How to Moisturize Scalp

How to Moisturize Scalp

Lustrous and beautiful hair begins at the scalp, and it is where one needs to concentrate the most. Our scalp has many different problems; it can be itchy, dry, flaky, irritating, and it can seem like it is impossible to have a healthy scalp and strong and dense locks. But that is not the case. You can get a healthy scalp if you know how to moisturize scalp from time to time. 

The hair follicle in the scalp is the place where your hair grows. It is best to keep it clean, happy, and healthy to get optimized hair growth. Trichologists, stylists, and dermatologists know the importance of moisturizing your scalp, and now you will too. 

Everything will affect your scalp, from the shampoo formula you use to the at-home spa treatments you prefer; there are solutions to hydrate it so that you can finally get healthy hair. 

How to Know if You Need to Moisturise Scalp

Just like dry skin on your body, a dry scalp is the result of something else. Dry scalp can result from infections, allergies from hair care products, and dermatitis or dandruff. Sometimes dandruff is the result of a yeast infection.

Dry scalp causes dandruff, and the flakier your scalp is, the easier it becomes for the dead skin cells to mix with the natural oils from your skin and clog the pores. If your skin does not produce enough or hold enough moisture, your skin starts to flake. Your hair will look dry and frizzy if you don’t know how to moisturize it frequently and in an orderly fashion. 

Often flaky scalp occurs due to yeast infections. The dry scalp does not form or secrete enough natural oils or sebum to hold the moisture. People with dry skin tend to face the problem more frequently. Things that cause dry skin also cause dry scalp, such as dry air, especially during the winter months, excessive washing, and inherent skin conditions such as eczema. 

Most people don’t bother with it, but it is not something you should overlook because a dry scalp hinders hair growth. It is uncertain how clogged pores and flaky scalp affect hair growth, but it is certain that it causes significant inflammation and, in some cases, causes hair loss. Often dry scalp can occur due to skin conditions, and regular treatment will not work on these. Hence, it is best to visit the dermatologist to see what is really the case and if dry skin is due to other causes. 

Guidelines on how to Choose a Shampoo for Moisturising Scalp

Many market shampoos and conditions can strip the scalp of its natural oils and leave it susceptible to irritation and dryness. Hence, it is good to use products that do not contain harsh cleansing products, such as sulphates and parabens. If the scalp does not have the natural oil layer, it tends to become dry. 

1. Shampoo:

If you perpetually have a dry scalp, you can switch to shampoos and conditioners that will best suit you. These special products have medicinal, antibacterial, and antifungal agents, such as Pyrithione zinc, ketoconazole, etc., which is great for dry heads with dandruff. It also works on oily scalp. It contains DTH inhibitors that can help to decrease hair fall. 

People with mild dandruff can try to cleanse their hair daily with a gentle shampoo that can effectively reduce dead cell buildup and remove excess oils. If it is not an option, you can try to look for a shampoo that works for you. You might need to try more than one or two shampoos to find the perfect fit. Check the ingredient list for harsh chemicals and stick to the ones with gentle composition. You can ask your dermatologist about medicated shampoos for dandruff since only moisturizing will not help. 

2. Hair Oil:

If you have a dry scalp, but dandruff is not your main problem, then you can try nourishing products such as hair oils to moisturize the scalp. There are thousands of products in the market that specifically targets your scalp and hair. If you wish to apply it at the beginning of the day, you can wet your hair and apply a few drops with your fingertips or a cotton swab and apply it directly to the scalp. 

However, if you wish to moisturize during the night, you can be more generous with the amount of the product. One can massage it into the scalp and even run their fingers along the strands. 

1. Hair Serum: Hair serum can be of two types- oil-based or water-based. You can use one on the scalp that suits you. For example, if you have an oily scalp, you can try the oil-based one and for a dry scalp, try the oil-based one. A serum will soothe your scalp and keep your hair shiny and radiant. Some of them have hair growth products that will lengthen your hair faster. 
2. Astringent products: More often than not, applying oils directly can make your hair feel greasy and dirty. Hence, you can reduce its effect with astringent products such as tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar. 
3. Exfoliation: If you notice too much build-up that does not clean with shampooing, then you can try exfoliation for your scalp. You can do it the same way you exfoliate the rest of the body but make sure not to overdo it. If one has eczema, then their scalp already has inflammation, and it is not good to exfoliate on top of it. 

Importance of Scalp Moisturizing techniques

Without any moisture, our hair becomes brittle, dry, and prone to breakage. On the other hand, if we follow a moisturizing routine, hair growth boosts since the scalp is happy and gets plenty of nutrients. Though moisture does not necessarily speed your hair growth, it prevents hair breakage and tangles. Therefore, indirectly, moisturizing can help retain hair length, and you can continue to grow it without worries. 

If you frequently change hair products, the pH balance of your scalp gets disturbed, and many issues can arise. If possible, you can try to use minimum products and remove all residues when you cleanse the scalp. Knowing how to moisturize the scalp can help you prevent many hair issues in the long run. You can check in with your dermatologist or health care provider to determine if you have an underlying condition before you start moisturizing your scalp.