How to Take Care Of Your Scalp For Healthy Hair Growth

Being touted as the new skincare, a happy head of hair starts at the roots. If you take good care of your scalp, glossy, voluminous hair will inevitably result—especially if you often expose your tresses to heat styling, highlighting, and bleaching. 

No lie, while our mind shifts focus to the lengths of our hair, we must draw attention to the roots since that's where it all begins. To guide you to do more than just a lather, rinse, and repeat a few days a week, Brides Today reached out to two haircare experts who spill everything you need to know about scalp care. 

Stimulate Blood Circulation 

Each hair follicle has its own blood supply. Hence, stimulating the blood circulation in the scalp can give way to healthy hair growth. "A light head massage with onion seed oil will not only increase blood circulation but will also strengthen the hair follicles, thus preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth. However, the head massage must be gentle, since brisk, aggressive massaging can cause the hair strands to loosen," explains Smita Baishakhia, Cosmetologist and Head of Product Development, MyGlamm. 

Pick the Right Products

According to Smita, the proof is in the products that you use. Avoid choosing hair products that contain sulphate, alcohol, or fragrances. Pick ones that are specific to your scalp needs—coconut oil with neem oil is ideal for dandruff, coconut oil with lavender and chamomile oil is suited for an inflamed scalp, and onion seed oil is ideal for hair growth. "Add a serum and conditioner to your hair care routine to help detangle and reduce the stress on your scalp. Before application, perform a patch test on your elbow to ensure that the product doesn't cause any reaction on the skin."

Balance the Sebum in Your Scalp

An excessively oily or dry scalp can disrupt the skin, often leading to dandruff. Dandruff, in turn, causes itchiness and forehead and back acne. While most people believe that an oily scalp can be corrected with frequent hair washing, doing so can further aggravate the greasiness, along with irregular oiling of hair and poor scalp hygiene. Smita suggests, "Wash your hair every 2-3 days depending on the humidity and how much you sweat. Pick a shampoo that is mild and suits your scalp type. Get into the habit of regularly oiling your hair as well. This will help heal your scalp and regulate the imbalanced sebum levels."

Be Gentle With Your Scalp and Hair

Avoid aggressively detangling your hair—dry or wet—as it will loosen the hair from the roots. Instead, use your fingers to sort out any knots and then comb your hair. An aggressive head massage will also promote hair fall and breakage. Part your hair into sections while oiling and dilute your shampoo with water before applying it to the hair. To dry your hair, gently pat a towel to absorb excess water. Plus, cut down on heat styling, as far as possible. If necessary, use a heat protectant serum or spray before exposing your hair to external heat. 

"Apart from this, consume foods rich in antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and biotin. Antioxidants are the secret saviour of your hair that helps boost hair growth by maintaining the collagen in the body and the connective tissues of the hair follicles. They also protect the scalp cells in the blood vessels and prevent the destruction of melanin in the cortex of our hair strands, thus improving colour retention and making the strands stronger and healthier," informs Smita.

Mehul Gangotra, Technical Educator, Enrich, says, "A healthy scalp suggests healthy hair growth, superior blood circulation, and increased density of hair. To avoid your hair follicles from getting clogged—and to allow the scalp to breath better—exfoliate your scalp with a scalp scrub once a week, getting rid of impurity build-up. In such a way, you'll be free from scalp concerns including dandruff, greasiness, dryness, and hair thinning.