Healthy Hair Growth Requires Good Scalp Health

Did you know that having a healthy scalp is essential for hair growth? It’s true! We focus so much on strands to save our thinning hair that we forget the most foundational part of our hair health.

Focus on Scalp Health for Healthy Hair Growth

But why is scalp health crucial for hair growth, and how can you improve it? These are some of the questions we’ll answer here as we look closer at the importance of scalp health for healthy and glowing hair.

Why is a Healthy Scalp Important?

Your scalp is the foundation that holds your hair follicles in place. Over 100,000 follicles are on your head, each reaching deep into your scalp and relying on a balanced and beneficial microbiome to survive.

If you don’t take care of your scalp and disrupt this microbiome, you risk damaging and ultimately losing your hair.

All common conditions, such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis, stem from an unhealthy scalp. Therefore, maintaining scalp health is crucial for promoting hair growth and avoiding these problems.

Signs of a Healthy Vs. Unhealthy Scalp

A healthy scalp is one with:

Clear and calm skin
Normal oil production
No itching or discomfort
Minimal flaking or dandruff

On the other hand, an unhealthy scalp is one with:

Pain
Acne or cysts
Excessive hair loss
Irritation and itchiness
Redness and flakiness

Tips for Restoring a Damaged Scalp

Having an unhealthy scalp and noticing your hair fall in handfuls doesn’t mean you’re doomed. You can use a laser cap for hair regrowth and incorporate the following tips into your routine to restore your scalp health.

Drink Enough Water and Eat a Balanced Diet

Improving scalp health for hair growth starts with improving your overall health. Proper hydration and nutrition are key here.

You must drink enough water to keep your body refreshed and hydrated. Thinning hair is one of the signs your diet isn’t the healthiest. So eating a balanced diet is another necessity.

Incorporate rich sources of protein, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, E, and D into your diet to nourish your body from within and give your hair a better chance at growing on a healthy scalp.

Clean Your Scalp Regularly

After improving your health from within, you must pay attention to the cleanliness of your scalp to keep it healthy and maximize hair growth. Regular cleansing is crucial for removing built-up oil and reducing itchiness.

If you don’t wash your hair two or three times a week (more if you have a scalp condition), you’ll create a favorable environment for harmful bacteria to thrive. So clean your scalp regularly with a pH-balanced shampoo suitable for your hair type.

Don’t Forget to Exfoliate

Exfoliating is another must that eliminates dead skin cells and prepares your scalp for better hair growth. You can buy a hair scrub or make your own exfoliant.

Just combine two tablespoons of sugar and oatmeal with your conditioner and rub it in circular motions on your scalp after shampooing your hair.

Use Gentle Products

You must switch to more gentle hair care products to improve scalp health and hair growth.

Avoid shampoos and conditioners with sulfate, as this chemical ingredient can cause scalp dryness and make your hair more fragile. Look for products with scalp-friendly ingredients like tea tree oil, piroctone, vitamin E, and ketoconazole.

Massage Your Scalp

You also want to stimulate blood flow in the scalp to nourish your hair follicles. A scalp massage can do that. Try massaging your scalp for five minutes every day to enhance circulation.

Limit the Use of Hot Tools

Hot styling tools can damage hair strands and wreak havoc on the scalp. Limit their use to improve scalp health and promote better hair growth.

If you want to use these styling tools, don’t forget to apply a heat protectant beforehand.

Manage Your Stress

Lastly, manage your stress levels to keep your scalp healthy. You probably didn’t know, but stress and anxiety can take a toll on your scalp and hair health.

Try different techniques to overcome anxiety and calm your mind. For instance, partake in yoga classes, meditate, and practice deep breathing when you’re stressed.

Maintain Scalp Health to Promote Hair Growth

A healthy scalp is necessary for healthy hair. Use the tips above to keep your scalp healthy and promote hair growth.

If you don’t notice any changes after following these tips, it may be time to visit a dermatologist for professional advice.

About the Writer: Aaron Smith is an LA-based content strategist and consultant in support of STEM firms and medical practices. He covers industry developments and helps companies connect with clients. In his free time, Aaron enjoys swimming, swing dancing, and sci-fi novels.