Choose Your Shampoo Based on Your Scalp Type
Choosing your shampoo based on your hair type is not enough. Your scalp has needs, and addressing them is part of a healthy haircare routine.
Do you think about your scalp when choosing a hair product? If the answer is no, remember that a healthy scalp is, in fact, the key to healthy, gorgeous hair. Most of us take our scalp's wellbeing for granted when we pick our hair products.
Whether choosing a shampoo or conditioner, we always prefer to get products that will benefit our locks, and in doing so, we neglect our scalp's basic requirements. This second episode of the Hair Routine mini-series will help you identify your scalp type and what to look for in your haircare products to grow gorgeous hair.
As a dermatologist, I need to remind you that the skin is equally important regardless of whether it is covered by hair or not. A healthy scalp should be free from itching, flakiness, redness, dry patches, pain, or sun damage.
Bumps, red marks, and itchiness on the scalp may indicate a dermatological condition, which, left unchecked, can lead to hair loss. A rough scalp causes dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, hair breakage, and dullness. So, it is fair to say that your scalp directly affects how your hair looks, feels and grows.
Your scalp has approximately 100,000 follicles, and the hair begins growing from the bottom of the follicle. Blood from the blood vessels in your scalp feeds the root of the hair. The hair pushes through the skin as it grows, passing an oil gland along the way. The oil gland adds oil to the hair, making it shiny and soft, but it can also make it greasy. Therefore, choosing a shampoo that will cleanse your locks and scalp is essential.
Normal Scalp
People with normal, healthy scalps have shiny, silky, and smooth hair. A normal scalp has an equal distribution of sebaceous glands and is less vulnerable to dandruff or excessive oil production. Use fragrance-free shampoo and condition your hair for a silky-smooth effect. Make sure that you don't wash your hair too often. You can also treat your scalp with a moisturising or hydrating hair mask.
Oily Scalp
Overactive sebaceous glands develop excessive sebum, making your hair look dull and greasy. Hormonal changes are the most frequent cause, and many people have this type of scalp issue.
An underestimated solution is to use a scalp scrub to remove the excess oil and dirt from your hair. It will also promote circulation that stimulates hair growth and less fallout. Wash your hair 2-3 times per week with a light, clay-based shampoo formula. Try to gently massage your scalp to get rid of the excess oil.
Seborrheic Scalp
Excess sebum from overactive sebaceous glands causes dryness, itchiness, dandruff, and thick, yellow scales in severe cases. One serious condition that may develop on a seborrheic scalp is pityriasis amiantacea, an affliction with excessive scalp scaling, which causes much distress and low self-esteem. Medication and antifungal shampoos are needed alongside seeing a dermatologist.
Dry Scalp
A dry scalp is when your skin doesn't have enough moisture and gets irritated or flaky. Cold, dry air or hair styling applied directly onto your skin, such as shampoo, hair styling gel, or hairspray, can have a drying effect resulting in small, dry skin flakes. You may notice dryness on other parts of your body if you have a dry scalp. Use a gentle shampoo and moisturising scalp mask specially formulated for your concerns.
Sensitive Scalp
If you have a sensitive scalp, avoid hot water that irritates your delicate skin; wash your hair with lukewarm water so that redness won't be your problem. Use a shampoo with few ingredients and no fragrance or essential oils to eliminate the itchiness and heal the dry skin. Coconut oil and aloe vera are good natural ingredients to look for when choosing your haircare products.
The bottom line is that small changes to your haircare routine will make a massive difference in your scalp's condition. Avoid hair products that contain sulphates, alcohol, and fragrances as much as possible. Follow these little tips to improve your scalp's health and enhance your hair growth.
In the next episode of the Hair Routine mini-series, we will learn important lessons in nourishing and moisturising the hair and which products best suit your hair goals. Use the #DHHairRoutine on social media for more tips and products to improve your haircare routine.
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