Tips on How to Improve Scalp Health

Your scalp is more than just the skin under your hair; it plays a crucial role in overall hair health. A healthy scalp not only supports hair growth but also ensures that your hair looks its best.

So how do you go about improving scalp health? We break down common scalp health issues and provide a range of tips to help you learn how to maintain scalp health and stimulate follicle growth. Additionally, we’ll examine the best ways to maintain scalp health post-SPM treatment and delve into some helpful preventative measures.

What are some common scalp health issues?

Understanding the most common scalp problems is the first step towards better scalp care. Here are some common scalp issues that many people experience:

Dandruff and flakiness

Often caused by a dry scalp or an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus, dandruff is a skin condition that causes the scalp to form an accumulation of dry, white flakes in your hair. Although dandruff doesn’t directly cause hair loss, it can lead to uncomfortable conditions such as an excessively itchy scalp and painful scratch marks.

Dry scalp

This condition typically results from your scalp losing too much moisture, which can be caused by various factors including weather changes, harsh hair products, dryness from dehydration, and underlying skin conditions, such as psoriasis or actinic keratosis.

Oily scalp

While small amounts of oil is beneficial to maintain healthy hair, having an excessively oily scalp (excessive sebum production) can cause severe irritation, hair follicle swelling, greasy hair and acne near the hairline. Common causes of this condition can include skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, forehead acne that results in oil getting trapped inside the pores, and overwashing your hair with shampoos that contain a lot of artificial chemicals.

Do scalp concerns contribute to hair loss and thinning?

While genetics play a significant role, scalp health can impact hair loss and thinning. For example, itchy bumps, flakiness, redness and other inflammatory conditions can affect your scalp’s health and contribute to thinning and hair loss.

4 tips for how to maintain scalp health and improve follicle growth

If you’re experiencing scalp issues, or you simply want some practical tips to enhance and maintain your scalp health, here are five excellent tips for you to consider:

1. Use proper cleansing and shampooing techniques

• Wash your scalp regularly but not excessively. Over-washing can strip natural oils, while under-washing can lead to buildup. We recommend 2-3 times per week, depending on your hair and skin type, and whether you exercise regularly.
• Instead of washing the entire length of your hair, concentrate on massaging the shampoo into your scalp. Using this technique helps to massage the cells of hair follicles and stimulate blood flow to the area, leading to healthier and thicker hair.
• When washing your hair, use lukewarm water instead of hot water, as this helps prevent dryness.

2. Choose the right hair care products

• Opt for sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners, as these are excellent for relieving sensitive scalp conditions, can strengthen your hair and, because sulfate-free shampoos contain fewer harsh chemicals, they can promote overall healthier hair and scalp.
• Look for products with natural ingredients known for scalp health, such as tea tree oil or aloe vera. These can benefit you by helping to moisturise and nourish your scalp and provide increased volume and length to your hair.
• Consider using a scalp cleanser, such as Foli Sim Scalp Cleanser, as this can remove unwanted residue from natural oils and hair products, creating a clean and anti-microbial environment on your scalp.

3. Regularly exfoliate your scalp

• Exfoliating your scalp once a week helps to remove dead skin cells and product buildup, eliminates dandruff and environmental toxins, promotes shinier and healthier looking hair, and stimulates the growth of hair follicles.
• For the best possible results, ensure your hair is thoroughly wet before applying scalp scrub. Then apply the scrub directly onto your scalp and massage in gentle circular motions before rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm water.
• Consider exfoliating your scalp once every 10 washes. Overly exfoliating your scalp can cause irritation and sensitivity, so keeping to once every 10 washes can provide you with the best results.
• Use gentle scrubs or exfoliating shampoos specifically designed for the scalp.

4. Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated:

• Consume a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly those that promote hair health, such as biotin, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. These vitamins and minerals can provide essential proteins and nutrients which help to promote thicker hair and reduce hair follicle inflammation.
• Stay hydrated to keep your scalp moisturised from the inside out. Dehydration can negatively affect scalp and hair health, so it’s essential to drink adequate amounts of water daily to keep your scalp and hair strong.

Does stress negatively impact scalp and hair health?

Stress can affect the body’s hormone functioning, most notably cortisol levels, which are instrumental in hair development. For this reason, reducing stress can greatly improve scalp and hair health. Here are some great stress management strategies to help you reduce stress:

• Practice stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation or deep breathing techniques. Stress can affect the body’s hormone functioning, most notably cortisol levels, which are instrumental in hair development. For this reason, reducing stress can greatly improve scalp and hair health.
• Getting regular physical exercise like walking, cycling or weight lifting provides greater blood circulation to the skin and the scalp which, in turn, increases the flow of essential nutrients to the hair follicles.
• Some other beneficial stress management strategies you could consider include setting aside time to relax and unwind, limiting your time on social media, and openly communicating your feelings with a partner or trusted friend.

For more detailed information about the effects of stress on hair loss, read our previous blog.

Dealing with hair loss and hair thinning?

SPM is a versatile solution for hair loss and hair thinning, catering to both men and women experiencing varying degrees of hair loss. Unlike other hair loss treatments, SMP is a non-invasive procedure using hair tattooing techniques that are tailored to match each individual’s hair colour, skin tone and hair-loss pattern.

The versatility of this procedure can address a range of hair loss concerns, from receding hairlines and thinning hair, to bald spots and scarring, providing you with the appearance of thicker hair.

For the best results, it’s essential to treat your scalp before coming in for SPM treatment. Trying to regrow hair with poor scalp health is like trying to plant vegetables in soil that contains no nutrients – it’s near impossible to yield results. For this reason, following the tips above is key to rejuvenating your scalp and gaining visible results.

What are the best ways to maintain scalp health post-SMP treatment?

For those who have undergone SMP treatment, here are some helpful tips to ensure long-lasting results:

• Avoid harsh shampoos and opt for mild, sulphate-free options.
• Be gentle when washing your scalp to prevent any damage to the pigmentation.
• Use moisturisers designed for the scalp to keep it hydrated without affecting the SMP.
• Look for products that promote healing and soothe the skin.
• Refrain from excessive sun exposure, as UV rays can fade the pigmentation.
• Avoid using abrasive scrubs (post SMP) or products that can cause irritation.

What preventive measures maximise scalp health?

When considering how to improve scalp health, taking preventative measures is key. Here are some proven preventative measures for you to consider:

Undertake regular scalp check-ups

Schedule regular visits with a dermatologist or trichologist to monitor your scalp health. These professionals will undertake close microscopic examinations of your scalp, assess your overall health and determine the best course of action to maximise your scalp’s health.

Take note of early signs of scalp problems

Some common early signs of scalp problems include persistent itchiness, redness, excessive dandruff or unusual hair loss. If you notice any of these signs, book an appointment with a dermatologist or trichologist. You can obtain a referral for one of these specialists by seeing your GP or other medical doctor.

We are here to help

At Foli Sim, we understand the importance of maintaining a healthy scalp, and we are dedicated to ensuring that everyone who has undergone SMP, and those considering SMP treatment, receive expert advice on scalp care to maximise the results of their SMP treatment.

Our team of experts remain at the forefront of hair and scalp care, and are committed to educating our clients on the best techniques for achieving better scalp and hair health.

For personalised, obligation-free advice, or to book your SMP treatment, contact us today.