An Itchy Scalp May Not Be Just A Dry Scalp: 5 Tips For A Healthier Scalp

This post is sponsored by Head & Shoulders and SheKnows Media. All opinions are 100% mine!

Growing up, I experienced a lot of dry scalp issues. I always believed it was just something that ran in the family, but the truth is maybe we’ve just been practicing bad habits for a long time. The key is understanding what it means to have a dry scalp vs. having dandruff.

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Many times, for black women, because of habits and practices, we may experience scalp issues a little bit earlier. This is due to prolonged hair washing frequency and the fact that many of us grew up getting relaxers. Relaxers are meant to go at the root of the hair, or scalp, and so relaxers can further dry out the scalp especially when your hair is over processed. That’s a separate issue from having dandruff, although this does often appear as a form of dryness. For someone with dandruff, dryness is a factor that can essentially exacerbate your scalp condition and make it worse. In addition to prolonged wash frequency, relaxers and other styling methods can cause tension on your scalp. The key to tackling these issues is making sure you’re educated on what it takes to promote a healthy scalp. Check out my top 5 tips for a healthy scalp and hair below.

5 Tips For A Healthy Scalp & Hair

Pay Attention to Your Diet & Water Intake

I’ve often found when I’m drinking water, like I should be, and eating the right foods, my face is clear and my hair grows. Our body always gives us signs of what we’re lacking. In general, water plays a major role in the overall health of our bodies. And this includes the condition of your skin and your scalp because scalp is skin. Whenever you’re dehydrated, you open yourself up to the risk of dry skin, brittle hair follicles and much more. Eating a balanced diet, with a healthy water intake will keep your hair and skin on the right track.

Consider Supplements/Vitamins

Another thing I like to take  to maintain healthy hair is hair, skin and nail vitamins. As much as we try, sometimes we don’t get as many nutrients as we would like. I had times when my hair was thinning in the front, due to stress or health issues. So in addition to a healthy diet, I take these supplements to make sure that my body stays on track. I can always see the difference when I’m taking them and when I’m in-between ordering my next pack.

Be Careful with Oils

Using oils excessively can prevent your scalp from breathing and can also weigh your hair down. If you have scalp issues,  some oils can help mask the issues like flaking for a little bit, but certain oils can actually make the condition worse. The key is to make sure you’re getting to the root of the problem, pun intended lol. The source of these issues is a fungus on the scalp and the skin reacting to it, so you need a product that addresses the fungus. You want a product with an ingredient like zinc prythione (ZPT) , a scalp care active, which can reduce the presence of fungus and provide moisturization.  Head & Shoulders has a great  Clinical Solutions Leave-On Treatment for in-between washes that gives you your healthiest scalp. 

Examine Your Wash Routine

I’m not sure many of us have taken the time to learn how to properly wash our hair. The idea seems simple enough, but it probably should be called “washing our heads.”  When we think of washing our hair, sometimes we neglect our scalps. Oftentimes people will use their finger nails to get at their scalp or not get to the scalp at all by just focusing on the hair. The key is to wash hair thoroughly but use your fingertips not fingernails  on the scalp. In this process, gently massage and scrub with the pads of your fingertips to cleanse your scalp.

Choosing Your Hair Products

Now that you know how to properly wash your hair, it’s important to use the right hair and scalp products for you. With so many on the market, it can be overwhelming. For someone like me that has natural hair, I have that additional layer in my search for the right  products. The key is to figure out what your regular scalp routine looks like. Think about what you’re doing to your hair and scalp – are you using multiple leave-on products, relaxing your hair, wearing extensions, color treating? And depending on what you’re doing, create the best scalp care regimen for you. 

I hope all these tips have put you on the right course towards a healthier and happier scalp. Always keep in mind that there are other factors that can make your scalp issues worse. These include environmental factors, seasonal changes, sweat or even stress. When you pay attention to your body and what it’s saying, you’ll be able to choose the right products to combat any issue.

Be sure to check out Head & Shoulder’s  Clinical Solutions Leave-On Treatment and feel free to share any tips you have for keeping a scalp healthy!