Transform Your Hair With These Expert Healthy Scalp Care Tips for Women

Beautiful, strong hair starts with a healthy scalp. That’s why good scalp care should be a part of your hair routine. 

An unhealthy scalp Scalp care supports optimal hair growth conditions, which can contribute to stronger, healthier hair. When things get ignored, your locks can start to look thin, dull, and frizzy. p care is easier than you might think. With the right approach, you can boost your scalp health while encouraging strong hair growth. 

“Focusing on scalp care and getting conditions like dandruff under control can make a significant improvement in the symptoms, like itching and flaking,” says Knox Beasley, MD, a board-certified dermatologist.

Below, we outline how to get a healthy scalp along with some must-do steps for your scalp care routine.

Your scalp might be hiding under your hair, but it’s essential for maintaining a strong foundation for strong, dense, and healthy hair growth. 

It’s home to between 80,000 and 120,000 hair follicles — small, tunnel-like structures in your skin from which hair grows. 

A healthy scalp includes having a balanced microbiome. This microscopic ecosystem of beneficial bacteria and fungi defends against harmful invaders. According to research, when your scalp microbiome is out of whack, it can lead to scalp inflammation, which may affect the health of your hair over time.

Common scalp issues like dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis all originate on the scalp and can disrupt the natural barrier that protects the scalp skin, leading to itching, redness, and flakiness.

Plus, skin problems, like forehead acne or pimples near your hairline, are often attributable to excess scalp oil. Sebum, a natural oil secreted by your sebaceous glands, can build up and cause oily scalp triggering breakouts near the hairline. Some oily hair products and tight-fitting sports headgear can make these issues worse. 

A well-cared-for scalp can help alleviate some common issues and create an ideal environment for hair and skin health.

Distinguishing between a healthy and unhealthy scalp isn’t always easy. 

So, what does a healthy scalp look like? A healthy scalp strikes a balance — not too dry, not too oily. And it’s free from issues like redness, itchiness, flaking (dandruff), excessive oiliness, dryness, sunburn (take extra care of that scalp in the sun!), and perhaps even burning or tenderness to the touch in the scalp. 

You can treat some of these issues, like flakes, at home with over-the-counter remedies. But some of these symptoms may be signs of conditions that may need professional diagnoses and treatment, including: 

• Seborrheic dermatitis. This is a more intense type of dandruff. It causes red, greasy skin topped with flaky white or yellow scales.

• Scalp eczema or atopic dermatitis. Yes, you can get eczema on your scalp. This skin condition causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin.

• Scalp psoriasis. This is an autoimmune condition that leads to thick, red, scaly patches on the scalp and other parts of the body.

• Tinea capitis. This fungal infection, also known as scalp ringworm, affects the scalp and hair shafts, causing itchy, scaly patches. It can lead to hair loss and bald patches.

If you have persistent scalp issues, it may be a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional, like a GP or dermatologist. 

Your scalp is just skin, so scalp care follows the same basic rules as skin care. 

Maintain healthy hair habits like washing regularly and avoiding practices or products that might damage your scalp or hair follicles. And choose the appropriate hair care products for your hair and skin types. 

We break down healthy scalp care into more detail below.

Habits for a Healthier Scalp

In general, good scalp care habits closely match good hair care habits. Incorporate the following to promote optimal scalp health:

• Wash your hair when it starts to feel oily. Your scalp naturally produces sebum, which can lead to oily, heavy, and sometimes even unpleasant-smelling hair if not washed regularly. To keep your hair feeling fresh, wash it whenever it starts to feel greasy. If you’re prone to an oily scalp, you might need to shampoo daily.

• Use a shampoo that matches your hair and skin type. Try to choose a shampoo that suits your hair and scalp type. For instance, if your scalp tends to be dry, opt for a moisturizing shampoo and a nourishing conditioner.

