When you buy lots of skincare products to keep your skin healthy, there's one part of your body that you might be neglecting: your scalp. Since the scalp is not a visible area of the head because it's covered with hair, it can be easy to forget that it needs ample care too.
When it comes to keeping the hair healthy, everything begins at your scalp. So when you fail to give your scalp the necessary care it deserves, a dry and itchy scalp can occur. Luckily, you're on the right page. We're sharing with you six smart tips on how to moisturize your scalp correctly.
What Happens if You Neglect Moisturizing Your Scalp?
Whether you visit the hair salon regularly or handle your hair care needs by yourself, using a scalp moisturizer is a must need. According to a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), taking care of your scalp is crucial to maintaining overall health. The NCBI experts also shared that scalp care is vital in preventing diseases of the scalp and hair. Therefore, using a scalp moisturizer is an essential part of every hair care routine.
So, How to Properly Moisturize The Scalp?
Not too sure how to exactly do it, and what type of hair care products you need to moisturize a dry scalp? Not to worry as we've got you covered! Scroll down to learn more about our smart, easy-to-follow tips to maintain a healthy and moisturized scalp.
Tip #1: Opt for a Scalp Pre-Treatment
Keeping oil, dirt, and debris at bay is one of the essentials to a healthy scalp. That is why using a scalp scrub may help to remove impurities from your scalp gently. Like the exfoliating needs of the skin, your scalp may also need some detox and exfoliate treatments to remove all the buildup, oils, and dead skin cells.
Tip #2: Use Lukewarm Water to Wash Your Hair and Scalp
Showering under hot water can damage your hair, and when it comes to your scalp, it's not a good habit either. Hot water can cause dryness in your skin, which is a big dilemma, especially if you already have a dry and itchy scalp. Instead, use a lukewarm temperature that is gentle on your scalp and won't hurt your moisturizing efforts.
Tip #3: Invest in A Moisturizing Shampoo And Conditioner
Dry scalp can be caused by shampooing regularly or using heated and robust hair products that are harsh for your hair and scalp. The best advice would be to avoid shampooing on a daily basis or opt for a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Theapricots got a list of shampoo for dry scalp you can check. This helpful tip should be the very foundation of your hair care routine. To give your hair and scalp its moisture, investing in a moisturizing hair care system is important.
Hair products with alcohol on its ingredients can contribute to drying out of the scalp and even worsening it. Choosing the right shampoo that is suitable for your hair and scalp may be a trial and error process, however investing with professional, high-quality shampoos can already make a huge difference in cleaning and hydrating the scalp.
Tip #4: Grab a Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a popular beauty product and is well-known for its many beneficial properties, including antibacterial and antiseptic. The oil is from the leaves of Australian tea trees (Melaleuca alternifolia) and is often used in products such as herbal creams, gels, shampoos, and conditioners.
Tea tree oil can also be used on hair. However, it should not be directly applied to the scalp, or anywhere close to the skin as it might cause skin irritation. The best way to use tea tree oil for your hair care routine is to dilute it with another carrier oil, such as coconut oil, castor oil, or other healthy oils for your hair and leave it overnight.
You may also add a small drop of 100% tea tree oil to your regular shampoo to reap its benefits.
Tip #5: Quit Using Unnecessary Products
When you shop for hair products online or at beauty shops, you may want to buy every hair and scalp moisturizing products you can find, but do not give in to impulse buying. Too many products can have clogged pores and may even cause more drying, eventually leading to adverse effects. The best way is to use a balanced hair care routine that will provide your hair with all the love that it needs without causing unpleasant damage.
Tip #6: Stay Hydrated
We all know how staying hydrated is crucial for a healthy mind and body, but did you know that dehydration can also contribute to dry scalp?
When your body is dehydrated, your skin becomes dry, and you feel exhausted and maybe even sick. Although not outright visible, your scalp can dry out as well, unfortunately. Since the scalp is directly exposed to the sun and may also be mistreated as it is not usually given the hydration it requires, dry and itchy scalp and in more severe cases, a flaky scalp may occur.
The general recommendation is to drink six to eight glasses of water daily for optimal hydration. However, this may vary per person depending on age, levels of activity, and climate.
Tip #7: Make some Diet Changes if Necessary
A poor diet deficient of necessary nutrients, such as Zinc, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamin A that are meant to support skin health, can be a primary factor in the development of dry scalp. By shifting to a healthy, well-balanced diet, you are ensuring a hydrated scalp and good health overall.
