5 Simple Tips for Getting a Healthy Scalp to Jumpstart Hair Growth

Easy ways to care for your scalp for your best hair ever

By Melissa Bellanca

“Why doesn’t my hair look like that?”

Have you ever found yourself staring at a passerby with a full head of thick and lustrous hair and wondering why yours just doesn’t compare? You wash and condition your hair, filling it with products that promise more volume and shine, but it’s still lifeless. Sure, genetics plays a part, but there could also be something you’re overlooking when it comes to caring for your hair: your scalp. 

At the very root of all healthy hair is a healthy scalp. It’s often ignored because it’s covered up, but caring for your scalp can help to improve hair growth and condition. The scalp has its very own microbiome that needs special attention for hair to flourish.

Here are five tips for maintaining a healthy scalp to improve hair growth:

#1 Exfoliation

Your hair follicles produce an oil called sebum. This oil is what acts as the first protective layer to keep your scalp moisturized. Now, if you styled your hair, you most likely used a leave-in conditioner or a gel that is going to leave product build-up. Maybe you took public transportation to work and walked through polluting exhaust fumes. Perhaps after work, you then decide to go for a run and build up quite a sweat. Instead of washing your hair the next morning, you decide to save time and use a few spritzes of dry shampoo. 

If that’s what you’re doing most days, you can only imagine what the surface of your scalp looks like. All of that sweat, dirt, oil, dead skin cells and pollution are clogging your hair follicles. This can prevent new growth and even lead to hair loss.

One of the best ways to fix this is to exfoliate your scalp once a week. This helps to remove those layers of grime that build up and give your scalp a chance to breathe. 

#2 Dry Scalp

Now, instead of an oily scalp, you may suffer from a dry and itchy one. The reason for this may be a larger issue like dandruff or psoriasis. Both of these conditions can cause irritated, red, flaking, and inflamed patches of skin. There is some evidence that these conditions can be treated by using an antifungal like tea tree oil. It’s been suggested that washing daily with a shampoo that contains five percent tea tree oil can reduce dandruff by forty-one percent after four weeks. Since tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties, it is also effective in reducing skin irritation.

An irritated and itchy scalp may be caused by a reaction to a hair product. Take a moment to review the ingredient lists on the products you’ve been using for potential skin triggers

Creating a healthy scalp for hair growth and soothing a dry scalp could also be as simple as drinking more water. As with most things in beauty, hydration is key. Coconut oil and aloe vera also help relieve the tightness of the dry scalp.

#3 Diet and Supplements

A diet rich in fatty acids such as fish oil can keep skin supple and hydrated, scalp included. Fish oil can even promote hair growth. It delivers essential nutrients to hair and skin and even helps boost blood circulation in the scalp. 

In recent years, turmeric has become a hot commodity in the beauty and wellness world. Turmeric is a medicinal herb and spice that has been used in India for centuries. It contains curcumin, a polyphenol that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. Free radicals can put stress on hair follicles, especially as we age. Removing unnecessary stress is an important part of improving scalp health. Turmeric can be added to food and is available in both powder and capsule form.

#4 Massage

Although scalp massage has been done for centuries, it seems like it’s finally hit the mainstream beauty world. The main benefit? It feels great! The benefits go far beyond that though. Scalp massage increases blood circulation which can deliver more nutrients to the hair follicle. In a recent study, it was proven that regular massage can lower stress hormones and blood pressure. A stress-free state is helpful when trying to improve scalp health and stimulate hair growth. 

Massage also helps to redistribute scalp oils and lubricate hair strands, helping them to become more manageable and shiny.  

#5 Be Gentle

Be mindful of tight ponytails and any other hairstyles that may put too much stress on the scalp. You may end up losing hair as a result. 

It’s also a good idea to limit any heat damage. If possible, try letting your hair air dry to avoid any irritation that may cause to the delicate skin. 

Use a sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfates are cleansing agents that are used in household cleaning products. Imagine using something so harsh on your poor scalp. There is plenty of alternative natural hair care products on the market.

Avoid being too aggressive when brushing. Brushing your hair has benefits for the scalp that goes beyond styling. It can loosen any debris as well as help sebum moves along the hair making it more flexible. A good quality brush such as a boar bristle is worth the investment.

Another good investment is a hat. Like the rest of your skin, your scalp is at risk of sunburn. Just like anywhere else on your body, you can get blisters on your scalp too. In fact, sun damage can cause thinning of the scalp itself. If you do get too much sun on your scalp, it’s a good idea to rinse it with cold water.

A balanced and healthy scalp to improve hair growth is possible. It’s important to remember to be aware of any health and environmental factors that could be affecting you without realizing it. Creating a consistent care routine for your scalp can help set you on the path for the hair of your dreams. Pretty soon, people will be stopping you to ask what you did to get such fabulous hair!