December 29, 2022

7 Ways to Maintain a Happy and Healthy Scalp

Taking care of your scalp is just as important as taking care of the skin on your face. An unhealthy scalp can lead to dryness, flaking and itching, which can be uncomfortable and unsightly. If left untreated, these issues can become worse and cause hair thinning or even hair loss. Additionally, a buildup of sebum, sweat and hair products can clog your hair follicles, leading to reduced volume. Since a healthy scalp is the foundation of strong, lustrous hair, it is important to take good care of it — but how do you keep your scalp happy and healthy?

Common Scalp Problems and Their Causes

If you’re struggling with an itchy scalp, dandruff, or bald patches, you’re not alone. These are all common scalp problems experienced by many in Singapore. From the stress that our bodies go through due to external elements to the stress that we put on our scalps while experimenting with products, many factors can lead to disruption in hair growth and the eventual result of our hair becoming lacklustre and lifeless. Some of the most common scalp problems experienced include:

Itchy Scalp

Also known as scalp pruritus, this can be caused by a wide range of reasons. While commonly brought about by underlying health conditions like psoriasis and diabetes, they can also be caused by stress or anxiety. For example, having psoriasis results in areas like the scalp having scaly, and sharply defined skin patches.

Dandruff

Demonstrated as little white flakes, the presence of dandruff can be annoying. Brought about by the buildup of shedding dead skin with no specific cause, it can be a sign of irritated and oily skin, sensitivity to specific hair care products, or other skin conditions. With age and certain illnesses like Parkinson’s disease increasing the risk of an individual developing dandruff, seeking treatment when the condition does not improve after a long time is crucial.

Thinning Hair

Be it male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness, excessive hair loss has increasingly become a major concern amongst many. If left untreated, this can cause hair loss that can become permanent. Caused by genetics and hormonal changes, finding out how to keep your scalp healthy can help protect the skin from instances of inflammation and the like.

Why You Need to Build Scalp Awareness

Healthy hair starts at the scalp. This means that a healthy scalp is the final piece of the puzzle when it comes to achieving a strong head of hair. As the layer of skin and subcutaneous tissue that supports the hair fibre, it is pivotal to ensure that the scalp is not compromised so as to prevent issues such as hair shedding, thinning and a more problematic scalp. Therefore, if you see the first sign of an unhealthy scalp, it has to be addressed immediately so that any risks of it leading to premature hair loss can be mitigated.

Healthy Scalp Tips for Strong, Shiny Hair

It is said that your hair is the garden and the scalp is the soil that has to be full of nutrients and free from harmful substances. With some simple changes to your hair care routine, you can make a big difference to the health of your scalp and hair.

1. Use Gentle Hair Products

As mentioned, one of the most common signs of an unhealthy scalp is when there is a buildup or congestion, which is frequently caused by improper shampooing practices. Think of your scalp like your skin and practise the basic steps like cleansing with products that are free from ingredients like fragrances and alcohol that can strip the scalp of its natural oils. And while using these gentle hair care products, be sure to scrub your scalp with the shampoo gently too to prevent abrasions on the scalp.

2. Treat and Massage Your Scalp

Optimal blood circulation brings oxygen and nutrients to the scalp, which is essential for hair growth. So, once in a while, give your scalp a massage to stimulate the blood flow to the scalp. This can be done with a pre-shampoo oil treatment during which you use nourishing oils for a deep-tissue massage. These oils can also work to draw out any impurities which can then be washed away with your shampoo.

3. Cleanse Thoroughly

Whether you wash your hair daily or wash it once every few days, when it’s time to cleanse your hair, you’ll want to do it thoroughly. You can use a scalp brush with flexible bristles to get a rigorous cleanse or use a scalp scrub with a non-irritating formula to get rid of any dead skin cells, excess oils and bacteria.

4. Indulge in Conditioning Masks

To keep your scalp clean and supple, you will need to restore the moisture that might have been lost during the cleansing phase. And one of the best ways to keep your scalp happy, and transform dry and damaged hair is to use a nourishing hair mask that provides superior moisturisation. Capable of repairing damaged hair and promoting hair growth, supercharge your scalp with a conditioning treatment that nourishes the roots, fights an itchy scalp, helps lock in moisture and restores softness.

5. Protect Your Hair and Scalp

Love styling your hair? Beyond using heat protectants, things like UV exposure can damage the scalp too. As such, it is important to protect the scalp as much as possible. This means using sprays that can protect your hair from UV rays, avoiding washing your hair in hot water, and staying away from chemical treatments like perms as much as possible.

6. Apply Topical Medication

If you have already begun seeing signs of hair loss, topical medications are an important part of keeping the scalp healthy and promoting hair growth. These medications can help reduce inflammation, irritation, and itching associated with certain scalp conditions while also encouraging hair follicles to produce new strands of hair. Common medications prescribed by hair loss clinics in Singapore that can be used topically include Minoxidil. Depending on the specific scalp condition being treated, some of these medications may be applied directly to the scaIf you have already begun seeing signs of hair loss, topical medications are an important part of keeping the scalp healthy and promoting hair growth. These medications can help reduce inflammation, irritation, and itching associated with certain scalp conditions while also encouraging hair follicles and stimulating growth. Some medications prescribed by hair loss clinics in Singapore that can be used topically include Minoxidil. Depending on the specific scalp condition being treated, some of these medications may be applied directly to the scalp as a spray or foam or taken orally.

7. Use Growth Serums

Growth serums like the Nutrafol Hair Growth Serum can also be used to promote healthy hair growth. These serums are typically made from natural ingredients such as herbal extracts, essential oils, and vitamins that help nourish the scalp and hair follicles. Some products may even contain ingredients like pea sprouts and phytoactive growth complex which can help support the growth of thicker-looking hair that also feels strong. With consistent use, scalp health and hair growth can be improved. There are a range of hair growth serums and supplements that can help invigorate the scalp and provide your hair with a healthy environment to thrive and grow. Our team of hair specialists can make recommendations as to whether any of these products might be suitable for you.

Keep Your Scalp Healthy with Our Hair Clinic in Singapore

Taking proper care of your scalp is essential for achieving beautiful hair that is healthy and vibrant. Whether you are struggling with an itchy scalp or have thinning hair, taking immediate action can make a world of difference when it comes to the health of your hair and scalp in the long run.

To understand the different ways to keep your scalp healthy and the range of hair loss treatment options available in Singapore, it is essential to visit a hair loss clinic to examine the health of your scalp and find a treatment for you. At Sage Medical, our hair specialists do not only conduct hair transplants but can also help you with common scalp conditions.