Scalp care has been getting a lot of buzz lately, and it's for a great reason. Many are starting to realize that, just like the rest of your body, you need to take care of your scalp. Yes, you really do need to take care of every part of you, and that is why we love self-care.
To give your scalp the TLC it needs and deserves, here's everything you need to know about scalp care.
Why should you care what happens to your scalp?
The scalp usually isn't among the visible parts of the body (unless you shave your head, lose hair, or someone is looking a little too closely), so why do you need to care? According to haircare brand Briogeo, an inflamed, dry, or irritated scalp can lead to countless hair issues, such as dryness, hair loss, and increased shedding. Another common issue with your scalp is the classic dandruff.
Allure reported that the scalp is basically an extension of the skin, meaning it can suffer the same issues your skin does, such as dryness, flakes, oiliness, itchiness, and irritation. Like with your skin, you need to remove excess oil, debris, and products like dry shampoo from the scalp to keep it healthy. You also need to keep it hydrated.
Another reason why you should care about the health of your scalp is that it can directly impact your hair growth and the feel and condition of your hair, according to Hair.com.
How can you take care of your scalp?
If you are unsure about your concerns, it's important to reach out to a professional to get your scalp looked at. Just like your skincare routine, take your time developing a scalp care routine. Everyone's routine is different because everyone has different concerns and issues.
However, just like with every routine, you need to start with a product that cleanses and removes debris from the scalp, such as shampoo. An expert told Allure that you should brush your hair right before you get in the shower because it loosens the debris.
Even though this is universal, here's where you get to curate products to target your concerns.
Oily Scalp
If you suffer from an oily scalp and hair, according to Hair.com, it is important to pick up an oil-reducing shampoo to help get your oil under control. Hair.com reported that one reason your scalp might be oily is that when you lather, it tells your scalp to produce more oil to replace what you're getting rid of. It is recommended that you use a sulfate-free shampoo and alternate with a scalp exfoliator that uses physical exfoliants.
Dry Scalp
If you have a dry scalp, it is likely to be irritated. Allure reported that one way to combat dryness is to shampoo less often and use warm water. It is also recommended to consider a scalp toner, which is just like one you'd find in your skincare routine, except this was created for hair. You should also use shampoos and conditioners that focus on moisturizing.