Greetings Everyone, one of the keys to healthy thriving hair is a healthy atmosphere for our scalp. Here are some tips that have been helpful in keeping my scalp, my husband's scalp and our children's scalp healthy, all with varying hair types. 

 

STAY HYDRATED

1.) One of the most important things to remember about maintaining a healthy scalp is staying hydrated. Dehydration is one of the most common causes of dry scalp. Hard water, colder environments and harsh ingredients from hair care products also contribute to dry scalp. Dry scalp is flaky, white and can be itchy. 

KEEP IT CLEAN

2.) Keep the scalp clean and buildup free. A good clarifying cleanse is great bi weekly or monthly if you use all natural products. Clarifying cleansers help remove product buildup from the scalp. On the other hand, shampoos, styling products and conditioners that contain ingredients synthetic ingredients that leave a coating of buildup on the scalp. This buildup up works against the scalp environment in that it weakens follicles and disrupts the acid mantle, leaving the scalp weakened. The itchiness experienced with dry scalp is usually due to the scalp loosing its ability to retain moisture. If you do happen to struggle with dry scalp, try to switch from products that contain harsh ingredients such as sulfates, silicones, artificial color and artificial fragrance. 

 KEEP IT BALANCED

3.) Raw Apple Cider Vinegar provides a light cleansing and ph balance to the hair and scalp. If you're like me and workout often but shampoo every 2-4 weeks, the use of Raw ACV in between cleansing, is helpful for keeping sweat and bacteria buildup from the scalp. Raw ACV also aids in minimizing harsh ingredients found in our water. Our Herbal Hair +Scalp Mist (Natty ACV Mist) can be sprayed directly onto the scalp, massaged in and allowed to do its magic by lightly cleansing, soothing dryness and aiding in restoring the barrier that locks in moisture. I also apply our Hair + Scalp Mist  after every deep condition and use it often as a light balancing moisturizer. The use of raw vs processed allows you to receive the natural nutrients and essentials from the ingredient.

KEEP IT OIL FREE

4.) Whenever oils are applied to the scalp, it's always best to shampoo them out. Our scalp produces a wonderful nourishing element called 'sebum' which is the natural oil. When we apply and leave oils on the scalp we clog the pores and send the signal that our scalp does not need to produce oils  naturally. This malfunction can lead to dry itchy scalp,  flaking and dandruff. The only time I apply oils to our scalp is during our Hair + Scalp oil treatments, which will be shampooed out after a certain time. The natural oils used are nourishing,  cleansing and therapeutic that work with achieving healthy scalp atmospheres instead of against. So we don't apply any product directly onto the scalp which causes buildup, flaking, dryness and other potential scalp issues. Utilize oil treatments using healthy natural oils to keep the scalp healthy, but be sure to shampoo them out.

NO NAILS

5.) Try not to use finger nails to scratch an itchy scalp,  instead use the balls of your fingers to gently rub. Remember the scalp is a sensitive area and using nails or tools to scratch an itch can cause tiny cuts that opens their door for bacteria and fungus growth.

PROTECT AT NIGHT

6.) Keep the hair and scalp covered at night with moisture retaining fabrics such as silk or satin. I absolutely live my satin bonnet from @ebonicurls . Other fabrics such as cotton draws moisture from the hair.

 HEALTHY EATS AND WATER

7.) A healthy diet and good water intake via water rich foods and pure water play a Huge role in achieving and maintaining a healthy scalp and healthy hair.

Dandruff and Dry Scalp are different in that dry scalp is characterized by a tight, itchy scalp, whereas Dandruff has various types and is characterized by dead skin pieces are found on the scalp and hair.  Dry Scalp does not always mean Dandruff though Dry Scalp or Oily Scalp Dandruff are types of dandruff. For an indepth reading into dandruff and scalp issues, the various types and some helpful solutions, check out my post HERE

 

As always, I hope this is helpful in helping you achieve and maintain healthy scalp and hair.