We spend so much of our time and focus on perfecting and maintaining our hair health, and for good reason. Our hair is what makes or breaks our look and style, and its visibility means that much work and attention go into making it look its very best. However, much like an iceberg, so much of what goes into making your hair look great involves a great deal of work under the surface.
You see, while few people may realize it, a huge factor in proper hair growth and hair health is the condition of our scalp and hair follicles. When our scalp is inflamed or irritated, it can create a cascading effect that can eventually lead to hair loss and a breakdown in the strength and structure of our hair strand. Clearly, keeping your scalp healthy and happy is a must for great hair.
The Dangers of Scalp Inflammation
Did you know that the leading cause of hair loss and improper hair growth is scalp inflammation? When the scalp is irritated and inflamed, it leads to circulatory issues that causes the hair follicles to improperly function. The result? Hair that grows out poorly and creates weak, brittle strands. To prevent this, you’ll want to avoid anything that will cause irritation to your scalp, such as scalding hot water or an ingredient that causes your skin to react poorly. Additionally, make sure to provide your scalp with proper hydration and moisturization, taking steps such as applying an oil directly to the scalp to prevent dryness.
Buildup and the Hair Follicle
Buildup of residue on the scalp, whether it be from dry skin flakes, product residue, or excess oils, is a major no-no for a variety of reasons. For starters, this buildup can be extremely uncomfortable to deal with, causing the follicle to look greasy and unsightly. Additionally, this buildup can fall off our scalp and onto our clothes, creating an embarrassing look for many of us. However, the worst risk associated with buildup on the scalp is the way in which the buildup can block the hair follicle from properly growing, preventing proper hair growth. To prevent this impediment, you’ll want to make sure you are consistently cleaning your scalp when washing your hair, working your shampoo into the roots and scalp. If this isn’t enough, you can also utilize a specialized brush that can loosen the debris from the scalp, as well as a detoxifying and exfoliating shampoo that contains ingredients like clay or charcoal to increase cellular turnover.
Feed Your Scalp with Nutrients!
Lastly, when it comes to babying your scalp and keeping it at tip-top shape, you need to think of your scalp much in the same way that you think about the skin on your face. Much like your face needs to be washed, moisturized, and provided specialized treatments and serums, so too does your scalp! Supplying your scalp with things like vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids can do wonders in improving your overall scalp and hair health. To do this, apply a product like Sutra’s Hair Cocktail, which includes marula, argan, and rose petal oils to infuse the scalp with maximum nutrition!