Did you know healthy hair begins with a healthy scalp? It’s true. Implementing a scalp care routine is about more than just rinsing out the day’s gunk and re-styling your ’do. “Scalp care is important because it’s where the hair follicles are and where hair grows from,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman. “The healthier the scalp, the healthier the hair will be. Having your hair trimmed every three months is great for the hair but the foundation of our hair stems from the scalp,” she adds.
What does a healthy scalp look like?
When it comes to scalp care, the first thing to consider is the state of your scalp. According to Dr. Jaliman, “a healthy scalp is normally flake-free.” That said, flakes don’t necessarily mean dandruff. “It could be an indication that the scalp is very dry or irritated,” Dr. Jaliman explains. In addition, Dr. Jaliman recommends taking a closer look at your scalp’s sebum—aka, oil—production, too. A scalp that “does not look oily” is what you’re looking for.
What does an unhealthy scalp look like?
In addition to knowing what a healthy scalp looks like, knowing what an unhealthy scalp looks like can also help you get a better grasp on your scalp care. “A scalp that is itchy or burning is normally an indication that it’s not at its healthiest,” says Dr. Jaliman. “An itchy scalp is a symptom of a chemical irritation and can even be a sign of an allergic reaction,” she adds. In addition to itching and burning sensations, Dr. Jaliman says to be mindful of excess oil—just like you would with your regular skin care regimen. “An excessively oily scalp usually means the scalp is trying to compensate for oil which was stripped after using products which remove the natural oils of the scalp,” she explains. Read more
