Online Reporter
IT is easy to overlook what you can’t see, which is why so many of us ignore an area on our bodies that’s generally out of sight: our scalp.
But lack of care can lead to the onset of conditions that will definitely demand your attention: Since the scalp is really just an extension of your face, it too is susceptible to irritation, itchiness, and dryness.
(And then of course there’s everyone’s favourite — dandruff. So in effort to spread the word about how to fend off these pesky problems — and in turn, create a healthier environment in which hair can flourish — we dedicated an entire episode of The Science of Beauty to how to tend to your scalp.
First, what does the scalp do?
You might think the skin that comprises the scalp is vastly different from the skin on the rest of our bodies because it grows thicker, longer hair.
But in fact, the scalp is anatomically similar to the rest of your skin, just with a little extra density (it’s made up of five different layers of tissue while the rest of our skin has three), more oil glands, and a ton of hair follicles — about 100 000 to be exact.
Each hair grows from, and through, an individual follicle located within the scalp. Sebum (also known as oil) is produced by the sebaceous glands in each individual follicle and helps condition the hair and surrounding skin.
The amount of oil produced on the scalp varies from person to person, with some experiencing much less (or much more) than others.
At the base of the hair follicle are sensory nerves that wrap around each hair bulb; pulling the hair stimulates these nerve endings and alerts us to feelings of pain.
The purpose of the scalp is not just to produce hair; it also serves as a physical barrier to protect the skull from trauma and infection.
So, the scalp serves both a functional purpose as well as an aesthetic one. (And if you’re interested in learning more about why our scalp sprouts more noticeable hair than, say, our legs, you’ll get your fix during next week’s episode on body hair.)
How should you care for your scalp?
The same basic principles of skin care generally apply to scalp care, as well. Consistently removing debris, dirt, and oil on your scalp is vital, as is hydrating it.
And just like your skin-care routine, your scalp-care routine should be reflective of the condition of your scalp. If yours tends to be dry, for example, avoid overstripping it with harsh scrubs.
How to care for a dry scalp
In a dry scalp, the skin gets irritated and flakes off because it does not have enough oil and moisture.
People with dry skin are also prone to dry scalp and both problems are usually caused by the same factors, such as genetic predisposition, dry air, excessive washing, and older age.
If you are experiencing dryness, it is also important to wash with a gentle, moisturising shampoo, followed by a moisturising conditioner. Try to shampoo your hair less frequently and use warm water instead of hot water.
What is dandruff and how to treat it
Often mistaken as a symptom of dry scalp, dandruff the shedding of skin cells from the scalp at an unusually high rate is typically coupled with excessive oil production and the presence of a yeast-like fungus.
Unfortunately, dandruff is an intermittently chronic condition and may never disappear permanently.
And while anyone can get dandruff, some are more prone to it. It usually starts in puberty and tapers off after the age of about 50, and it is more common in women than in men.
Here’s the good news:
Mild to moderate cases of dandruff can usually be treated at home with shampoos that contain ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione.
These ingredients have antifungal and antimicrobial properties, which allow them to reduce flake-causing fungus growth on the scalp.
Salicylic acid shampoos are also used to help eliminate flakes.
Keep in mind that the fungus that causes flakes can regrow on the scalp fast, so use dandruff shampoo daily when you have a flare-up, and weekly after that.
And don’t just immediately wash it out. Instead, allow enough time for the active to do its thing and massage the formula into the scalp for a few minutes.
Experts say to avoid hair styling products for the first few weeks of treatment, since these products can leave a build-up that blocks active ingredients in your treatment products.
The bottom line
To put it simply, scalp care is skin care, so pay some extra attention to the top of your head. — Online
