsh alcohols such as ethyl alcohol and heavy synthetic fragrances have a drying effect on the skin and hair, the Food and Drug Administration states. Consistent use of hair care products that have alcohol and fragrance can severely dry out your scalp, leading to long-term damage, which turns into hair breakage, split ends, and frizziness.
Massage Scalp
Once you’ve removed irritating hair care products from your routine, the next thing you can do to help your scalp return its natural oils and get happy, healthy hair is to wash it gently. I know this might raise an eyebrow but trust the process. When your hair is wet, it’s more sensitive and more likely to become damaged. It’s recommended that you gently massage your scalp during shampooing. When conditioning, it’s also recommended to leave it in your hair for three to five minutes for maximum hair repair!
Wash Less Often
It’s understandable to think that washing your hair constantly will avoid oily hair, but on the contrary. Washing your hair too often strips away your scalp’s and hair’s natural oils. In fact, your scalp might actually produce more oils to stay hydrated, which results in oily-looking hair. It’s recommended for those with an existing dry or itchy scalp to increase the time between washes to balance the oil production. A general rule of thumb is to wash your hair three to four times a week, maximum.
Avoid Hot Water
With the colder months quickly approaching, you might be keen on showering with hot water. Although there are some benefits, such as it being good for acne and muscle relaxation, it will dry out your skin and scalp. It’s recommended that you wash your hair with warm water to avoid overdrying your scalp. As mentioned before, drying your scalp can lead to the overproduction of oils!
Photo by Karolina Grabowska
Achieving healthy, happy hair is never easy. With an abundance of articles telling you which supplements you should take and whatnot, remember that your healthy hair starts with your scalp. Helping your scalp reach its natural balance will help your hair’s health for beautiful bouncy hair!
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