The Science Of Scalp Health: Tips For A Healthy Scalp

Scalp health is essential for hair growth and overall hair vitality. Regular cleansing, moisturising, and protecting from environmental factors can prevent dandruff, dryness, and irritation.

The Science Of Scalp Health

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{By: Clelia Cecilia Angelon}

Your hair is rightly termed as the crown, and healthy, flowing hair are a sign of a healthy body and mind. While many think that putting hair care products on the length of the hair will help in giving them a new lease of life, the truth is far from it. It is the roots that hold the key to healthy hair. A well-nourished scalp will ensure that roots get ample nutrients, thus strengthening them and reducing hair fall. Moreover, these nutrients will further help the hair shine and lead to bouncy hair. Hence, it is the scalp that needs extra hair if you are facing any hair problem.

Key Tips For Preventing Hair Damage And Maintaining Scalp Health

There are multiple reasons for damaged hair, such as dermatitis, head lice, dandruff, dull, frizzy hair, and scalp allergies. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and routinely moisturising and oiling the hair can help with the majority of these issues. The first thing to avoid is drying your hair forcefully. Using soft fabrics instead of using force is a better alternative. Not doing so will damage the hair cuticles, leading to more hairfall. Also, do not ignore the hydration needs of hair, as hydrated hair shine brighter.

If the hair is full of good nutrients and moisturized, its water content will be in balance, making it less sensitive to variations in humidity in the environment. It is important that the hair's internal content (water, mineral salts, etc.) is in balance, as this helps it to remain more disciplined when the weather changes. Thus, do not forget to moisturize your hair with a color fixation hair mask, especially if you have coloured hair.

Switching To Natural Haircare For Healthier, Nourished Hair

Often times simply switching to natural, vegan haircare products and cutting down on harsh chemical based ones can lead to significant results. Right from your shampoos to conditioners to hair masks, serum and hair oil, read the labels carefully. A henna based hair mask with natural and vegetable actives promotes hydration, provides intense nutrition and also restores the hair. Such a mask will make the hair healthy. One can also use henna cream with easy to apply applicator if you wish to have a mess free experience.

Benefits Of Henna Cream Over Chemical Hair Dyes And Patch Test Precautions 

Henna cream can also work as perfect hair mask, to replenish the scalp with lost nutrients. It is the right alternative to chemical based hair dyes that do more damage than good. Devoid of harsh chemicals like Ammonia, TEA, DEA, PPD, resorcinol, and hydrogen peroxide, henna conditions, colors and tones the hair. Para-phenylenediamine (PPD) and para toluenediamine (PTD) are the most fundamental components of every chemical hair dye. When PPD is coupled with an oxidiser, it produces a colour-changing effect. However, if the oxidation process is not completed, allergic responses may occur. Although PTD is less reactive, it can still induce dermatitis. When purchasing hair dyes, check for and avoid Ammonia and its byproducts, which include Ethanolamine, Diethanolamine, and Triethanolamine.

It is recommended that you perform a patch test every time you apply a hair dye and wait a few hours to check if it irritates your skin or produces an allergy. Remember this as a rule of thumb and never skip it. There are several ammonia-free hair dyes available nowadays, but a better choice would be vegan and organic hair colours made from natural plant materials. Henna cream is ideal for those who have delicate skin or prefer to avoid harsh chemicals.

If symptoms appear following the patch test, immediately rinse the area with water and gentle shampoo to remove the substance from the scalp. For mild symptoms, an oral antihistamine will quickly relieve irritation and itching. However, serious rashes or bumps require rapid attention from a doctor, so seek medical attention right away. A topical corticosteroid cream should be sufficient to relieve the symptoms quickly.

Maximising Hair Benefits With Organic, Vegan Henna And Natural Ingredients

To get maximum benefits, use organic, vegan and natural henna that is mixed with natural ingredients found in Brazilian rainforests like Copaíba, Chamomile, Malva,Jua, Jaborandi,Guaraná, Açaí,Cumaru, Babaçu Oil,Olive and Coconut Powder Oil. You can have hair colors like red, brown, copper, burgundy, natural black and even blonde. Henna Cream can be used as often as you like, with no fixed time gap between applications.

Understanding Scalp Allergies And Their Causes

If you have symptoms such as stinging or burning sensations in your scalp, or blisters with itching, you should be aware that you may have a scalp allergy. White flakes resembling dandruff can occasionally be observed on the scalp, forehead, and eyes. Most of the time, these responses are induced by using hot water on the scalp, which depletes it of essential oils, or by using hair products containing chemicals.

If you have sensitive skin or scalp, study the labels of hair oils, gels, sprays, shampoos, and conditioners before purchasing them. Keratin, smoothening, and hair spa treatments are among the most popular salon treatments today. They also contain harsh and hazardous chemicals. Natural compounds such as indigo, which is commonly used to naturally dye hair black, might irritate sensitive scalps.

Do not scratch your scalp or apply additional chemicals to an already injured head. This will exacerbate the condition and expand the affected region by dispersing allergens. Another piece of advice is to avoid self-medicating, as it might be more harmful than beneficial.

Scalp allergies may be fungal or bacterial. Both of these require distinct treatments from a doctor. On your end, you can learn about the causes of these infections and strive to avoid them. Your food and the items you use on your scalp are crucial; chemical-laden hair colours are frequently the source of allergic reactions or contact dermatitis. Sure, they produce immediate and long-term outcomes, but the harm they do is frequently greater than the benefits. Going vegan, natural, and organic will resolve all of your hair, scalp, and skin issues.

The author, Clelia Cecilia Angelon, is the Founder & CEO of Surya Brasil