5 Things That Are Affecting Your Scalp Health

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves: your scalp. If you’ve been dealing with dandruff, irritation, or even thinning hair, your scalp might be trying to tell you something. And it is really important that you listen before the problem gets worse. Here are five common culprits that could be compromising your scalp health and what you can do about it. Let’s dive in

Here are 5 things that affect your scalp health...

1. Product Buildup

Ever feel like your scalp just can’t breathe? That’s probably product buildup. If you’re heavy-handed with styling products or skipping regular washes, all that buildup on your scalp can clog your follicles creating a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus.

What You Can Do:

• Give your scalp a reset with a clarifying shampoo once a month.
• Use lightweight products that won’t weigh your hair (or your scalp) down.
• Unless a product is formulated for your scalp, don’t apply leave-ins or oils to your scalp in-between your wash days
• Don’t overdo it with dry shampoo—it’s great in a pinch, but too much can cause buildup.

Click here for the correct way to use your dry shampoo

2. Your Diet

Your diet plays a critical role in your scalp health and subsequently your hair health, A diet low in essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, D, and E, along with iron and omega-3s, can leave your scalp feeling dry and your hair lacking luster.

What You Can Do:

• Load up on greens, fatty fish, nuts, and seeds—your scalp will thank you.
• Drink plenty of water to keep everything hydrated.
• Do a blood test! This is the perfect way to determine whether you are lacking in nutrients and if you can make up for it with a change in diet or whether you need supplements

Click here to learn about what to ask for in your blood test

3. Harsh Hair Habits

Mechanical damage (meaning how you handle your hair) also wreaks havoc on your scalp. Tight ponytails, heat styling, and harsh chemical treatments are types of mechanical damage that you can cause. Over time, these habits can irritate your scalp and even cause hair loss.

What You Can Do:

• Loosen up those hairstyles; your scalp needs a break from all that pulling.
• Always use a heat protectant when styling and keep the temperature as low as possible.
• Space out chemical treatments to give your scalp time to recover. And talk to your hair stylist about the pre and post hair care steps you can take to ensure you can minimize damage from these treatments.

Click here for the hairstyles that will safeguard your edges

4. Skipping Scalp Care

If you’re not washing your hair often enough—especially if you have an oily scalp or live in a humid area—you’re basically inviting sweat, oil, and dirt to hang out. And that’s a recipe for dandruff and other issues.

What You Can Do:

• Wash your hair as often as your scalp needs. For oily scalps, that might mean every couple of days. For dry scalps, maybe less often.
• Apply a pre-wash scalp treatment oil once per week to give your scalp the nourishment of the oil and benefit of a scalp massage
• Use lukewarm water when you wash. Hot water feels great, but it’ll strip your scalp of its natural oils.

Click here for your scalp care routine

The trio that will chase your scalp and hair game. Packed with plant, seed, and flower derived ingredients.  Click here to learn more

5. Environmental Stress

Your scalp faces the elements every day—UV rays, pollution, and extreme weather. All of this can lead to dryness, inflammation, and long-term damage.

What You Can Do:

• Cover up with a hat or use hair products with SPF to shield your scalp from the sun.
• Rinse your hair after being exposed to pollution or swimming in chlorinated water (if you’re not going to wash your hair immediately)

Click here for how to protect your hair in the sun

In Conclusion

Your scalp plays a critical role in the health of your hair. I know we like to focus on our hair, snd there is nothing wrong with that, but please don’t neglect your scalp in the process.  Start by tackling one or two of these scalp stressors, and you’ll be well on your way to healthier, happier hair. Small changes can make a big difference—your scalp (and your hair) will thank you!