Scalp care 101: Do this, not that
Learn how to care for your scalp and avoid scalp build-up, with our experts’ tips and advice.
1. What is scalp build-up?
2. What causes scalp build-up?
3. Does scalp build-up lead to *hair loss?
4. Symptoms of an unhealthy scalp
5. How to get rid of a scalp build-up?
6. Scalp cleaning guide
7. When to see a doctor?
With the right styling products, nothing can stop you from recreating gorgeous, beachy hair. But relying heavily on styling products and appliances can have some long-lasting repercussions on you? Hair damage is one of them. Often, in a bid to achieve your dream hair, you end up piling a lot of impurities on your scalp. Surely, scalp cleaning can help get rid of these impurities and scalp build-up, but it needs more TLC than you know.
Scalp build-up can trigger a slew of hair care woes that are both unpleasant and troublesome. Unless you work towards improving your scalp health, you are in for unavoidable hair care struggles. However, scalp build-up is an avoidable condition, and all you need are the right scalp care products and a well-rounded hair care routine to tackle this issue. Here’s some interesting scoop on scalp care.
What is scalp build-up?
The fact that something can accumulate on your scalp and trigger hair emergency, is quite unpleasant. But unfortunately, scalp build-up exists and can happen to anyone. So, what exactly is scalp build-up? Scalp build-up means that unnecessary dead-skin flakes are crowding your scalp. Wait, aren’t flakes caused by dandruff? Yes, they are. The presence of flakes in your scalp and shoulders point towards dandruff and this condition too contributes to scalp build-up. However, there are other conditions that trigger flaking, such as psoriasis and eczema. Unlike these conditions, scalp build-up can be treated easily. All you need to do is find what triggers this sudden flaking that leads to scalp build-up. Oils, hair care products, skin cells, sweat, and a combination of these substances can cause the skin on your scalp to flake, thereby leading to an unattractive build up.
What causes scalp build-up?
Before we move to scalp cleaning, you must know what causes scalp build-up in the first place. This will help you find the right treatment and pave the way for a healthier scalp. The causes can be divided into two categories: product build up and natural build up.
Product build up
Most cleansing shampoos promise to clean your scalp, but sometimes leave behind a residue. Plus, certain hair products contain waxy substances that can stick to your hair or scalp if not rinsed properly. This includes shampoos, conditioners, styling products such as gels, oils, and foams.
Natural build up
The factors that contribute to natural scalp build-up are:
- Sebum -
Your scalp has sebaceous glands beneath the skin that produce oily, waxy oil called sebum. While sebum is essential to keep your hair moisturised, some people produce more sebum than others and causes build-up on your scalp.
- Dead skin cells -
The skin cells follow a regular lifecycle, where they constantly die and regrow. When these skin cells die, they are supposed to shed, and make room for the new ones to replace them. However, for some people, these dead skin cells do not shed fast enough, and eventually cause scalp build-up and flakes.
- Sweat -
Just like sebum and dead skin cells, your scalp also produces sweat. Though sweating after an intense workout feels cathartic, it can lead to build-up if don’t clean your scalp. Your scalp can become greasy and give off an unpleasant odour.
Does scalp build-up lead to hair loss?
Yes, scalp build-up can lead to hair loss if it’s left untreated. The dead skin, sweat, and oils can clog the hair follicles and give rise to an uncomfortable condition called folliculitis. This infection is characterised by the appearance of crusty sores that don’t seem to heal. These sores cause permanent hair loss and scarring.
Symptoms of an unhealthy scalp
The key to getting a healthier scalp is to find the symptoms responsible for an unhealthy scalp:
- Itchy scalp
- Changed hair texture
- Oily scalp
- *Hair fall
These are signs that the build-up is stirring trouble and you are in dire need of scalp cleaning.
How to get rid of a scalp build-up?
Scalp cleaning is the only way you can get rid of scalp build-up. But, how do you do it? With the right scalp care products. If you are looking for scalp care products that will gently clean your scalp, without making it bear the brunt of damage, then Head & Shoulders Clean & Balanced Shampoo and Conditioner is a perfect choice.
Head & Shoulders Clean & Balanced Shampoo has 7 incredible benefits to offer- fights dry scalp, calms itchy scalp, relieves irritation, great scent, controls flaky scalp, reduces redness, and leaves your hair looking great. This cleansing shampoo is formulated using Head & Shoulders’ NEW Fresh Scent Technology that gives you an improved in-shower scent experience. Moreover, this shampoo uses HydraZinc to care for your scalp and gives you soft, manageable, and flake-free hair.
Follow up this shampoo with Head & Shoulders Clean & Balanced Conditioner that locks in dandruff-fighting power to give you a healthy scalp and great hair.
Scalp cleaning guide
There are some basic hair care tips to add to your routine that will give you a healthier scalp and prevent build-up.
- Instead of using hot water, rinse your hair with lukewarm water. Warm water can open your hair cuticles and allow the shampoo to get inside and remove the dirt and oil. Use the same process for your conditioner.
- Your primary focus while washing your hair should be your scalp. Surprisingly, your hair ends are the cleanest parts of your tresses and shampooing them can lead to dry ends. So, shampoo your scalp instead and get rid of any impurities.
- Do not scrub your hair while shampooing. This will cause breakage and make your hair more brittle. Also, refrain from scrubbing your scalp with your nails. This can cause injuries that can turn into scabs or sores.
- Rinse your hair before you start shampooing. Shampoo lathers well on wet hair and spreads easily. This means, you can use less products.
When to see a doctor?
It is advisable to consult a doctor if the signs of scalp build-up do not alleviate even after you adhere to a good hair care routine and use the right hair care products, or if you’re facing scalp psoriasis and dandruff. These conditions can worsen if neglected.
A healthy scalp is what gives you healthy hair. The countless hair products in your beauty arsenal might be rendered useless, if you don’t show some TLC to your scalp. Scalp cleaning can help keep avoidable problems at bay, and help you experience the perks of having a clean and healthy scalp.
*All references on this page refers to hair fall or hair loss due to breakage.