Do you notice hair flakes whenever you comb your hair? Does combing your hair cause you pain sometimes? If that is the case, you do not have a healthy scalp. A scalp that is in good health would not discharge flakes as you comb your hair.
Are you the type to neglect your scalp? The scalp is covered with hair and is thus easy to overlook; it does not mean denying it the care it deserves. The scalp is part of the skin, the body’s largest organ. That is why it is unwise to ignore it.
But how do you know what a healthy scalp looks like? How would it show that your scalp is healthy? Does it glow as healthy hair does? A healthy scalp is typically free of flakes, inflammation, and excessive oiliness. It doesn’t necessarily glow like healthy hair does, but it should appear clean and well-nourished. A healthy scalp may also have small hair follicles and a consistent, normal color. Regarding hair, a good diet, regular exercise, and a good night’s rest can help you prevent hair loss and hair thinning. The phrase “food coma explained” is often used to describe the feeling of extreme drowsiness or lethargy that can occur after consuming a large or heavy meal.
Well, let us find out.
How does a Healthy Scalp Look Like?
Firstly, a healthy scalp would not discharge flakes whenever you pass a comb, brush, or your hands through your hair. The flakes typically come with dryness of several areas on your scalp. If you feel a level of dryness in your hair whenever you run your fingers through it, then your scalp is not healthy.
Do you feel a few bumps whenever you touch your scalp? Does your scalp feel itchy due to acne or something else? If you happen to see or feel that your scalp has such frequent issues, you might need medical help.
A healthy scalp has an ideal oil level, which is the optimum level for it before it gets ugly. Your scalp should not be too oily or too dry. Any excess production of oil by your scalp is a pointer to underlying issues with your scalp.
A healthy scalp usually has flourishing, shiny hair. As such, the hair on a healthy scalp is not dry and does not fall off easily. It is strong and grows at a quicker rate compared to that on an unhealthy scalp. A healthy scalp will promote the rapid growth of hair, and it also does not thin easily.
Therefore, if you notice any of the above, that will mean your scalp is unhealthy, and you would probably need to seek help. Now that you know how a healthy scalp should look like, let us guide you on what to do if you have an unhealthy or damaged scalp.
What Are the Signs of a Damaged Scalp?
A damaged scalp will most likely show you several hard to ignore signs. If you notice your hair is dry or keeps falling off, that could be a pointer to a damaged scalp. Such hair also tends to break a lot.
If your scalp has issues, you might also feel pain whenever you touch or brush your hair. That is because the skin on the scalp will be quite tender, making it sensitive.
A scaly and itchy scalp is a damaged scalp. That is one sign that sticks out like a sore thumb. Rashes on the scalp are also a sign as well. If you see any of the symptoms highlighted here, seek medical help as soon as possible.
What Are the Causes of an Unhealthy Scalp?
Several things would lead to an unhealthy scalp. Most of them are part of the things we do every day, such as poor eating habits.
The primary culprit, however, is the buildup around hair follicles. The buildup can result from using too many different hair shampoo products and not adequately cleaning them off.
The buildup clogs the hair follicles leading to hair breakage, a scaly scalp, dryness, and in extreme situations, even hair loss.
You can also hinder your scalp’s health by washing it with too many different irritating chemicals. It is usual for some people to clean their scalps with irritating ingredients such as alcohols and sulfates. Over time, these ingredients might damage your scalp.
While inadequate washing might lead to the buildup, too much washing might damage your scalp. Washing your hair too much will eliminate the essential oils that ensure the scalp is in good condition.
It is thus imperative that one finds the right balance. That would mean washing your hair and cleaning your scalp every other day to avoid overdoing it.
How Do You Treat a Damaged Scalp?
Suppose you have already determined that your scalp needs to be looked at. That may be due to the presence of several of the signs we have discussed above or other symptoms.
There are a few things you can do.
Get Medical Help
This should be the first thing you do if you notice any itchiness on your scalp. It will help you avoid ambling along buying medication and trying to treat the issue. A dermatologist will advise you on the best remedy to reverse the problem.
Although convenient and cheap, over-the-counter medication would not help you know whether you are doing the right thing or not. A trichologist will often be your best bet in dealing with a painful, itchy, scaly, and damaged scalp.
Change to a Medicated Shampoo
If you notice that your scalp is flaky or itchy and do not want to visit the doctor, there are medicated shampoos that can help you reverse the condition. Massaging your scalp well with the shampoo will enable it to get to the base of the scalp and help get rid of the conditions.
Try Some Home Remedies
You can use a few home remedies to solve scalp problems at home. Products such as apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, tea tree oil, and coconut oil can help to reverse scalp damage.
Gently massage your scalp with a little of the above products and let it sit for about ten minutes before washing it off.
Final Thoughts
We hope we have answered your question sufficiently. Hair and scalp health often takes a backseat for most people, however, it is of utmost importance for maintaining a healthy well-being.
The tips mentioned here will help you keep your scalp in the right state. With proper care, a healthy scalp will allow your hair to flourish and elude a glowing appearance.