• Shampoo your scalp directly. When you shampoo, target your scalp directly to clear away dead skin, product build-up, and excess oil. Washing the lengths of your hair can lead to dryness. Get extra squeaky clean by giving yourself a scalp massage.

• Make sure to wash out all your shampoo and conditioner. Leaving shampoo on your scalp can irritate your skin. So be sure to thoroughly rinse out all hair care products.

• Protect your scalp when you swim. Pool time means chlorine exposure, which can lead to hair damage and an itchy scalp. To keep your scalp and hair happy, wear a swim cap and wash with shampoo and conditioner after you swim.

• Pay attention to contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is an allergic or irritant reaction that happens when your skin reacts to certain substances, like fragrances or hair dyes. If a product leaves your scalp itchy and uncomfortable, try to avoid it in the future.

• Avoid putting harsh chemicals on your scalp. Harsh hair treatments, like perms, relaxers, and bleaches, can dry out your hair and irritate your scalp. Keep them away from your scalp as much as possible. But know that using these products can lead to chemically damaged hair, which can lead to hair breakage.

Got a scalp issue? Talk to a healthcare provider. Most scalp problems are easy to tackle with quick action and the right treatment. If your scalp feels itchy, burns, or flakes, consider scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist. They can diagnose the issue and recommend treatment to control your symptoms and improve scalp health. 

Our list of hair care tips for different hair types includes other simple tips for caring for your scalp and promoting thick, healthy hair. 

Scalp care doesn’t have to break the bank. Often it’s just about choosing the right version of your everyday hair products like shampoo and conditioner. 

Here’s a quick rundown of how to make your selections:

• If you’re prone to dandruff: Switch to an anti-dandruff shampoo. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests using anti-dandruff shampoos that contain ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione.

• If you use a lot of styling products or have oily hair: Use an exfoliating scalp scrub or clarifying shampoo to reduce product build-up and excess oil. You shouldn’t use exfoliating and clarifying shampoos more than once a week, since they can cause excessive dryness. 

• If your scalp is dry: Avoid using drying shampoos that contain sulfates, which can have an extra drying effect.

• If you’re experiencing hair loss: Try using a hair loss shampoo containing ingredients that support a healthy scalp and promote healthy hair growth.

If you have a scalp condition, your healthcare provider may suggest:

• Eczema medications. Healthcare professionals typically recommend moisturizers and inflammation-targeting topical corticosteroids for scalp eczema.

• Scalp psoriasis medications.If you have scalp psoriasis, your healthcare provider may recommend using a corticosteroid or another medication to suppress your immune system. They may also prescribe a shampoo or topical medication for you to apply directly to affected areas of your scalp.

• Antifungal medications. If you have tinea capitis or another fungal infection, your healthcare provider may prescribe an oral antifungal medication like griseofulvin, fluconazole, or itraconazole.

Prescribed meds for a scalp issue? Take them exactly as your provider says. Have questions or worried about side effects? Talk to your provider. They’re there to help.

Caring for your scalp is essential for keeping itchiness, dryness, and irritation at bay. Plus, a healthy scalp can mean thicker, fuller, healthier-looking hair.

Your scalp is the foundation for healthy hair growth. Let’s recap on how to treat it right:

• A range of symptoms can signal scalp issues. Flakiness, dryness, itching, and redness are common signs that your scalp may need extra care. These symptoms can arise from various issues that affect scalp health and, in some cases, may even impact hair growth.

• Use hair products that suit your hair type and scalp type. While people with dry hair might benefit from nourishing hair products, those with oilier locks might have better results with exfoliating scalp scrubs and clarifying cleansers. 

• Speak with an expert. Having a bit of a scalp scare? If you notice the symptoms of a scalp condition, or have symptoms that don’t go away with some TLC, speak with a healthcare professional.

Ready to achieve a healthier scalp? Try using the tips and techniques outlined in this guide.

Worried about hair loss? Discover our range of hair loss products for women. Need an expert’s opinion? Book a virtual appointment with a healthcare professional. Get started today.