A healthy scalp is the unsung hero behind gorgeous, vibrant hair. Yet far too many people focus solely on the strands themselves, neglecting the essential foundation to healthy hair: the scalp.
The scalp is not only the skin where your hair follicles reside, but the condition of your scalp directly impacts the way your hair grows and how it feels and behaves.
The biology of the scalp
The scalp is a complex area of your skin, packed with hair follicles that are responsible for growing your hair. “These follicles sit deep within the middle layer of the skin, but what happens on the epidermis – the top layer of the skin – affects the function of the follicles beneath it, which in turn affects the strength, volume, and overall look of your hair,” shares Ricardo Vila Nova.
Your scalp also has a rich supply of blood vessels, nerve endings, and sebaceous glands, which produce sebum to keep the skin lubricated. This oil is essential to keeping the scalp hydrated and protected. However, when the scalp is unhealthy or not properly cared for, these follicles can become clogged or irritated, leading to hair thinning, excessive hair fall, dandruff, or even scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis.
The best ingredients for your scalp
Various factors can negatively affect follicle health, hormonal imbalances, improper product use, scalp buildup, and environmental stressors. “Fortunately, using the right ingredients to treat your scalp can help restore balance, maintain follicle health, stimulate growth, and improve the overall appearance of your hair,” explains Vila Nova. When choosing scalp care products, it’s essential to consider your specific scalp type.
Oily Scalp
An oily scalp is characterised by excess sebum production, which can leave the scalp looking shiny, greasy, and weighed down. You may also notice your hair feels flat or greasy by the end of the day too.
Common oily scalp conditions
“The more sebum you produce the more likely you are to experience dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis due to clogged follicles. There’s also potential for acne and folliculitis (inflammation around hair follicles) to ensue,” reveals Vila Nova.
Best ingredients for an oily scalp:
- Salicylic acid: This beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) gently exfoliates the scalp, removing excess oil and preventing clogged pores that can lead to dandruff or acne.
- Tea tree oil: Known for its antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil can help regulate oil production and keep the scalp clean.
- Witch hazel: A natural astringent, witch hazel helps balance oil production and soothe inflammation.
- Charcoal: Acts like a magnet to draw out impurities and excess sebum from the scalp.
Dry Scalp
A dry scalp is typically flaky, and uncomfortable. It occurs when the scalp does not produce enough sebum, leaving it parched and prone to irritation.
Common dry scalp conditions
“Dry scalps are often rough in texture, itchy and flake regularly, resulting in lots of visible dead skin cells in the hair and often on clothing around the shoulders as well,” says Vila Nova.
Best ingredients for a dry scalp:
- Aloe vera: Aloe soothes and hydrates the scalp, providing relief from irritation and dryness.
- Jojoba oil: This oil closely resembles the scalp’s natural sebum and can replenish moisture while balancing oil production.
- Coconut oil: Rich in fatty acids, coconut oil deeply moisturises the scalp and promotes healthy hair growth.
- Argan oil: Packed with antioxidants and essential fatty acids, argan oil nourishes the scalp, restores moisture, and improves skin elasticity.
Combination Scalp
A combination scalp is marked by oily areas around the hairline or crown, while the rest of the scalp is dry. This imbalance can be challenging to manage, as different parts of the scalp require different care.
Conditions a combination scalp can experience
“Buildup of sebum at the roots of the hair is commonplace with this scalp type, while at the crown dry flakes are often visible. Scalps can also be itchy in areas, and it can be a challenge to care for this mixed skin type as products that balance both oil production and restore moisture are required,” shares Vila Nova.
Best ingredients for a combination scalp:
- Lavender oil: Calms both dry and oily areas of the scalp with its balancing properties.
- Ginseng: Stimulates scalp circulation and promotes even sebum production, helping restore balance.
- Green tea extract: Rich in antioxidants, green tea helps control oil production while soothing dry patches.
Balanced Scalp
“A balanced scalp is neither too oily nor too dry and maintains a healthy, natural equilibrium. This type of scalp is typically healthy, and the right products can help maintain its balance,” shares Vila Nova.
Best ingredients for a balanced scalp:
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5): Hydrates the scalp without causing oiliness or dryness.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Improves the skin barrier function and promotes healthy scalp circulation.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Helps lock in moisture without overwhelming the scalp.
To promote optimal follicle function, and sport your best hair yet, it’s important to get a better understanding of the unique biology of your scalp. That way you can uncover the best ingredients for your specific scalp type. So, book in for a consultation at 212.2 Ricardo Vila Nova Hair Doctors now.
